Carmel Youth Baseball Fall Rec Ball League

CYB Fall Rec Ball is for player development and is a piece of a larger baseball journey. This Fall season will improve players’ baseball skills and knowledge. In turn, when the regular spring season begins the level of play and understanding of the game improves across all skill levels and age groups. Baseball is simple on the surface, however a rather complex game with many moving parts. Players will improve over time as they are exposed to more reps and drills. It’s important to continue to expose them to more of the rules and help them understand the game to its fullest. As players improve, their level of confidence and excitement improves as well. Our coaches and instructors’ primary goals for Fall Ball is to make sure the kids have a great time and are excited to return for the regular Spring season.  

CYB Fall Rec Ball is a developmental league for our players to improve their skills and get ready for the next level of baseball. Fall Rec Ball will be a bit more relaxed than the regular season, but still offer competitive elements. The intent is to focus on the skills and drills for improvement. Here are four ways to make the most out of Fall Rec Ball:

1.    Focus on teaching life lessons, but still pursue winning – Players and coaches should be as competitive as possible to promote the drive to improve skills, teamwork and getting players to push beyond their comfort zones. However, the scoreboard in Fall Rec Ball has next to no importance to CYB. It’s about the growth and development of players’ and their skill levels. 

2.    Focus on reps to increase players’ ability and confidence – CYB Fall Rec Ball is a great time for reps, reps and more reps. Fall is the best time to spend teaching the fundamentals and developing the skills to help advance the players for next year. CYB’s developmental goal is more well-rounded players entering the next regular season with higher hopes for success. 

3.    Improving coaching skills, drills, and communication with the players – Like players, coaches need to improve their coaching as well. Fall Rec Ball provides structure for coaching plans and drills to improve all aspects of the game. This time of the year is a great time to push the kids out of their comfort zones. Our coaches need to build our players’ confidence while providing a platform that promotes working hard in a fun environment. 

4.    Growing CYB in the community -- Fall Rec Ball is about growing the player base through a great experience and creating an environment of positivity and learning. It’s important that coaches and parents work together to develop our young players on and off the field. With positive experiences in our league, kids want to continue to play the great game of baseball. This same positivity spreads throughout the community which helps increase and grow the future generations of our CYB family. 

What’s new this fall?

Due to limited field availability, we will have a limited amount of spaces in each division. First come, first serve! If your division is full, please join the waitlist so that your child maybe added if someone drops out. 

What does the Fall Rec Ball schedule entail?

Pinto Major – Two (2) 90 minute sessions per week (games TBD). All practices and home games at Dampierre Field. 

Mustang – Three (3) two hour sessions per week (most often two practices, one game). All practices and home games at Dampierre Field.

Bronco – Three (3) two hour sessions per week (most often two practices, one game). All practices and home games at Dampierre Field and/or Carmel Middle School.

Pony - Three (3) two hour sessions per week (most often two practices, one game). All practices and home games at Carmel Middle School. 

Days and times TBD

How are Fall Rec Ball game rules different from Spring baseball games?

The rules of the games are the same as the Spring season (Pony rules), but there is an increased focus on teaching the players how to do things right during the games. Coaches and umpires will often take a moment to explain a rule, a play, or a strategy to a player during Fall Rec Ball games. Kids will learn about advanced rules as well, like balks, dropped third strikes and stealing bases. 

The official PONY pitch count rules remain in effect, but since one of the purposes of CYB Fall Rec Ball is to help develop pitchers, more kids will be given the opportunity to pitch in games. 

How are “instructional” games different from “competitive” games?

Baseball is by its nature a competitive sport. Whether it is a game in a CYB Fall Rec Ball instructional league or competitive Spring league game, many things are the same: A batter stepping up to the plate wants to get a hit, and the pitcher wants to get the batter out, so the kids will naturally play hard once the game starts. The largest difference is in how the games are managed. The difference between Fall instructional league and Spring competitive league is not in how hard the kids play, it is how the kids are utilized during the game.

During the regular Spring season, teams will utilize the more skilled players during most of the game in the infield, pitching and catching. The less skilled players generally sit out more and play in the outfield. This is necessary in competition because the team needs to put its "best" lineup on the field as often as possible to give it the best chance of winning. However, this limits the chances for the less experienced players to develop their skills

In Fall Rec Ball, the emphasis is on learning skills and increasing the player’s baseball knowledge. Thus, coaches are encouraged to rotate players frequently and allow them to play different positions and learn different skills. Bear in mind, the players safety is always at the forefront of how a coach will utilize a player. We also use Fall Rec Ball to develop new skills. Players will learn what is taught to them. It’s our coaches’ focus to share the rules and skills of the game so each player can improve. 

How are Fall Rec Ball practices different from Spring baseball practices?

Fall practices will be done as a group rather than broken up by team. There will be many stations and small group drills to keep the players continuously active. Remember, CYB Fall Rec Ball is about reps, reps and more reps. Practices will have similar themes such as hitting, fielding, baserunning and pitching. Some drills should be familiar, while others may not. All age levels will have very similar practice structures and drills. 

My child plays other sports such as soccer. Can he/she still play Fall Rec Ball?

Yes. Many players who play Fall Rec Ball also play soccer and/or other sports. In the past we have done our best to work around the schedules of other fall sports, but due to limited field availability this fall we have less flexibility in our scheduling.

What equipment does my child need for Fall Ball?

A jersey and hat will be provided by the league. Players should have a glove, helmet (a full face mask is required for Pinto and Mustang Divisions), baseball pants, socks, cleats and a belt. Colors will be determined once teams are built. Protective cups are highly recommended.

Who Should Sign Up for Fall Rec Ball?

Fall Rec Ball is for kids of all skill sets who simply cannot get enough baseball, Fall Rec Ball gives them an additional 6-7 weeks of practices and games. Generally, kids who are moving from Pinto Majors to Mustang or from Mustang to Bronco or Bronco to Pony are helped the most by Fall Rec Ball. These can be very difficult transitions and the extra “season” in a learning and instructional environment really helps with the transition. Players who want to learn or work on a different position are often helped a great deal by Fall Rec Ball.

Carmel Outlaws Program

The Carmel Outlaws represent a select group of players who are eager to enhance their skills and experience a more competitive baseball environment. 

Who should try out for the Carmel Outlaws?

Skilled players who desire to play competitive baseball.

When will try outs take place?

Try outs will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025:
10U at 10am at Dampierre
11U at 10am at Dampierre
12U at 12pm at Dampierre
13/14U at 10am at Carmel Middle School

Yes, all players need to be registered and/or waitlisted in order to try out. If you child does not make the team and does not play in our Fall Rec League, we will issue you a credit for your registration fees. 

My child will be 9 years old in the spring and entering their first year of Mustang, can they try out for the 10U Carmel Outlaw team?

CYB strongly encourages incoming Mustang players to play in the Fall Rec Ball League in order for them to take the proper steps in developing their baseball skills. One must walk before they can run. 

 I am unsure if my child will want to play in the Fall Ball Rec League or for the Carmel Outlaws, what do I do?

No need to commit now. Just be sure to register your child ASAP to ensure a spot and you can make the decision before try outs take place in August. 

Who Do I Contact if I have More Questions?

Please email us at [email protected]