Click here for a look back at the 2022 All Stars amazing summer filled with great memories and a trip to Semifinals at the Cal Ripken World Series!

Greenwich Cal Ripken Baseball offers 4 divisions through the OGRCC:

1. Class A for 8 & 9 year olds
2. Class AA for 9 & 10 year olds
3. Class AAA for 10, 11 & 12 year olds
4. Majors for 11 & 12 year olds

Greenwich Cal Ripken follows the rules as depicted in Official Babe Ruth Baseball and Cal Ripken Rules, Regulations and Playing Rules, a copy of which is distributed to all head coaches at the onset of the season.  Some specifics are listed below, as are any exceptions or extensions.

The American League generally follows the rules for Class AA.  One exception is with regard to roster batting, which will be in effect during the regular season just as it is in Class A.  Another exception is that there is no 5 run per inning rule.

Playing Time:  Every player must play a minimum 3 innings per game.  This excludes weather shortened games, or games where the home team does not get its last at-bat.  3 innings means 3 times in the field and 3 times at-bat.  If it is the top of the 4th inning and substitutions have not been made, they must be made at this time.  The league would like to see every child play several full games a year.  Coaches children, like all children, should spend some time on the bench.

Mercy Rule:  The game ends if, from the 4th inning on, a team has completed their at-bat and trails by 12 or more runs.  This should rarely come into play, but seems a better option than to put a time limit on the games, which was also considered.

Roster fielding: In Class A, Class AA and Class AAA, all players, even those not in the current batting order, are eligible to field throughout the game.  No player is to ever sit out 2 consecutive defensive innings – this guarantees a minimum of 3 defensive innings.  To prepare older players for the true substitution nature of baseball, roster fielding is not allowed in the Majors.

Batting Order:  In Class A during the regular season, all players are in the batting order – this is called roster batting.  This will change in the playoffs when the Class AA & AAA rules apply.  In Class AA & AAA, while teams roster field, the batting order always has 10 batters with batting order substitutions made in the top of the 4th inning.  In the Majors, teams have 10 players in game at all times with substitutions made appropriately.

Substitutions:  Substitutions are typically made in the top of the 4th inning.  In Class AA and Class AAA, these are substitutions in the batting order, while in the Majors these are full substitutions.  Substitutions can be made earlier (this is encouraged if there is a high potential for the game to end early), but the player subbed-in must be replaced exactly 3 full innings later by the player they came in for – see the re-entry rule below.

Injury substitutions: Should a player be injured and all players have already been used in the game, the injured player may be replaced.  However, the choice of the replacement is at the discretion of the opposing team.  The replacement player takes the spot in the batting order of the injured player.

Re-entry Rule: Any player who starts a game may re-enter once the player for whom he has been substituted has played his 3 complete innings.  This rule applies to starters only.  Thus, it is not necessary to only make substitutions in the 4th inning, so long as everyone plays 3 complete innings.  The player who takes the place of the starter is the player who takes his place in the batting order, not his place in the field.

Bats:  All bats must have a USABaseball Marking and a 2-5/8” barrel maximum.  No BBCOR bats are allowed. Please view the Babe Ruth League/Cal Ripken website for more information on bats.

Helmets: All helmets must have a protective cage or a C-flap.

Faking bunts then swinging away:  If a batter squares to bunt, he must bunt or take the pitch.  If he swings at the pitch, he is out.  No base runner can advance, but any put outs stand.  At the umpire’s discretion, the player and/or his coach may also be ejected.

Automatic Outs: Other than faking a bunt and swinging away, there are no automatic outs.  If there are no players available to replace an injured player, the injured player simply disappears from the line-up.  If there is a sportsmanship issue such as a thrown or illegal bat, the umpire may eject the player, but it does not result in an automatic out.

Start of game: The standard line-up will have 10 players in the starting line-up.  Teams can start with as few as 7.  If a team starts with 8 and a 9th player comes to the field, that player can take the field immediately and is put in the last (e.g. #9) spot in the batting order.

Players Bench Area: The players’ bench area is reserved strictly for players and coaches.  Parents, relatives and friends are not to be in these areas.  If a player is not in a game, unless he is warming up to enter the game, he must be seated on the bench.  Finally keep the area neat.  Coaches will be held accountable for the enforcement of these requirements.

Running into the Catcher: If there is a play at the plate with the catcher waiting with the ball or imminently ready to catch it, the runner must slide.  If he does not slide and crashes into the catcher, he will be out and may also be ejected from the game.  This is an avoid-contact rule, if the catcher is up the line or otherwise away from home plate, running around the catcher is sufficient.  New to MLB and all other levels as of 2014 – the catcher, while waiting to catch the ball, must allow a CLEAR PATH TO HOME PLATE.  If there is no clear path and contact is made – this is obstruction and the runner is safe.  This does not absolve the runner from attempting to slide.  IN ALL CASES – THIS IS AN UMPIRE’S JUDGEMENT CALL.  These guidelines apply on the base paths as well.

Sliding Bases: Most fields do not have anchored bases, so the bases may move upon contact.  If a player slides into a base, and the base moves, he should be taught to stay where he is and ask for a “time out”.  If a player chases the base that has moved significantly away from its initial spot (more than 5 feet), he risks being tagged out. If he stays where he is, he will be safe, regardless of where the base is.

Head first slides: Are discouraged, but not against the rules.  Certainly, there are times (such as a run down or diving back to a base) when feet first slides are impractical.

Time-Out: When a play is in progress, only a player, not a coach, can ask for a time-out.  The coach can advise his player to ask for time.  However, time is not out until the umpire calls “time-out”.  Some players think time is out the second they ask for it.  Warn them that time in not out until the umpire calls “time-out”.

Umpires: If an umpire(s) fails to show up for a game, teams should pick umpires from the stands (one from each team, if desired) and play the game. The game will be official.  Remember, with the high demand for fields in town, it is difficult to reschedule games; so if they can be played, they should be played.  If an umpire fails to show the commissioner should be notified.

Regular Season Pitching:  During the regular season, pitchers are limited to pitching 6 innings per week.  The week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday.  Note, 1 pitch = 1 inning.  For example, if a pitcher gets the last out in the 2nd inning, pitches the 3rd & 4th innings, then throws the first pitch in the 5th inning, he has pitched 4 innings.

In Class AAA and the Majors, pitchers are limited to 2 innings on the weekend to protect the arms of those playing Select.

Note that if a pitcher pitches in more than 2 innings, he must rest 2 full calendar days.  For example, if he pitches the first 2 innings and then throws a pitch in the 3rd inning in a game on Monday, he must rest Tuesday & Wednesday.  He is then eligible on Thursday to pitch 3 more innings (given that would get him to 6 innings for the week).  Generally, games are scheduled with a sufficient gap between games for this to not come into play, however make-up games will often make this rule relevant.

Class A Special Rules:

Five Run Per Inning Rule: Except for the last inning of a game, unless three outs have been recorded, a team’s at-bat ends on the play during which its 5th run of the inning is scored.  This does not mean a team cannot score more than 5 runs in the inning.

Example: The team at bat has the bases loaded.  There is one out and 4 runs have already scored in the inning. The batter hits a home run.  All runs (8 for the inning) count, because they scored on the play during which the fifth run scored.

In the last inning, typically the 6th inning or extra innings, but potentially earlier in case of darkness, the defensive team must get 3 outs.  All runs scored in that inning count.

Modified Kid Pitch:  There are no walks in Class A.  If the child pitcher throws 4 balls, a coach from the batter’s team comes out and pitches until either the batter puts the ball in play or strikes out.  The coach should pitch from the rubber and put “something” on the pitch.  “Something” is in the umpire’s judgement, not the judgement of the opposing team’s coach’s.

The Mound: The mound in Class A is 42’, not 46’ as is the standard on a 60’ diamond. 

Base Stealing: There is no stealing in Class A.

Outfielders: In Class A, teams play with 4 outfielders.  Outfielders MUST position themselves in the outfield as determined by the umpire.  If one team has fewer than 10 players and can only field 3, 2 or even 1 outfielder, the other team should still play with 4 outfielders.  The goal is to keep as many players as possible in the game.

Class AA Special Rules:

Five Run Per Inning Rule: The same as in Class A.

Base Stealing: Base stealing is allowed once one of the teams involved in a game has completed 2 games.  Stealing home is not allowed.  Other than when a runner is forced home via a walk, hit batsman or catcher’s interference, a run can score only if the ball was batted into play.

Outfielders: The same as in Class A.

Class AAA Special Rules:

Base Stealing:  Base stealing, including home, is allowed.

Dropped 3^rd Strike:  There is no dropped 3^rd strike.

EH: In Class AAA, teams are required to use an EH so they have 10 players in the batting order.  To adhere to the roster fielding rule and prevent a player from sitting 2 consecutive innings, Class AAA teams must switch who the EH is every inning.  A player can EH more than once in a game, just not in 2 consecutive innings.

Weekend Pitching Limit:  To protect the arms of those in the Select program, pitchers are limited to 2 innings on weekends.

Majors Special Rules:

Dropped 3^rd Strike:  The batter can attempt to reach first base on a dropped 3^rd strike.

EH: In the Majors, all teams are required to use an EH.  No player can EH for more than 3 innings, though they can EH less.  As there is no roster fielding in the Majors, any player who does EH must play 6 innings to ensure they play 3 innings in the field.

Weekend Pitching Limit:  To protect the arms of those in the Select program, pitchers are limited to 2 innings on weekends.

Pickoff overthrows:  By book rule, each runner should be awarded 2 bases when the pitcher throws the ball out of bounds on a pickoff attempted when they first establish themselves as infielders by stepping off the back of the rubber.  To encourage pitchers to practice holding runners on, only one base will be awarded in this instance.  In all other cases, the penalty for out-of-bounds throws is by the book.

Playoffs

Umpires:  Once you run out of money the league will pay the umpires.  With all the rain most teams should have money for a game or two.

All games are played to completion.  If there is a stoppage for rain- the games will continue from the spot at which they were interrupted- innings-outs-balls-strikes-score- batter- etc.  As the home team is the official scorekeeper the umpires should initial their scorebook with the vital information.

Prior to the games a protest committee must be chosen.  Each team will nominate a person to be on the committee.  A third member of the committee will be the home plate umpire.  All protests must be handled at the field.  Once you leave the field the game is over.  Only misinterpretations of the rules of the game (including our in-house rules) can be protested – make sure you have your rule book with you. Judgment calls cannot be protested.

Teams may not play with less than 7 players.  Teams with less than 7 players will forfeit the game.   However, if the opposing team lets them play and lends them players then the game may be played.  If the game is played, it counts and the losing team cannot protest.  During the season we let teams in Class AAA bring in players from Class AA and teams in the Majors bring in players from Class AAA.  However, in the playoffs, this could dramatically shift the balance of power and it would not be fair to the teams, which have been together all year.

Playoff Pitching:  The official Cal Ripken tournament pitch count limits are as follows:

The Majors and AAA will use the 11 & 12 year old tournament pitch counts for the playoffs.  Note that if a pitcher reaches the maximum number of pitches (85), he is allowed to finish the batter.  There is no weekend pitching limit in Class AAA and Majors during the playoffs as Spring Select concludes before the playoffs commence.

Class A & AA will limit the number of batters in their playoffs as follows:

For the Class A & AA Divisions:  note the 5 run limit remains in effect.

Neither the Greenwich Cal Ripken League nor the OGRCC will tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior by any player, spectator or coach. This includes swearing, throwing equipment, etc. The Greenwich Cal Ripken League and the OGRCC urges coaches to notify the league if they encounter a problem. All parents and players are required to sign the league’s Code of Conduct. Severe or repeated code violations could result in removal from the league and revocation of membership by the OGRCC.

1. ALL PLAYERS MUST WEAR THE FULL LEAGUE UNIFORM (HAT, JERSEY, BASEBALL PANTS, AND SOCKS) AT ALL TIMES DURING THE GAMES.  SHIRTS MUST BE TUCKED INTO PANTS.  “I FORGOT IT” OR “I LOST IT”, REFERRING TO PARTS OF THE UNIFORM WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE.  PLAYERS NOT IN FULL LEAGUE UNIFORM WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY IN THE GAME.
2. FOUL, PROFANE, OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE IS FORBIDDEN AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. PLAYERS WILL BE EJECTED FROM THE GAME AND/OR THE LEAGUE.
3. PLAYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ARGUE OR QUESTION CALLS BY THE UMPIRES
4. PLAYERS MUST NOT THROW BATS, HELMETS, GLOVES, ETC.
5. PLAYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ARGUE WITH ANY MANAGER OR COACH.
6. WHEN A TEAM IS IN THE FIELD, ALL PLAYERS NOT IN THE GAME MUST REMAIN ON THE BENCH.
7. WHEN A TEAM IS AT BAT, ALL PLAYERS EXCEPT THE BATTER, BASE RUNNERS, ON DECK BATTER, AND WARM UP PITCHER AND CATCHER, MUST REMAIN ON THE BENCH.
8. NO ONE, EXCEPT ROSTERED PLAYERS AND COACHES, IS ALLOWED AT OR NEAR THE TEAM BENCH.  THIS INCLUDES PARENTS, FRIENDS, AND RELATIVES.
9. NO PLAYERS, PARENTS, OR SPECTATORS ARE ALLOWED AT OR NEAR THE BACKSTOP, BASE PATHS, OR SIDELINES.
10. PLAYERS MUST NOT LEAVE THE BENCH AREA, EXCEPT TO TAKE PART IN THE GAME.  VISITING IN THE SPECTATOR AREA IS NOT ALLOWED.
11. ALL BATTERS AND BASE RUNNERS MUST WEAR HELMETS WITH FACE SHIELDS OR C-FLAPS.
12. THERE SHALL BE ABSOLUTELY NO EATING DURING GAMES.

VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES SHALL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION, INCLUDING POSSIBLE EJECTION FROM THE GAME, SUSPENSION FROM FUTURE GAMES, OR, EXPULSION FROM THE LEAGUE.

Dear Parents:

The league management and coaches are looking forward to the start of another season of Babe Ruth Cal Ripken baseball.  We expect the season will be successful and enjoyable for all participants.

In order to ensure the games are enjoyed by all participants, we would like to give some guidelines to the parents and fans.

1. Attendance at all games is encouraged and appreciated by the coaches and players.  Actively cheering for your child’s team is welcomed and lets the children know you support their efforts.
2. Cheering against (jeering) the opponent is not allowed and exhibits poor sportsmanship.  We expect the players to exercise good sportsmanship and the adults must set the example.
3. Likewise, berating umpires and arguing calls is not allowed, for the same reason.
4. Your child’s team manager is responsible for the proper behavior of his team and its fans.  Improper behavior by a team cheering section sends the wrong message to the players and can result in the fan’s ejection from the game, or, even the team’s forfeiture of the game.
5. Supporting your child’s manager and coaches is essential and promotes team spirit and cohesiveness.  A baseball team is a TEAM, and will only be successful and enjoyable if it functions as such.  It is important for all players to learn this.  Criticizing or denigrating your child’s manager or coaches will only ensure your child does not enjoy his or her baseball experience.
6. There will be times when your team’s manager will make decisions with which you might not agree.  Please remember each player must play a minimum three (3) full innings (unless the home team is ahead at the bottom of the last inning or weather intervenes), and the manager must worry about all players on the team, not just your child.
7. The emphasis in Cal Ripken baseball should be on the proper instruction of baseball techniques so that all players on the team improve.  While we recognize the players want to win, winning is secondary.

Please remember your child’s manager and coaches are all volunteers who unselfishly contribute their time so your child can play baseball.  They need and deserve your full support!!!

We hope you enjoy the season and look forward to seeing you at the games.

Sincerely,

GREENWICH CAL RIPKEN LEAGUE

What is Cal Ripken Baseball? 
Cal Ripken Baseball is an internationally organized baseball league that has defined competitive youth baseball in Greenwich for well over a decade.

Who must register? 
All players must register, regardless of whether or not they previously played in the Cal Ripken League.

How many Cal Ripken divisions are there?
There are four Cal Ripken divisions. The Class A division is predominantly for 8 & 9 year olds.  The Class AA division is predominantly for 9 & 10 year olds.  The Class AAA division is a mix of 10, 11 & 12 year olds.  The Majors division is predominantly for 11 & 12 year olds.   Any 9-12 year old’s or Thunder 8 who tried out for but did not get drafted into Cal Ripken will be assigned to either the OGRCC’s 8-10 year old National League or the OGRCC 10-12 year old American League.  Age is determined by the age of the player on April 30th this spring.

Is it mandatory for players to attend a tryout or evaluation?
Yes.

Why are there tryouts and evaluations? 
It’s an attempt to balance the playing field. Athletes develop at different rates – the traditional method of grouping players solely by age creates leagues where stronger players may not be challenged enough to keep the sport interesting while less developed players may not succeed often enough to keep the sport fun. This step toward grouping players by current ability rather than age promises to lead to better baseball for everyone.

How and when are division and team assignments determined? 
There is a draft for both Majors and Class AAA shortly after their last tryouts in early Februray.  There is a draft for both Class AA & Class A shortly after their tryouts in late February.  Results will be posted online shortly after these drafts are held.

Why are there 2 Cal Ripken divisions for 11 and 12 year olds? 
The Majors play on a larger diamond which allows for the more aggressive Cal Ripken rules. The Class AAA division play on a traditional Little League diamond and follow Little League rules. This creates a framework where players at different stages of their development can be challenged and also have ample opportunity for success.

When does the season start and end? 
Teams start practicing as early as the first week of April. Games start at the end of April and the regular season ends in late May. After that there is a double elimination tournament, which runs around two weeks. This is all subject to weather.

When and where are practices and games? 
From April through June, teams are allowed two practices a week, one weekday evening and one on the weekend. Times and locations are set each week, subject to field availability and coaches’ work schedules. There are two games a week during the season, played at various fields throughout town. The game schedule is issued before the first game.

When are games played? 
Class A teams play 1 game a week.  Older players generally play two games a week.

• Class AA teams normally play one game on either a Monday or a Tuesday. They normally play a second game either on a Friday or Saturday afternoon.
• Class AAA teams normally play one game on either a Wednesday or Thursday. They normally play a second game on Sunday.
• Majors teams normally play one game on either a Tuesday or Wednesday. They normally play a second game on Saturday.
• Games times – Monday through Friday are 5:45 PM. Saturday and Sunday games normally start any time after 12 noon.

Are there bat restrictions? 
As of 2018, the following is from the Babe Ruth Baseball Rule Book and pertains to the Cal Ripken Division. “All non-wood bats must have the USABat Marking, Barrel Maximum – 2 5/8″.  No BBCOR Bats are permitted in the Cal Ripken Division.”

I do not live in Greenwich, but my child would like to play in the Cal Ripken League. Is this allowed? 
If your child goes to school in Greenwich, he is automatically eligible.  lf you moved out of town after your child started in Greenwich Cal Ripken, he is grandfathered in and can finish his Cal Ripken career in Greenwich.  If neither of those situations apply, he may still be eligible, but may need a waiver.  Please contact the OGRCC office as the rules around this situation vary year to year,

How can I volunteer to coach? 
When you register, there will be a section where you can indicate your interest. If you wish you may also list your baseball and coaching experience in the space provided.

Note: Coaches are required by Babe Ruth to take an on-line coaching course and abuse prevention training. This is a one-time requirement. Once completed, coaches will receive a certificate. This certificate is also valid for Cal Ripken and both Junior and Senior Babe Ruth.

The Greenwich Cal Ripken Class A Division is a competitive division for 8 & 9 year olds played on 60′ diamond with a 42′ mound.  All players must try out to be eligible for the draft.

All 9 year olds plus identified travel level 8u players may try out for Class A.

The tryout-based Class A division was introduced in 2022.  Teams will play two games per week through Memorial Day, one game on Saturday morning at Binney Park and one game either on Thursday or Monday night at a town-allocated field.  After Memorial Day, there will be a double elimination playoff through the first two weeks of June.

Teams have weekday professional clinics run by BVSA at Old Greenwich School on Tuesday or North Street School on Thursday with a team practice on Sunday afternoon.

The schedule below has been confirmed!  NOTE:  All weekend “team” practices MUST be confirmed by your coach as not every team will be able to practice each weekend.  The weekday BVSA clinics do not need to be confirmed.

2023 Cal Ripken Class A Practices

The Greenwich Cal Ripken Class AA Division is a competitive division for 9 & 10 year olds played on a 60′ diamond with a 46′ mound.  All players must try out to be eligible for the draft.

All 9 & 10 year olds plus Thunder 8u players can may out for Class AA, although strong 8 year olds are far more likely to play in Class A.

Teams have weekday professional clinics run by BVSA at Old Greenwich School on Tuesday or North Street School on Thursday and Saturday afternoon coach-run team practices.

Regular season games are played 5:45pm on Monday and Friday at town-allocated fields.

Please be prepared to play make-up games on Tuesday evening or Saturday afternoon.

The schedule below has been confirmed!  NOTE:  All weekend “team” practices MUST be confirmed by your coach as not every team will be able to practice each weekend.  The weekday BVSA clinics do not need to be confirmed.

2023 Cal Ripken Class AA Practices

The Greenwich Cal Ripken Class AAA Division is a competitive division for 10, 11 & 12 year olds played on a 60′ diamond with a 46′ mound.  All players must try out to be eligible for the draft.

Any 11 & 12 year olds plus identified travel-level 10 year old players may try out for Class AAA.  All 10 year old players are also eligible for the Class AA draft.

Teams have weekday professional clinics run by BVSA at Old Greenwich School on Monday or North Street School on Friday and Saturday afternoon coach-run team practices.

Regular season games are played 5:45pm on Wednesday or Thursday and Sunday afternoons at town-allocated fields.

Please be prepared to play make-up games on Tuesday evening or Saturday afternoon.

The schedule below is a draft and will NOT be confirmed until the Town of Greenwich grants the league the required permits,  This can not be done until the fields have been inspected and opened in early April.

NOTE:  All “team” practices MUST be confirmed by your coach as not all teams are able to practice each week.  The BVSA clinics do not need to be confirmed.

The Greenwich Cal Ripken Majors Division is a competitive division for 11 & 12 year olds played on a 70′ diamond with a 50′ mound.  On occasion, a 10 year old will be invited to play in the Majors.  All players must try out to be eligible for the draft.

All 11 & 12 year olds plus Thunder 10u players may try out for Majors, although strong 10 year olds are far more likely to play in Class AAA or Class AA.

There are no BVSA clinics for teams in the Majors.  Regular season team practices will be on Thursday or Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Regular season games are played 5:45pm on Tuesday or Wednesday and 10am Saturday at town-allocated fields.

Please be prepared to play make-up games on Thursday or Friday evening or Sunday afternoon.

The schedule below DOES NOT reflect pre-season practices.  Please rely on communication from your team’s coach for time/place.

The schedule below is for the regular season (i.e. after April 22) and is a draft and will NOT be confirmed until the Town of Greenwich grants the league the required permits,  This can not be done until the fields have been inspected and opened in early April.

NOTE:  All “team” practices MUST be confirmed by your coach as not all teams are able to practice each week.  The BVSA clinics do not need to be confirmed.

2023 Cal Ripken Majors Practices

The American League is the highest division in OGRCC Recreational Baseball for players 11 – 12 years old (typically, 5th – 7th grade). While the focus remains FUN, teams play full 6-inning games with bases 60′ apart and a 46′ mound. Stealing of 2nd and 3rd base is allowed.

Teams have weekday BVSA run practice clinics at either Old Greenwich School on Mondays or North Street School on Fridays, and at times have team practices Saturday afternoons as well.

Regular season games are played 5:45pm on Wednesday or Thursday and Sunday afternoons at town-allocated fields.

The schedule below has been confirmed!  NOTE:  All weekend “team” practices MUST be confirmed by your coach as not every team will be able to practice each weekend.  The weekday BVSA clinics do not need to be confirmed.

2023 American League Practices

Cal Ripken Baseball runs post-season All Star tournaments throughout the country for ages 9u-12u.  Greenwich participates in all 4 age groups.  The 10u & 12u tournaments culminate in a World Series.  The 9u & 11u tournaments culminate in regional championships with some regional champions receiving invitations to the following season’s World Series.

The tournament cycle starts with district tournaments toward the end of June.  Teams progress from there to the state tournament, then to regionals, and from there to the World Series.  Often, a team from Connecticut represents New England in the 12u World Series.

Note:  All projected selection procedures outlined herein are based on projected registrations.

To be considered for the All Star team, candidates must:

1. exhibit excellent sportsmanship throughout the season.  This includes high attendance at team practices, games and playoffs.
2. commit to making All Star practices, scrimmages and games their prioritized baseball commitment.
3. continue to exhibit excellent sportsmanship and attendance throughout the remainder of the Cal Ripken season as well as throughout the All Star tournament season.

Additionally, the player’s parents or guardians must also exhibit good sportsmanship throughout the season, adhering to the Code of Conduct they signed at registration.  This requirement is in place to promote a positive environment for all the players on the team.

Lobbying Coaches or League Directors for participation in All Stars or Select will be viewed unfavorably in this process.  Players earn roster spots by their consistent performance, effort, and sportsmanship every time they step on the field.

Greenwich’s All Star teams are selected toward the end of May by a committee consisting of the head coaches from their respective divisions, the applicable All Star coach, try out evaluators when applicable, with input from the Cal Ripken President and from the Thunder program. Players are notified of their election prior to Memorial Day, as the All Star teams typically compete in a relatively local Memorial Weekend tournament.

Ideally, the All Star team will play together throughout June and July, even if the team gets knocked off the All Star trail early.  For Thunder players selected to All Stars, the tournament trail will be a major component of their Thunder experience.  Non-Thunder players will be asked to join the All Star team for the summer but they are not required to do so.  All will be expected to prioritize Greenwich All Stars as long as the team is competing in the All Star trail.

The All Star team will scrimmage teams in the Greater Hudson Valley Baseball League between All Star tournaments, and, play in the GHVBL playoffs if the team has completed their All Star run in time to enter playoffs.

Greenwich Cal Ripken Select, which is run in Fall, Winter & Spring for 10u, 11u & 12u, but not 9u, plays a significant role in preparing those All Star teams for summer competition.

Fall Select teams train together and compete in the Greater Hudson Valley Baseball League in September and October.  Fall teams are comprised of players from the previous summer’s All Star team, and If roster spots are available, others who distinguished themselves the previous season.  Not all players from Fall Select will be on the Winter Select roster.

Winter Select teams train together from January through March.  Players are invited to the Winter Select teams based on their performance at Thunder tryouts in November with strong consideration given to players on the previous season’s All Star team.  Winter Select rosters may expand in early February based on results from Cal Ripken tryouts.

Spring Select teams train together and compete lightly in the Greater Hudson Valley Baseball League in April and May.  The All Star coach runs this team.  Players from Spring Select teams also play locally in their respective Greenwich Cal Ripken Divisions.  The Spring Select roster is initially the same as the Winter Select roster, with players added as they distinguish themselves in Cal Ripken league play.

All eligible players will be considered for All Star nomination regardless of whether or not they participated in Cal Ripken Select.

9u All Stars are selected from players in the AA Division.  In mid-May, the AA Head Coaches, with input from the Cal Ripken President, the All Star Coach, and the Thunder program, nominate players from their teams to attend a series of try outs.  Nominated players are evaluated by the All Star Coach and several experienced evaluators who do not have children in the league.

10u All Stars are selected from players in the AAA and Majors Divisions.  In mid-May, the Majors and AAA Head Coaches, with input from the Cal Ripken President, the All Star Coach, and the Thunder program, nominate players from their teams to attend a series of try outs.  All 10u AAA and Majors Players will be considered for nomination regardless of whether or not they participated in Spring Select.  Nominated players are evaluated by the All Star Coach and several experienced evaluators who do not have children in the league.

11u & 12u All Stars are selected from players in the Majors Division.  In mid-May, the Majors Head Coaches, with input from the Cal Ripken President, the All Star Coach, and the Thunder program, nominate players from their teams to be All Stars.  All 11u & 12u Majors Players will be considered for nomination regardless of whether or not they participated in Spring Select.  Historically, a tryout has not been required at 11u & 12u as the committee typically has, between Cal Ripken and Select, seen all the nominated players compete enough times.