Parkland Youth League (PYL)
PYL Rules and Equipment Information
An alliance of neighboring youth organizations has united to create an association offering 9-18 year-olds an avenue for baseball. With a focus on fundamentals, enjoyment, and healthy competition, teams engage in 10-12 games per season followed by a playoff tournament, instilling both skill development and sportsmanship.
The setup comprises two divisions: NL (developmental) and AL (competitive). Securing a spot on an AL team mandates participation in tryouts, wherein coaches and evaluators collaboratively select the AL division teams. Those not chosen for AL will be assigned to an NL team.
Spring 2023 PYL Champions and Runner-Ups
Biddy Division
Coordinator: Aaron Markowitz
Email: agmark22@gmail.com
Ages: 9 and 10
Fee: $150
Biddy level baseball mirrors the high school game's initial essence, featuring umpires and a heightened competitive spirit. The absence of coaches on the field marks a transition towards independence. Teams in this tier engage in 2-3 weekly practices and participate in approximately 2 games per week during the season.
Midget Division
Coordinator: Jon Knoblach
Email: jonknoblach@gmail.com
Ages: 11 and 12
Fee: $150
The Midget level marks the removal of prior restrictions, granting players the freedom to lead and steal bases, escalating the competitive intensity. During pre-season, teams practice around 3 times weekly, and during the season, they engage in approximately 2 games a week alongside integrated practices.
Knee-Hi Division
Coordinator: Don Friday
Email: baseball@spya.org
Ages: 13, 14, and 15
Fee: $150
Knee-Hi level players are poised at the final juncture before High School Baseball. With base lengths extending to 80 feet (NL) and 90 feet (AL), the game adopts a high school baseball ambiance, characterized by reduced run counts and fewer errors. Similar to the Midget level, teams practice around 3 times weekly, and play in approximately 2 games once the season begins.
Majors Division
Coordinator: Don Friday
Email: baseball@spya.org
Ages: 16, 17, and 18
Fee: $150
The Majors division caters to our senior athletes, marking the culmination of their youth baseball journey. Comprising high school players, this division adheres to authentic MLB field dimensions and rules. Weekly practices occur 2-3 times, followed by around 2 games each week once the season commences. To ensure harmony with graduation ceremonies, the Spring season kicks off a bit earlier compared to other divisions, allowing a seamless conclusion to the season.