This program is designed to have the older and more skilled players in the upper divisions become more involved with the younger players in a mentoring effort. These older players can support the younger players by showing them first hand how to properly execute the fundamentals of baseball. With the older players directly involved, the younger kids get an “Up Close” experience and can begin to better understand how to correctly perform some of these fundamentals. The younger kids can then mimic these fundamentals while getting instruction and encouragement from the older kids. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, how about one-on-one mentoring in small groups for each position!

The lower division teams will be broken up into small groups based on the position that they prefer. Each group will be designated to a practice station that covers Infield, Outfield, and Base Running. Each station will cover the fine point of the fundamentals while getting live experience in executing the drills. The entire mentoring program should run between 1 to 1 ½ hours depending on the instruction and interest of the younger players. It is up the attending managers from both upper and lower divisions to make the most of this opportunity. What you put into it is what you’re going to get out of it! Make it a fun and learning experience and you can help keep the kids focused and committed. Not to mention, this is a great way to orientate some of the new managers to the upper division managers and league. Take some time during these sessions and get to know some of the managers and division representatives. We’re all here for the kids and to help improve the league for them.

To assist with running a smooth mentoring program the practice outline listed below may be used to ensure that the day run efficiently and smooth. Standing around creates boredom and a lack of interest, keep the kids moving at all times.

Outline with Times:

1. Introduction – 5 Minutes
• Welcome & Overview of Safety & Importance of mentoring player’s role
2. Stretching & Warm-ups – 15 Minutes
• Jumping Jacks
• Windmills (Small – Med – Lg rotations) & Arm Stretches
• Cherry Pickers
• Jog to fence and back
3. Warm-up Catch - 10 Minutes
• Close Toss (5 mins)
• Long Toss (5 mins)
4. Quick Water Break – 5 Minutes
5. Infield Drills (Performed simultaneously w/ Outfield Drills) - 15 minutes
   Note: Only coaches may hit balls during Infield/Outfield drills. No exceptions!
• Assign players with mentoring players to 1st, 2nd, Shortstop, 3rd bases and Home
• Routine Grounders with plays to 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Get your catchers involved!
• Double Play Balls - Use your mentors to show how it’s done
6. Outfield Drills (Performed simultaneously w/ Infield Drills)
   Note: Try using a free mentor to throw fly balls to keep drills moving
• Fly Balls - Judging the Ball, Catch & Cover, Come-up throwing
7. Quick Water Break - 5 minutes
8. Station Switch and re-execute drills #5 & #6 again - 15 minutes
9. Base Running - 20 Minutes
• Running to 1st base - Don’t look at ball and run through the bag (5 mins)
• Running to 2nd base - Rounding and heading for second ( 5 mins)
• Running to 3rd base - Dig for third! (5 mins)
• Home Run - Who’s the fastest? Turn on the gas! (5 mins)
10. Closing Comments and Encouragement – 5 Minutes

Team Partnerships

Bronco/Pony Pinto Bronco A’s A’s Bronco Giants Giants Bronco Red Sox Orioles Bronco Royals Royals Pony D-Backs Yankees Pony Red Sox Rangers

Mustang/Pony Shetland Mustang A’s A’s Mustang Giants Giants Mustang Orioles Phillies Mustang Red Sox Red Sox Mustang Royals Royals Mustang Phillies Orioles Pony A’s Yankees

• Personalize the program – Get to know everyone on both teams.
• Pick the game to watch with the other team.
• Older division players are involved in coaching younger players (Practices only)
• Managers Responsibilities: Safety at all times.
• Older division manager meets with their own team to explain the program to the players.