Designed primarily for ballplayers ages 6-8, this division makes use of a pitching machine to allow for more hittable balls at the plate and more action in the field. Fear of actually being hit by a pitched ball is diminished. It makes the game safer and improves the playing confidence and ability of all participants.

Within Rookie - Pineville offers two levels, Rookie I and Rookie II
 

ROOKIE I

Geared toward 6 and 7 year olds with lower machine-pitch setting. Rookie I does not use a catcher and base-running / advancement rules are modified to ease the transition. Full rules are linked below.

Rookie I Objectives:

• Introduce traditional baseball gameplay (strikeouts, force outs, tag plays)
• Improve swing mechanics and gain repetitions hitting a 'pitched' ball in live scenarios
• Reinforce fielding positions and responsibilities (cover, back up , cut-off)

Developmental Milestones (readiness for Rookie II division):

• Consistently able to hit ball pitched from machine
• Grasp of game rules and situational awareness (when to throw to first, when a tag is appropriate vs a force out)
• Able to field a position (attentive to batted ball, move to intercept, field and throw to target)
• Understands concept of running 'at risk' and listens to base coaches

ROOKIE II

Geared toward 7 and 8 year olds (or advanced younger players) with increased machine-pitch settings. Rookie II introduces the catcher position as well as more traditional base-running / advancement. Full rules are linked below.

Rookie II Objectives:

• Continued exposure to baseball gameplay concepts (double plays, tagging up on fly balls, identifying and stopping the lead runner)
• Reinforce batting, fielding and throwing mechanics. Introduce next-level concepts (i.e. fielding in position to make a quick throw, calling out scenarios pre-pitch, ability to identify and adjust to inside/outside or high/low pitches
• Advanced baserunning - players should be able to identify and react appropriately to opportunities to advance / need to retreat.

Developmental Milestones (readiness for Minors division):

• Ability to recognize / adjust to different types of pitched balls (high/low/inside/outside)
• Able to field their position consistently cleanly and make appropriate play for a given scenario
• Able to throw and catch comfortably. Fields the ball in front, receives thrown balls comfortably in front of body. Can throw to a target with consistency