7U TRAVEL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

While the 8U through 12U Travel Programs begin with evaluations in the Fall in preparation for start of early spring baseball in March, the Ridge 7U Travel Program begins with a registration and potential evaluations in mid-May. Teams will be formed by the end of May and play against other local 7U town teams beginning in June and extending through the end of July. You can expect to play approximately 10-15 baseball games.

COMMITMENT

It is important to understand that the Travel Baseball Program requires commitment from both the player, and the player's family. Teams may participate in holiday tournaments throughout the Summer season (example: 4th of July), and depending on the league or tournaments that the team participates in, may have multiple games in a weekend, or in one day. Frequent schedule changes are to be expected due to weather and changing dates in leagues and tournaments, so players and parents must plan to be flexible. Prompt and regular attendance is a must for all Travel players. Participation in another sport is not prohibited, but, priority shall be given to the Travel baseball program.

EVALUATION AND TEAM PLACEMENT

RBC may hold an Evaluation Clinic in which the players will participate in fun baseball activities while they are evaluated for placement on a team. If necessary, the Evaluation Clinic will be scheduled for mid-May 2025 at the RBC Complex. One, two or three evenly skilled teams will be created depending on the number of players and the availability of Managers and Coaches. It is important to note that no player will be cut unless we believe their participation will pose a safety issue.

ELIGIBILITY

Player's eligible age is determined by the official Cal Ripken Baseball Age Chart. Eligible players are those born between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. There are generally no exceptions to the age requirement. Those players born after April 30, 2018 will generally have to wait until next season to participate in the Ridge Travel Baseball Program. Exceptions will be made ONLY IF we need additional players to complete rosters.

• Players must register for the 2025 7U Program and attend the 7U Evaluation Clinic (if held).
• Players must register for, and actively participate (i.e. 50% or more of all recreation games) in the Ridge Baseball Club's 2025 Spring Recreation Season to play Travel baseball.
• Players must live in Basking Ridge or Far Hills or go to an Elementary, Private or Preschool in Basking Ridge or Far Hills.

7U LEAGUE AND RULES

• Our 7U teams will play in the New Providence Summer League and games will be either at home at the RBC Complex or in neighboring towns. Games are typically played 2 nights per week.
• Teams play 6 innings of real baseball (3 outs per inning). The first 2 innings are coach pitch. Innings 3 and 4 are kid pitch. The final two innings are coach pitch. There is a maximum of 5 runs per inning (except in the final inning).
• During coach pitch innings, each batter gets 5 coach pitches to hit the ball. The batter will be out after 3 swinging strikes or at the end of 5 pitches, whichever occurs first. If the batter has not put the ball into play after 5 pitches it is an out. If the batter fouls off the 5th pitch they will be given one more pitch to put the ball in play.
• During kid pitch innings, there are walks and strikeouts as in normal baseball.

FEES AND UNIFORMS

• There is no fee to initially sign up for 7U Travel. However, once the player is assigned to a team, a Fee of $300 will be charged. The Fee shall include a uniform (which will be different than the uniform being worn by our 8U-12U travel teams).
• Additional fees may be requested by the manager for training or participation in additional events.
  
• There will be no refunds of the 7U Travel Baseball registration fee for any reason other than not having enough players or managers to form complete teams.

Announcements & Messages