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About Putnam Youth Baseball
Putnam Youth Baseball (PYB) serves kids in the Putnam High School attendance area. We are affiliated with Clackamas County Junior Baseball Association (CCJBA), which is in turn affiliated with Junior Baseball of Organization inc. (JBO), a non-profit volunteer organization. Junior Baseball of Organization is completely independent of any other well-known national youth baseball organizations, such as Little League.
The primary difference is that Junior Baseball plays by amended high school rules, as opposed to "Little League" rules. Probably one of the most prominent rule difference is about base stealing. In Little League, a player cannot steal a base on a pitched ball until the ball crosses home plate. In Junior Baseball, a player may take a lead off the base and steal at any time during the pitch. Critics of Junior Baseball say that this rule makes the game a "walk-a-thon" because very few catchers can make a throw to second base to pick off the stealing runner.
The criticism may be accurate at the Midget (9- and 10-year-old) level, but it is not so true at the Junior and Senior levels. As the kids get older and more experienced, the "base stealing" rule makes for some very exciting baseball. The rule also teaches the kids smart base running techniques. They will need the techniques if they continue playing baseball, as they get older. A growing number of Little Leagues are converting to Junior Baseball of Oregon.
Possibly the best thing about Junior Baseball, is that when it comes to playoff time, a team goes as a unit. No "All Star" team is created. Our 9- through 15-year-olds play regular season games against teams from all over Clackamas County such as Milwaukie, Sunrise and Canby. Teams with winning records enter post-season play. The "Post Season" begins with earning a spot in the County tournament, with the goal of winning a spot in the State tournament. The State championship game is the best a team can do. There are no regional or national tournaments in Junior Baseball of Oregon.
In addition, during the regular season, teams may play in invitational tournaments held throughout the state.
Players are divided into age groups according their age as of July 31st of the current season. The levels are:
Midgets - 9- and 10-year-olds (and advanced 8-year-olds)
Juniors - 11- and 12-year-olds
Seniors - 13- and 14-year-olds
Each of these levels is divided into three levels of play.
Federal is the most challenging and competitive level. More time is devoted to practice and Federal teams tend to play in more tournament games.
American is mid-level in terms of competition, though kids are often at the Federal-level in ability.
National is the recreational, entry level of play. In every division and level, all players get to bat. Each player also must play at least six defensive outs, (two innings).
T-ball & Rookie Ball
Each league, such as PYB, also runs its own program for 5- through 8-year-olds. The children at this level mainly play other teams in our own PYB league. T-ball is geared for boys and girls ages 5-7. Players hit the ball off of a tee, with the exception of coaches pitching to the kids later in the season. It is designed to be non-competitive and a lot of fun; T-ball teaches the children about organized play, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Rookie Ball is for 8-year-olds and advanced 7-year-olds. Pitching machines are used for accurate and safe pitching for players learning to hit pitched balls. PYB Rookie Ball teams also play games with the Milwaukie JBO teams.
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