Minors is competitive and builds on the skills learned in AAA.  The use of a pitching machine continues as well as implementing 'live' pitching.  We continue to teach the fundamentals of the game; how to pitch, how to hit, how to throw and how to run.  There is a strong focus on strategy and teamwork.  The goal of the Minors division is to prepare our ball players for the Majors division.  Games are 90 minutes in duration allowing for 4 - 6 innings pending pace of play (each inning has a max 6 run limit if 3 outs are not completed).

Preseason Expectations:

• Beginning in April (as weather permits) Coaches should hold 2-3 practices a week with the focus on introduction of players & coaches, refresher work on fundamentals, rules / positional assignments and preparations for live game play.  

• Coaches should also take the preseason as an opportunity to introduce themselves to the players parents and set expectations for the upcoming season.  Focus on general philosophy / rules of the minors, high level outline of the season schedule and field general questions & answer (players and parents).

In Season Expectations:

• Coaches in Minors support game play in a more traditional coaching function with minor exceptions.

1. Fielding:

        * Set positional assignments & ensure players are in position for game play

        * Actively communicate with players on game play (where the fielding plays are in the field, etc...) 

1. Batting:

        * At the beginning of the season (can be changed at coaches discretion based on player readiness) - Innings 1-2 utilize a pitching machine
           and from inning 3 forward player pitch is incorporated (NOTE: At four balls coach pitch is leveraged to ensure batters have an opportunity 
           to hit)

        * 1st and 3rd Base Coaches can be leveraged to support situational base running  

• Other:

        * Work with the “Team Parent” on coordination of key tasks (social media pictures, concessions support and ‘snack vouchers’)

        * Work with the Division VP on coordination with the league.  Key Tasks: Scheduling, Player of the Week Spotlight, Coordinate Team with
           Overall League Activities (parade, photo day, etc…) and Coordination with Other Minors Coaches