Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Maple Valley PONY Baseball and Girls Fastpitch?
MVPBA has been providing a baseball program for the youth of southeast King County (Maple Valley, Hobart, Black Diamond, Covington, east Kent and east Auburn) since 1971. We are part of the national PONY organization. PONY is taken from the first letter of each word in the slogan "Protect Our Nation's Youth".
Q: How is PONY baseball different than Little League baseball?
The primary features that distinguish PONY baseball from Little League baseball are the use of a two-year age bracket system and scaled diamonds. In organizations such as Little League, players can differ by as much as three years within a division. As a result, the younger players, because of their lack of maturity, ability, and size find it hard to communicate with the older players. Generally they find themselves spending a disproportionate amount of time on the bench and may feel disconnected from their team. With players of only two ages involved, as is the case with PONY baseball, it is far easier to permit every player to play more positions since the difference in skills within the age group is not that great. The game of baseball cannot be played as it was intended if the physical capability of the players does not match the physical achievements required for the game. Little League uses two diamond sizes. Up until age 12, players play on a 60-foot diamond. PONY baseball, on the other hand, scales the size of the diamonds to match the physical capabilities of the players within each division. The base dimensions for PONY baseball are:
• 50-foot bases for Shetland (5-6 year olds)
• 50-foot bases for Pinto (7-8 year olds)
• 60-foot bases for Mustang (9-10 year olds)
• 70-foot bases for Bronco (11-12 year olds)
• 80-foot bases for Pony (13-14 year olds)
• 90-foot bases for Colt (15-16 year olds)
• 90-foot bases for Palomino (17- 18 year olds)
Base dimensions for Fast Pitch will be appropriate for the players' ages, as above. These base dimensions are the result of extensive experimentation to determine the size on which players of each age group can properly play the game of baseball. Pitching distance is also scaled to the ability of the player in proportion to the size of the diamond. The scaled down diamonds allow the players to make the plays made by the major leaguers. Home runs become a possibility. Outfielders can play in a position proportionately equal to that played by a major leaguer. Runners can lead off and steal. Pitchers have to learn how to hold runners on base. The double play, squeeze play, and various strategy tactics, difficult for adults and nearly impossible for youngsters on a full size diamond, become a probability rather than an impossibility.
Q: Can you briefly describe what each league is about?
Shetland League (ages 5/6): The focus is totally on the instruction of beginning players. Learn how to throw, catch, and hit. Primary objective of coaches is for the players to have fun. Hitting is from either a tee or coach pitched, depending on skill level.
Pinto League (ages 7/8): Teaches the basic fundamentals of baseball. Coach pitched with introduction to player pitch in second half of the season.
Mustang League (ages 9/10): Begins the players training in the complete game of baseball. Players pitch with introduction to leading off and stealing on 60-foot base paths. There is a summer All Star program for tournament play.
Bronco League (ages 11/12): Takes the developing young player into the full game of baseball on 70-foot base paths. Competitive regular season and summer All Star program for tournament play.
Pony League (ages 13/14): Learns the advanced skills of baseball on 80-foot base paths. Competitive regular season and summer All Star program for tournament play.
Colt League (ages 15/16): This is a select baseball program to play teams from around the Puget Sound region. Players have to attend tryouts and make the team.
Palomino League (ages 17/18): This is a select baseball program to play teams from around the Puget Sound region. Players have to attend tryouts and make the team.
Girls Fast Pitch (ages 6/14): This program starts with the teaching of basic fundamental baseball/softball skills with the long term goal of having the girls get ready to play Jr. High and High School fast pitch softball.
Q: Does the league have a Code of Conduct?
Yes, we have a code of conduct for Coaches, Parents and Players. Every player, coach and parent are required at the beginning of the season to sign sign them.
Q: What is the purpose of tryouts?
In Mustang, Bronco and Pony leagues, tryouts are really a "skills evaluation." The purpose is to try, as much as possible, to get evenly matched teams. Talent is evenly distributed. At the Colt and Palomino leagues it really is a "tryout". There are limited slots available and the players have to try out and win a roster position on the team.
Q: How are players picked for teams at the Shetland and Pinto level?
We try our best to have friends play with friends on the same team. As requested by parents on the signup form, we try to get neighbors, schoolmates, daycare friends, etc. on the same team.
Q: How can I help out MVPBA?
We never have enough help. The best way to help us out is to volunteer. Check out the Help Wanted page of this website for more information.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about how the Allstar program works?
We offer an All Star program for the Mustang, Bronco and Pony leagues. All Stars gives our higher skilled players an opportunity to play other "select" (All Star) teams from around the state in tournaments. Each team usually plays in 4 to 6 tournaments in late June and July. Players have to tryout and are selected to play on the All Star team. The league's coaches will evaluate players at tryouts and will come to a majority consensus on a 10-player roster. The All Star coach then fills out the balance of the roster with his selections. This usually happens in late May or early June. Contact your coach for dates of tryouts.
Q: What is the story behind the non-competitive portion of the season for Mustang and Bronco leagues?
The Mustang and Bronco season is broken up as follows. The first half of the season is considered non-competitive. Then we have a mid-season tournament. The second half of the season is competitive and we have a season ending tournament to determine a league champion. Why a non-competitive first half? It gives the players an opportunity for equal playing time, equal times at bat and an opportunity to play different positions on the field. It gives the coach a chance to develop talent in a game situation without worrying about winning at all costs. More players get a chance to pitch and play infield positions than they would under normal league
Q: If my child returns to the same league (because they are there for two years), they will be on the same team. What if I want my son or daughter to be on a different team?
You should complete the 2009 Return To Draft Request form. Upon completion of this form and submitted, you will be notified about draft requirements.