Rookie Ball Division

Rookie Ball is for 7 to 8 year olds wanting to expand beyond the basic fundamentals of baseball.

Rookie Ball is an instructional division for 7 to 8 year olds where a mechanical pitching machine is used, scores and standings are kept, outs are recorded and all players play defensively in each inning rotating between positions in the infield and outfield. Players are taught the fundamentals of baseball such that they are exposed to playing positions and are taught throwing, catching, fielding, batting, defensive ready position and running the bases. The base paths are set at 60 feet and a regulation game is 6 innings. The goal is for players are to have lots of hitting, lots of running, and lots of fun.

Teams are comprised of 10-13 players and 3-4 volunteer coaches and volunteer team manager.
Parent volunteer duties consist of field preparation, score-keeping, and occasionally performing umpire duties for each game.
"Teammate" requests for team placement are NOT accepted in the Rookie Ball, Minor, Majors, and Senior Divisions. "Sibling" requests for team placement will be considered at all levels for players eligible to play within the same division. implemented in any given season.

Our 8U Rookie Ball division provides the following:

  • Expanded training on basic skills for 7 & 8 year olds

  • Co-ed teams

  • Dedicated coaches for each team

  • Players are to have fun & stay active

If you are interested in coaching in the Rookie Ball Division, please identify this on the online registration form or contact the Rookie Ball Coordinator at [email protected]

Important 2026 Rookieball Dates (Approximate)

DECEMBER 1st: Registration Opens

JANUARY 31st: Registration Closes

APRIL 1st - 3rd:  Mandatory Evaluations (indoors)

APRIL 8th - 12th:  Coach Selection & Team Creation

MAY 2nd:  Start of outdoor practices/games (weather dependent)

MAY 2nd:  Calwest Opening Day & Team Photos

JUNE 8th - 18th *TBD:  House League Playoffs

*Opening day 2026 is for all ages and divisions and will be held outdoors at Stanley Park or indoors at Springbank Arena depending on weather. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you play?
  • 2 diamonds located at Glamorgan Park
  • 1 diamond located at Glamorgan Community Centre
  • 1 diamond located near Killarney Pool
  • 1 diamond at WestGate Community Centre beside the community centre
When do you play?

Games and practices take place at 6pm weekdays as well as 9am, 12pm, or 3pm during the weekend.

Games will be scheduled for Monday/Wednesday/Saturday

Practices will be scheduled for Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Sunday

Frequency of games and practices for teams is approximately 2 games and 2 practices per week. Games and practices are no longer then 2 hours in length.

Games and practices will commence late April and run unti late June.

What equipment is required?
  • Jersey, pants, socks and cap are supplied by CWLL with the pants,socks and cap kept by the player.
  • Bat, balls, pitching machine and bases are provided by CWLL.
  • All players must supply their glove and batting helmet.
  • All players must supply and use groin protection.

Games will be scheduled for Monday/Wednesday/Saturday

Practices will be scheduled for Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Sunday

Frequency of games and practices for teams is approximately 2 games and 2 practices per week. Games and practices are no longer then 2 hours in length.

Games and practices will commence late April and run unti late June.

What are the fees?
  • $225 per player plus $25 field maintenance fee for total fees of $250.
  • Family discount: 2nd child is $25 off; 3rd child is $25 off; and 4th child is $40 off.
  • Financial assistance with registration fees is offered by KidSport at www.kidsport.ab.ca please visit their website to determine eligibility.
  • Online registration is available commencing on January 1.
Player Evaluations

For 2024 there will be no player evaluations for Rookie Ball Division.

Some 8 year olds may be permitted to try out for the Minor Division and would be required to also attend the 9-10 year olds evaluation session. In these cases the following criteria will apply:

  1. must have played the previous year in the Rookie Ball Division,
  2. must be one of the top players in his/her age group,
  3. there must be available spots in the Minor Division,
  4. must be recommended to play up and invited to try out for the higher division.
6 Year Old Tryouts for the Rookie Ball Division

A 6 year old player (age as of August 31 in year of current season) is eligible to tryout to play in the Rookie Ball Division if he/she has played at least one year of T-Ball and has a requisite level of basic skills with respect to throwing, catching and hitting. The player will be required to attend an evaluation session for an assessment of his/her baseball skills and abilities, and must be rated in the top 40% of all Rookie Ball players evaluated before permission in the Rookie Ball Division is granted by the league.

The Rookie Ball Division is intended primarily for 7 and 8 year old players where a mechanical pitching machine is used, with balls being hit and thrown significantly harder than in the T-Ball Division. The level of competition and intensity on the field is much higher and a commitment to attend more team practices is also required. We recommend that parents don't consider having a 6 year old tryout for Rookie Ball Division unless they are comfortable with their child having to catch and field balls thrown and hit by older and stronger players. Parents should be reasonably certain that their 6 year old child is indeed ready, physically, mentally and emotionally before choosing to tryout for the Rookie Ball Division. We would prefer that your child be slightly bored rather than risk injury.

All 6 year old players trying out for the Rookie Ball Division must still register for T-Ball Division, if you are interested in having your 6 year old player attend a tryout session for the Rookie Ball Division, please contact the Rookie Ball Coordinator at [email protected]

Rookie Ball Division Tiers
The Rookie Ball Division may be tiered into A and B teams in order to create a better and more balanced competition among the players within the division. This decision will be based on a number of factors and will be made prior to the start of each season. The player evaluation process will be used to assign players if a tiered structure is implemented in any given season.

Calgary West Little League (CWLL) is a volunteer run organization. Parent participation is essential to ensuring that the baseball program is successful and registration fees are kept reasonable. Head coaches, coaches, parent managers, umpires and league officials are all volunteers. Volunteer Today!

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