Mustang Yankees

Western Branch Athletic Club is affiliated with PONY Baseball, has been in existence since 1958 and caters to children ages 3+*.

*Child’s age is determined by age PRIOR to May 1st, so if your child will be 4 years old by the 1st of May he or she is eligible to play Shetland 4/5.

The main differences are that PONY believes in a tighter age specific grouping with field sizes increasing every two years (outside of T-Ball/Shetland) and real baseball (leading off, stealing bases etc.) is played beginning at age 9. Current Little League rules do not allow leading off or stealing bases; Little League groups together 9-12 year olds and the 9 year olds play on the same size fields as 12 year olds.

There are two main complexes for play. Ages 4-10 play games on 3 fields behind E.W. Chittum Elementary School off of Dock Landing Road. Ages 11+ play at our Bronco Complex which is located on Maverick Drive off of Tyre Neck Road between Bruce Road and Route 17 (Western Branch Boulevard). Maps and directions are located under the “Locations” tab as well as additional practice facilities for each league.

You may sign up either in-person during registration dates listed on the home page (fees are listed on the downloadable registration form under the handout tab) or for your convenience, online via the link on the homepage. Please bring a birth certificate for review when registering a child for the first time at WBAC.

*Ages 3+ can play and are separated by the following age brackets. Child’s age is determined by age PRIOR to May 1^st. The PONY age brackets are listed on the PONY Baseball website.

Divisions: Shetland 4/5 - T-Ball played with safety ball.
Shetland 6 - Modified T-Ball/Coach-Pitch with safety ball.
Pinto (7-8) - Coach-Pitch with baseball on larger diamond.
Mustang (9-10) - Kid-Pitch Baseball on larger diamond with leading off and base stealing. Real baseball.
Bronco (11-12) - Baseball played on larger diamond appropriate for the age grouping.
Pony (13-14) - Baseball played on larger diamond appropriate for the age grouping.
Colt (15-16)
Palomino (17-18)

There are two seasons for play. Spring and Fall. Spring typically begins with practices late February and games starting late March and running through late May or early June. Fall typically begins with practices in late August/early September and games played into mid/late October.

The player is responsible for his/her own light grey baseball pants. The league does have a small supply of pants that can be used for those that may not want to purchase their own.

You will need a glove and a bat. When purchasing a new glove, take into consideration flexibility. Some new gloves are nice but aren't usually nice to youngsters learning to play until they are broken in. There are new gloves available that are flexible enough to use off of the shelf but beware of new mitts that are hard as rock because they are difficult to open and close and the ball will bounce out easily. Stores such as Play it Again Sports and Grand Slam in Virginia Beach usually have "previously owned" higher end gloves that are a bargain and if well taken care of may last a long time.

Bats may be no larger than 2 5/8" and Coach Pitch/"CP" bats may only be used in Shetland. A good sporting goods store can help you decide which is best for your child. A good rule of thumb for bat buying... if your child can hold it out straight in front of themselves with their lead arm for 30 seconds without wobbling they will be able to swing it properly. Otherwise, it is probably too heavy.

Molded/Rubber cleats are recommended though not mandatory. No Metal Spikes until Pony (13/14). It is also highly recommended that you provide water/sports-drink for each practice and game.

For Spring seasons only, Ages 9+ who are not already assigned to a team based upon previous year's team OR moving up to a new division must participate in the Player Evaluations. This is not a try-out but an assessment day for coaches.

Shetland players may request to play for a specific Coach or to be paired with a friend. We do our best to honor those requests.

Player drafts for 7+. You will receive a call from your Manager to let you know what team your child is on.

Practices will start soon thereafter.

Opening Day for Fall 2013 is Saturday, March 30th for Shetland, Pinto, and Mustang. There will be an opening game on Friday, March 29th at the Bronco Complex following Opening Ceremonies. All other opening games for Bronco will be on March 30th.

Unless you hear differently (from your team), we are playing. It may be hailing on Bruce Road but dry at Chittum and vice versa.

If you are going to miss a practice or game, it is imperative that you notify your Manager as soon as possible.

Colt generally starts later than all of the other divisions. The season runs from mid to late May through June. There are a number of teams across the Hampton Roads area and we play vs. other organizations. You should start hearing something around May.

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As a 100% volunteer organization the league depends on your participation. When you sign up your child you agree to participate in concession stand operations (1-2x per season), field duties (raking/refuse removal etc.) and a fundraiser to defray registration costs.

For Shetland (4,5 and 6) it takes 4 adults to run a game per team and we ask for your help. Please fill out a Coach's Application which is under the handout tab and turn in to baseball committee or board member for consideration.

Questions that are not answered here may be answered at in-person registration or you may contact us via email admin@gowbac