BASEBALL
2025 Odell Rec Spring Baseball
(Subject to Change) (Revised 3/11/2024; 8:37am)
Assessment Information
Assessment is used to rate players so that each division and each team has parity of talent. Assessments are mandatory for all players INCLUDING coach’s kids! All players except TBall are required to attend the assessment. Players that are unable to attend will be entered into the blind draft and placed on a team accordingly. Coach’s kids that do not attend the draft will automatically be assigned an assessment number of 5 for draft purposes.
Assessments are mandatory to make sure teams are balanced and equal to enhance the games for all players. Skill assessments will take place at baseball field 1 behind Cox Mill elementary school. If you have an issue attending the assessment, please email Chris@OdellRec.com.
(4/5/6 TBall Division will not have assessments, these teams will be created by the commissioner and the head coaches.)
Assessments will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2024. The assessment times are as follows:
5/6/7 Coach Pitch – 3:15pm
7/8 Coach Pitch – 2:30pm
9/10 Division – 1:30pm
11/13 Division – 1:00pm
What happens at assessments?
When you arrive at the field please check in at the table. Your player will be assigned a number. This number is used for the coaches it is not a place in line. The line will form at the 3rd base dugout and players will be taken in the order they arrive.
Players will be assessed in various baseball skills: batting, fielding – both fly and ground balls, throwing and running. Evaluators will rate each player; scores will then be combined to reach an average score. Those scores will then be used to draft the players onto teams.
Assessment will be the following:
The player will take 2-3 swings at bat.
The player will run to 2nd base.
The player will be thrown 1-2 ground balls.
The player will be thrown 1-2 pop fly balls.
After the player has completed their assessment, they are free to leave.
Registration Information
Registrations are open Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 12:01am. Please click the Registration button at the top of the screen.
Registration Closes Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:59pm.
Assessments will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Draft will be held immediately following each division’s assessments.
Saturday, March 15, 2025 Practices Begin
Saturday, March 29, 2025 Games begin
Saturday, April 19, 2025 No Games
Monday, April 21, 2025 – Thursday, April 24, 2025 Game Week
Monday, May 5, 2025 – Thursday, May 8, 2025 Game Week
Week of May 12, 2025 – May 15, 2025 Playoffs (7/8, 9/10, 11-13 Divisions ONLY)
Saturday, May 17, 2025 Championship Games for 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13 Final Games for TBall and 5/6/7.
Note: Late Registration are not accepted.
General Format
For the Spring 2025 season, age group is based on the player’s age on May 1, 2025.
TBall, 5/6/7, 7/8 and 9/10 and 11-13 divisions will play games at Cox Mill Elementary Fields.
Cost
4/5/6 TBall: $175
5/6/7 Coach Pitch: $215
7/8 Coach Pitch: $215
9/10 Kid Pitch: $225
11-13 Kid Pitch: $225
There is a $3 service fee with each registration. There is a $5 discount for each additional registration per family (same sport)
Refund Policy: No refunds will be given, instead we will offer credits to your account. Registration withdrawals prior to 11:59pm Friday February 8, 2025 will be credited 100% of the paid registration fees. Registration withdrawals after 12:01am Saturday February 9, 2025 are not refundable. A $10 administrative fee applies to all credits. Credits can be used for future sports registrations.
Included in cost
- Hat, Jersey, Pants, Belt and Socks
- Umpires and Game Balls
- Field Maintenance & Baseball Equipment
- Use of Lights and Fields
- End of season tournaments for In House Divisions (trophies for 1st and 2nd place team) TBall and 5/6/7 receive trophies.
Team Snacks/Concessions
Teams can choose if they want to have a “team snack” after their game. Teams are responsible for their own snacks on game days. If desired Team Snack Tokens may be purchased at the concession stand. Tokens are $2.50 each. Team Snack Tokens can be used for 2 items, chips, ring pop, airheads, otter pop, small Gatorade. For more information click here: Team Snacks – Odell Rec
The Concession Stand is a valuable part of the organization. Stop by and grab a snack or drink to support the organization.
Bat Rules
TBall: Bats must be marked for TBall use.
5/6/7 Coach Pitch & 7/8 Coach Pitch: Bat must meet USA Baseball Bat standards. The bats approved will be made in 2 1/4, 2 1/2, and 2 5/8 inch dimensions.
9/10 & 11-13: Bat must meet USA Baseball Bat standards. The bats approved will be made in 2 1/4, 2 1/2, and 2 5/8 inch dimensions.
Look for the USA Baseball Logo
Uniform Sizing
We have Youth and Adult Sizes
Baseball supplies the following items to each player; Pants, Jersey, Sock, Belt and Hat
Practices & Games
TBall: Practice will be 1 hour during week and 1 hour on Saturdays until games start. Then it will be 1 practice during the week for 1 hour. All TBall practices start at 6pm
5/6/7 Coach Pitch & 7/8 Coach Pitch: Practice will be 1 hour during week and 1 hour on Saturdays until games start. Then it will be 1 practice during the week for 1 hour.
9/10 and 11/13: Practice will be 1 hour during week and 1 hour on Saturdays until games start. Then it will be 1 practice during the week for 1 hour.
Practices will be on a designated field.
Practice is an important part of rec baseball. Odell continues to have 1 practice during the week and games on Saturdays. There are a few times during the season that we might call a “Game Week” and there would be no practices.
Formation of Teams
With the exception of TBall, teams will be selected via a draft. Please understand special requests are extremely difficult to accommodate and as such requests are not guaranteed to be honored. This includes carpooling, playing with friends and siblings in different age divisions having practices on the same night. Only considerations are 2 nights a week a player cannot practice.
Coaching
If you intend to head coach, please email Chris@ODellRec.com with “Head Coach – Odell Spring Baseball 2025” in the subject line. You MUST also register when signing up to play baseball. Please provide your name, phone number, email address, age group(s). Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will be able to coach a team. After registration is complete, the Baseball Commissioner will determine how many teams are needed at each age group. History has told us that every year we don’t have enough coaches, so please volunteer to help coach. You must also register online for this position.
Concessions
Odell relies on volunteers. All proceeds from the concession stand go back into our rec program. Coach Drink tokens can be used for any drink. Team Snack Tokens can be used for 2 items, chips, ring pop, airheads, otter pop, small Gatorade.
TBall versus Coach Pitch
Two popular introductory levels are T-Ball and Coach Pitch, each offering a unique experience for kids just starting their baseball journey.
Coach Pitch (Ages 5/6/7): A Step Beyond T-Ball, Building Skills for 7/8 Coach Pitch Baseball
Coach Pitch 5/6/7 is the ideal next step for players who have outgrown TBall but are not quite ready for the structure and competition of full baseball. This division bridges the gap by maintaining a fun, supportive, and non-competitive environment while introducing more advanced elements of the game.
In Coach Pitch 5/6/7, the game is played similarly to traditional baseball, with three outs per inning and players learning the concept of returning to the bench when called out. Coaches take an active role by pitching to the players, ensuring a controlled and approachable experience. This helps young athletes become accustomed to hitting a live-pitched ball, a critical skill as they progress to more competitive levels.
While the game format introduces more structure, the primary focus remains on skill development, teamwork, and confidence-building. Players practice essential baseball fundamentals such as proper batting techniques, throwing, catching, and baserunning, with an emphasis on understanding the flow and rules of the game.
The non-competitive environment ensures that every child feels included and supported, fostering a love for the game while minimizing pressure. Coaches are not just there to pitch—they actively guide players, providing encouragement and constructive feedback to help them improve and grow.
Coach Pitch 5/6/7 prepares players to transition smoothly to higher levels, such as the Coach Pitch 7/8 division, by equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for more advanced play. It’s the perfect stage for developing a strong foundation in baseball while continuing to enjoy the camaraderie and fun of the sport.
Contact Us
Coordinator: Chris Grouse
Chris@OdellRec.com
704-287-7711 (text or leave message)
