Tadpole Vancouver Blue Thunder

Ages - 3 to 5 Years Old

We have brought the exciting game of 'Blastball' to our baseball program. It's an excellent introduction to the game of baseball. More kids get to be involved in team concepts. It is a very simple concept utilizing the skills of baseball in a fun, fast paced activity for young players.

The program requires parent participation as this provides further encouragement for the young players.

The game is an introduction to baseball for a number of reasons;

- It is fun

- It is easy to play

- The players have instant success

- It is fast paced

- It is all played within a time frame of one hour.

Blastball is meant to put FUN into the game of baseball. It is designed to generate fast paced action, provide recreation and exercise, create enthusiasm and through simplicity will allow retention of youth particpants in the game. Blastball teaches all five fundamentals of baseball - hitting, throwing, catching, running and fielding. It is a ton of fun with very simple rules.

Coaching at Vancouver Minor can be looked upon as a life experience.  You, as the coach, have the ability to teach kids about good sportsmanship,  about character, and about sound ethics.  You can be looked upon as a role model for your players.  You will be looked upon as their friend, their teacher.  It should bring a smile to your face when you see them make progress in their skill development, their mental development, and their social development.  It is not about winning but about instilling a sense of worth, building of character and molding them into solid citizens who will be the cornerstones of our community's future.

If this sounds like you or you have the desire to help others achieve these goals, then, we are looking for people like you to coach our teams.  Please contact a league executive member to apply.

Vancouver Minor will pay for you to reach certification as a coach.  Please inquire.

Age - 7 to 8 Years Old

A 'Rookie" pitching machine is introduced to the players at this level. The machine is set at a normal height and polysoft baseballs are used to pitch to the players. Coaches are permitted on the playing surface while on defense to provide guidance and instruction on the fundamentals of baseball. All players will play while on defense.

There is a continuous batting order and the 3 out rule is introduced at this level.

The base paths are set at 60 feet and a regulation game is 6 innings. Live pitching may also be introduced for the 8 year old player to prepare them for the next level of play.  Summer ball may also be offered.

Age - 11 & 12 Years Old

In this division, the spring season is tiered into two levels. The 'AA' program is designed for the more advanced player while the 'A' program is designed for the less advanced player. The teams will play an interlocking schedule consisting of 15 to 20 games (depending upon number of teams) against the other associations. All home games are played on the North Diamond while we travel to the other association's parks for our away games.

Lead offs are permitted and the balk rule is introduced. Pitch counts for pitchers will be according to BC Minor guidelines.  You can refer to them here. 

The base paths are set at 70 feet and the distance from home plate to the pitching rubber is set at 48 feet. The fences are set at a minimum of 180' in right field and 200' in centre field. A regulation game is 7 innings and may not be called earlier unless it is for a permitted reason.

Players must supply their own grey pants due to sizing issues and excessive wear and tear.

Summer Ball is offered at three levels (A, AA, AAA). Vancouver Minor Baseball will field a team or teams dependent upon availability of players and coaches.   Fall Ball is also offered starting in late August and ending in early October. Please see our section on Summer and Fall Ball for more details.