The Bronco Division (ages 11 and 12, birth dates between 5/1/93 and 4/30/95) is perhaps the first level in the LCYO youth baseball system in which the players participate in “complete” baseball, including all of the traditional baseball rules, strategies, guidelines, etc. LCYO as an organization is affiliated with PONY Baseball. The Bronco Division, therefore, follows PONY baseball rules which include baserunner leadoffs at all bases, base stealing, pitching from the “stretch” position, balks, dropped third strike, the infield fly rule, and all other rules and procedures which normally govern the game of baseball.
The Bronco Division team managers will get together prior to the beginning of the season and, as a group, adopt several modifications to the PONY baseball rules which will help make the games, and the Spring season as a whole, safer and hopefully a more positive experience for players, parents, and coaches alike. Examples of our rules changes include limiting the number of innings pitched, insuring a minimum number of defensive innings to be played by each player, batting the entire roster instead of just 9 players, prohibiting the use of metal spikes, and other similar rules which will help make the Bronco level baseball experience more enjoyable for all.
The Bronco Division games are 7 innings in length. The bases are 70 feet apart, (10 feet farther than in the Mustang Division), the pitching mound is 48’ from home plate, (4’ farther than Mustang) and the overall caliber of play is also improved, particularly as the season progresses. The LCYO Bronco Division remains an opportunity for all players, regardless of experience and skill level to learn more about the game of baseball, continue to practice and develop their skills, acquire new skills, and experience the camaraderie and teamwork of youth baseball.
The 2006 Spring baseball season for the LCYO Bronco Division will begin Saturday, January 7, 2006 with the traditional evaluation of all players. Attendance on this date is mandatory for all players who will undergo a short series of drills including hitting, running, fielding, and throwing. All players will be evaluated and given a “rating” for each of the various drills which will be used as a general guide by the Division managers and coaches in selecting teams for the 2006 season. During the month of December, all Bronco Division players will receive an email of their assigned times to attend and participate in the January 7th evaluation day process. It is important to set aside this date on your calendar and ensure that all players arrive at Aviara Oaks Middle School and participate in the evaluation day process at their assigned times.
ALL PLAYERS, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, MUST BE EVALUATED
BEFORE BEING PLACED ON A TEAM.
Due to limited field availability, the Bronco Division is limited to a specific number of teams of up to 12 players each. Once the maximum number of teams and players is reached, any players who register thereafter are placed on a waiting list and fill roster spots if they become available. Once the regular season starts, no new players will be added to rosters. For the most current information please log onto the LCYO website www.lcyo.org
Gary Martin, 2006 Bronco Division Director
Email - mailto:broncodirector@lcyo.org