What a muddy but marvelous Opening Day Sunday!  Thanks to everyone for heading out in the cold and making the parade and opening ceremony so special.  We are so happy everyone got to play as planned. A HUGE thank you to all the guys who were out on Field 1 until 9 pm and then back again at 6:30 am… their heroic effort made our opening day happen!

Some foggy photos are posted here.  If you have photos you would like to post, please let me know – I can help you post them here or to your team homepage.

The rain may spoil the games this week.  Please keep tuning into your coach and your email as we watch the sky and the fields.

SABA is implementing the nationwide bat policy change for youth baseball leagues starting in the 2018 season.  The changes are being made for the continued safety and integrity of the youth game.  All bats must have a USA bat logo to be approved for play.  Each SABA team will be provided with these new bats.  More information can be found at https://usabat.com/about/. 

If you are interested in purchasing a new bat and you have any question, please contact Rich Friedman (richsaba@yahoo.com).

SNACK SHACK: There are still open slots, please sign up for your team to the right asap!

Some FYIs: there will always be someone there to help open and close the shack. Preparation of every item is clearly labeled with step by step instructions.  The kids (and parents) love having the shack open during our season – please chip in just a few hours of your time to help it all run smoothly.  You will be so proud of yourself after you make that first Cookie Monster : )!

SABA is pleased to inform you that we have once again agreed to be a part of the Ross Valley Healthy Community Collaborative's Raising the Bar Initiative.  Formerly known as Under Our Influence, this initiative aims to change the adult norms we have in our community regarding the use of alcohol/other substances at youth oriented events.  Please click below for more information.

Age 9-10 yrs old, 3rd-4th grade typically. Minors is an introduction to competitive baseball but the emphasis is on instruction. Player age is typically 9 to 10 yrs old or 3rd to 4th grade, but younger players that are not timid at the plate and can make consistent throws are welcome and usually fit in well, as are older 5th graders that may be seeking an extra year of skill honing before moving on to Majors.  Every player is in the batting lineup at all times, thus each player is given the opportunity to contribute to the team effort. Minimum playing requirements are in place and adhered to, and exposure to position variety is favored over the competitive desire to win. While recognizing the boundaries of physical skills and the development of individuals, managers are strongly encouraged to teach a variety of positions to all players where feasible. No lead offs allowed, modified stealing rules are in place.  Only feet first sliding into home plate. Questions about your young player’s appropriateness to this group? Just Ask! We’d love to help: SABA Placement Inquiry

• Kid pitch
• Each player bats at all times
• Field Dimensions 60'bases and 46'pitching distance from mound to home
• Players pitch and balls and strikes are called
• No leads off the bases but can steal a base after the pitch passes home plate (no stealing home)
• 2 games per week ALL played at Memorial (1 game either Tues/Wed, 1 game either Fri/Sun)

Age 11-12 yrs old, 5th-6th grade typically. Majors is a continuation of the instruction of the fundamentals of baseball but evolved toward the baseball format where full Major League Baseball rules are followed, such as lead offs and stealing.  Minimum playing requirements are in place and the same as in Minors and every player is in the batting line up at all times. Though pitching intensity and the level of athleticism is higher than Minors, playing time equity continues to be favored over competitive desires, and managers continue to be encouraged to teach and allow players to experience a variety of positions although some players will begin to specialize into primary and secondary positions. If in doubt about whether your player is ready for Majors or should be moving on to Juniors we are happy to work with you to decide. Just ask us: SABA Placement Inquiry

• Every players is batting the line up at all times
• Field Dimensions- 70'bases and 50' pitching distance from pitching mound to home
• MLB rules are followed! Players can take leads and steal all bases including home!
• Umps call balks
• 2 games per week ALL played at Memorial (1 game either Tues/Wed, 1 game either Fri/Sun)

Age 13-14 yrs old, 7th-8th grade typically. Juniors is a competitive baseball division which continues to emphasize the fundamentals of the game. Minimum playing requirements are strictly adhered. Playing time equity should be favorably balanced over competitive desires. Every player is in the batting line up at all times. Players will focus on a primary and secondary field position.

• Field Dimensions 80' bases and 54' pitching distance from mound to home. Some games played 60'x90'
• MLB rules are followed
• Memorial Park and Red Hill Park are our home fields. Week night game either Tues/Wed/Fri. Sunday games played at Red Hill Park or neighboring communities (San Rafael, Dixie, Fairfax). Occasional Saturday game.

SABA collaborates with the San Anselmo Recreation Department Spring Rookie Baseball program for 1st and 2nd graders. This coach pitch program has standard baseball rules, but no scores or standings are kept.  There are one or two practices a week and games on Sundays at Memorial Park from mid-March through mid-May. The purpose of the league is instructional and fun!  For more information or to register, go to http://www.sananselmorecreation.org

Contact us: P.O. Box 2451, San Anselmo, CA 94960

Phone: 415.578.8619

SABA President, Rich Friedman:  richsaba@yahoo.com