The Pacific Palisades Baseball Association ( PPBA ) was formed in 1954 to provide youth with the opportunity to learn Baseball in a fun, safe manner.  We now play Baseball as part of the Pony League of America. THROUGH ITS PONY AFFILIATION, the PPBA's mission is to offer quality baseball programs where individuals can build positive character through friendly competition.
 

PONY vs. Little League

The primary features that distinguish PONY Baseball from Little League Baseball are 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 find it hard to communicate with the older players because of their lack of maturity, ability, and size. 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 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 to be played if the physical capability of the players does not match the physical achievements required for the game. For example, 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 their diamonds to match the physical capabilities of the players within each Division. The base dimensions for PPPA Baseball are: 

        60-foot bases for Pinto (7-8 some 9 year-olds) 
         60-foot bases for Mustang (9-10 some 11 year-olds) 
         70-foot bases for Bronco (11-12 year-olds) 
         80-foot bases for Pony (13-14 year-olds) 

These base dimensions result from extensive experimentation to determine the size on which players of each age group can properly play the game of Baseball. In addition, pitching distance is also scaled to the player's ability 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, and 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.

Our Pinto division is instructional.  This is the player's first introduction to competitive Baseball, but the Pinto division's primary focus is instructional. We do keep track of the standings.  We use machine pitch in Pinto and have found that it helps develop hitting and fielding skills.  We are considering introducing player pitch baseball by the end of the season so these players can also begin to develop their pitching ability.

The PPBA and the lower divisions (Pinto, Mustang, and Bronco) play all games at Palisades Field of Dreams. (Palisades Rec Center, 851 Alma Real Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272). Our Pony division will play both at home and away.

 Each Division has its own set of fields. 

There are four beautiful fields at the Palisades Rec Center Field of Dreams, numbered 1 through 4. 

Field 1 is the closest to the Rec Center Gym and has a dirt infield.

Field 2, which is directly opposite field 1, also has a dirt infield. 

Field 3 is the closest field to the playground and has a grass infield.

Field 4 is directly opposite Field 3 and also has a grass infield.

Broncos will play on Field 1 or 2, only.  Mustangs will play on all four fields, and Pinto's will only play on Fields 3 and 4.  Check your schedule for the date and field you are scheduled to play on.

THE BASEBALL SEASON

The opening day of the spring 2022 season is scheduled for March 12, right after the Pancake Breakfast. 

The Spring Regular Season (17 games ) usually lasts about ten weeks and is extended for the playoffs and championship game. ( Full Regular Season plus playoffs usually is from mid-March to mid-June)

Our regular spring season typically starts in mid-March. All divisions play two games a week during the regular season, one during the week, typically Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, and one on Saturday.  Weekday games usually start at 4:30 pm.  Weekend games typically start at either 9:00 am 12:00 noon or 3:00 pm.   It is recommended players arrive at the field 45 minutes to 1 hour before game time, so managers can warm them up and get the line-up cards ready before the start of the game. 

Before the beginning of the regular season, we have a practice season. Teams will usually practice once during the week and once on the weekend. However, this can vary due to the individual manager's particular schedule.  You should expect practices to last a minimum of 2 hours. All scheduled practices are at each League's particular field at Palisades  Field of Dreams.  In addition to field practice, many managers will often schedule a "Batting Cage" practice. 

Depending upon the date of the League's drafting of the teams - we try to start practicing 5-6 weeks before the start of the regular season. (We usually have about five practices and five practice games before the beginning of the Regular Season). Typically practice starts the week after draft night (usually the first week of February), once the manager completes his roster.   Check the Calendar for your practice times.
 
Please check the Calendar, either in our newsletter or our web page, for league dates and events.

WHAT YOU NEED

The registration fee provides a jersey, cap, baseball pants, and socks to each child for use during league games. Not included, but a good idea for a better baseball experience, is an extra pair of baseball pants, sliding pants (highly recommended),  a long sleeve baseball undershirt (highly recommended for those cool evenings),  a belt, an athletic supporter (highly recommended) and an extra pair of baseball socks.  The pants are white.  Be sure to check with your manager before buying new socks and l/s tees for your team's correct color.   All divisions must wear rubber molded cleats.

Last but not least -- a quality leather glove is a good idea. Vinyl and simulated leather gloves may be cheaper but cause the player a great deal of frustration. It's impossible to form a pocket in gloves made of vinyl or fake leather. Therefore the ball tends to pop out when the player attempts to catch it. 

All players should bring a windbreaker, jacket, or sweatshirt to every game and practice. Especially early in the season.  There is a "Lost and Found" located in Bat and Grill. 

Each team is provided with two bats by the League.  If you wish to purchase a bat at your discretion, you should know that the maximum barrel size allowed in the League is 2 5/8" (we do NOT allow for 2 3/4" bats).

If you have a problem or just want information, e-mail us at call your divisional representative. Your best bet for a quick response is by e-mail.  If possible, please provide us with both a day and evening phone number. In most cases, we'll get back to you within 48 hours. 

Once your child has been placed on a team, registration fees are non-refundable.

We are a volunteer organization.  Each of us is required to work your Bat and Grill shift (3 hours) during your team's established time.  This allows you to meet other parents in the League, and it's easy!!  Each Team "Bat and Grill" Parent will be provided a schedule of your team's turn to work.  We make a division responsibility so take the opportunity to get to know the parents in your divisions.  Please remember that your team will forfeit their game if the Bat and Grill work is not performed.  And your child may risk suspension.

Our fee also includes a basic picture package.  Each child will receive a picture package consisting of 2 wallet pictures, a 5x7 team picture, and a button. Extra photos can be ordered on Picture Day, and special items like trading cards and pennants can be purchased on Picture Day directly from the Photographer. Extra pictures must be paid for at the time of the picture-taking.

Rich Schmitt also takes "Action Photos" (many provided to this website) for purchase, and he donates back to the PPBA.  Please check his photos out at his tent during the season.  
 
All players are required to be evaluated before the draft.  Please check the Calendar for tryout dates. At these "Evaluation Days," both returning and new players can show their skills in front of the Division Heads and Board of Directors for their particular Division. Each Board member rates the player on a scale of 1 to 10, and all players are then given a draft score.  Considering the confidential players' draft score and their performance from the previous year, if possible, the division heads select the teams in a semi-blind draft during the draft. This method allows for as much parity as possible for all teams.

We try our best to achieve parity between teams, so we do not take requests to place friends on teams.  Your child will become friends with his teammates.  Please understand that we are on a best efforts basis.  Depending upon the skill level of the players involved, we try to create the best teams possible. 

Please read the following important messages: