Bronco — Ages 11-12

The Bronco Division is where the players begin to follow the rules of Major League baseball. Players are allowed to leadoff and steal from all bases. The managers will now have the opportunity to teach and execute the finer tactics of advanced baseball. The teams field 9 players and a batting order will consist of 9 or 10 players (if the Extra Hitter rule is followed). The team may participate in a league playoff at the end of the season. Additionally, PBF typically assembles one tournament team at the end of the season to play in a Memorial Day Tournament and/or other tournaments against teams from surrounding communities. The Commissioner should appoint a head coach for the tournament team who is responsible for selecting assistant coaches and eligible players. Priority should be given to players who will not have an opportunity to play at this level again.

Expected Skill Level at Beginning of Season - At this level, players are expected to have a basic working understanding of all of the Mustang skills and an appropriate level of enthusiasm and commitment for which some success at this level demands. Previous baseball experience is not required, as long as the player demonstrates a reasonable chance of some success through either athleticism or enthusiasm and commitment.

Team Commitment

1. Practice - Two 2-hour practices per week.
2. Games — One or two 7 inning games per week consisting of a 45 minute pre-game warm-up and approximately two-hours of game time.

Playing Time and Position Rotation - Coaches have a goal to find all players ample opportunities throughout the season to play both infield and outfield positions, provided the coaches determine that the player can safely field and reasonably execute what the positions call for. Every player shall play a minimum of 3 defensive innings in a 7-inning game. The goal, however, is to have every player average at least 4 defensive innings per game throughout the season.

Skill Building Goals - The overall season goal is to prepare the player for the next divisional level (Pony). This includes:

1. Mastering all skills from previous level.
2. Showing advanced hitting skills, including some ability to hit within the 50 to 60mph range in a batting cage and a reasonable success at hitting the quality of pitchers in the league.
3. Demonstrating advanced base running skills, including reading signs from coaches.
4. Understanding advanced situational defensive skills, including defensive pick-off plays and player alignment for specific situations.

Division Description Menu

Introduction
Shetland — Age 6 and under
Pinto — Ages 7-8
Mustang — Ages 9-10
Bronco — Ages 11-12
Pony — Ages 13-14
Equipment Guidelines