TEE BALL
2017
Mechanic Falls
Minot/Hebron (MHAA)
Poland
Tee-ball Coaches Contact List 2017
Team Coaches
Name
Phone
E-mail
Town
Mechanic
Falls
Navy Blue
Mechanic
Falls
Red
1
Robyn Coleman
713-0409
[email protected]
2
Justin Starbird
9392065
[email protected]
5775981
rcchamberlain@connectivit Mechanic
Falls
ypoint.com
Orange
[email protected]
3
Rob
Chamberlain
4
Mike Rioux
576-6189
5
Josh Fecteau
240-1132
6
Jerry Whalen
577-8145
7
Lena Felker
Ashlie Sewell
Brian Corey
Chris Varney
Wade Libby
Martin Noyes
212-8398
402-5028
805-4226
632-3114
210-0605
956-3883
8
9
MHAA
Green
[email protected] MHAA
Red
[email protected]
MHAA
Navy Blue
[email protected]
Poland
Light Blue
Poland
[email protected]
Silver
Poland
[email protected]
Lime
Green
Tee Ball Directors
Mechanic Falls
MHAA
Poland
Robyn Coleman
TJ Bean
Alex Godomsky
Scott Segal
713-0409
689-1191
838-8632
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tee Ball Schedule 2017
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We have 9 teams; 7 game schedule from May 6 thru June 17 and a Tee Ball Jamboree
the following week: TBD
Tee Ball Jamboree: Mechanic Falls has offered to host a fun night time end of season
activity for all 9 teams…Either June 23 or 24…More information to Follow.
Saturday games start @ 9am or 10:30am
Weeknight game and make up games on weeknight recommended start @ 6pm
Regarding make up dates; host team should attempt to hold game on their practice
night and notify opposing team coach.
Parking at Poland Community School in parking lot only, do not drive beyond the
school building or park at top of stairs (kids play behind the school). You can drive
thru the sand lot to get to the lower field.
See Team Number on coaches contact list
Date
@ Poland
(Lower field)
May 6
Each town will play
their own teams round
robin
Coaches will
coordinate with
your own tee
ball director
@ Poland
(Upper
field)
May 13
9am
10:30am
4@8
3@9
5@9
May 20
9am
10:30am
1@9
2@8
4@7
June 3
9am
10:30am
5@8
3@8
June 10
9am
10:30am
3@ 7
June 19
9am
10:30am
6 vs 9
June 23 or 24
Tee Ball
Jamboree TBD
6@8
@ MHAA
(Hebron)
2@6
@ Mechanic
Falls (Sports
complex)
7@1
5@3
6@3
9@4
7@2
6@1
1 vs 5
4@2
9@2
7@5
2@5
8@1
4@3
(Mechanic Falls, Minot/Hebron & Poland)
Tee Ball General Guidelines (Established in April 2005)
Updated: 4-14-2015
These guidelines were created to provide consistency for the teams during games
and can be helpful in constructing practices. These guidelines do not necessarily
follow the rules of any T-Ball Association, however they were developed with input
from all three organizations in terms of safety first and instruction second. We
should keep in mind at this level of baseball, some players are trying the sport for
the first time and others are developing skills that will help them in the future.
Scoring: Score is not kept and we should not put any emphasis on scoring during games.
Positions
Pitcher: While an adult pitches, there is a player playing the pitcher position (standing
next to the adult)
Batter: All batters will use a tee in the first game of the season. The remaining games,
coaches should determine if any of their players will receive live pitches.
If using a live pitch: typically a parent of the team that is up, pitches the ball to his/her
players. After 3 pitches, player must use a tee. The adult pitcher typically should pitch
overhand, however underhand pitching can be requested depending on the players need.
Using a tee can provide necessary skill training. Players should be encouraged to use a
tee for practice and games.
Catcher: Recommended that an adult play catcher.
Defensive set-up: Typically 4 outfielders, first base, second base, third base, short stop,
& pitcher. The entire team should take the field and if you have more than 9 players, you
can place extra players in the outfield.
Playing positions: This is a great level of play for kids to try different positions. If your
game goes beyond one inning, players should be encouraged to play other positions.
Parent support during the game: Parents are encouraged to participate in the game by
positioning themselves in the game where instruction can be given. Coaches should
assist parents with (1) where they should position themselves and (2) types of instruction
that promotes a positive learning and no pressure attitude.
Information
# of innings: A game can play up to 2 innings (Game usually takes at least 1-1.5 hours)
Prior to the start of the game, coaches have the discretion of reducing the game to 1
inning if poor weather is approaching.
Batting: Players will not be tagged out. An inning is over, once all of the player have
been up to bat. The last batter must run all the way to Home base.
Field Use: Games will be played in Hebron (Minot home games), Mechanic Falls Sports
Complex, Poland Upper field and Poland Lower field.
Bases = 40’ apart
Equipment: 1 set of bases at the field, incrediballs, bats, tees.
Player’s equipment: Players required to have a glove. Cleats are optional.
(No metal spikes allowed) Must wear at least sneakers (sandals or open shoes are not
allowed during game for safety reasons)
Uniform: Each player will receive a t-shirt and hat.
Weather conditions: If there is thunder or lightning in the area, games must be stopped
immediately. Prior to or during the game, if it begins rain, coaches can decide to wait it
out or cancel the game all together. Coaches should use the 20 minute rule (Rule: Wait up
to 20 minutes and if weather is not improving, cancel the remainder of the game or
reschedule the game). If a game is cancelled, that game will attempt to be played at the
home teams field during the week or if needed at the end of the season.
Coaches should attempt to give the visiting team at least a one hour notice if a game
needs to be cancelled. Prior to a game being played, if there is a weather concern, home
team should contact the opposing coach and make that decision.
Coaches discretion: For the purpose of maintaining consistency, coaches from each
team, prior to the start of the game, should communicate the expectations of the game.
Coaches should use their best discretion in adapting the game.
Positive behavior: Coaches, players and parents should conduct themselves in a
respective manner that allows for learning to take place and for participants to have a
positive experience. Coaches are responsible for managing the flow of the game based
on safety and a positive learning environment. Coaches also have the responsibility to
manage situations that are unpleasant. How behavior and attitude is handled should be
under the direction and leadership of each town.
Your encouragement and support 
Glove
Cleats or sneakers
********(No sandals)*******
Shirt
Hat
Water
Chair
Snack
Sun screen
Bug spray
Directions to Tee Ball fields
**Poland games will be played at the upper field
To: Poland Community School Upper field, on route 26, right side of the school.
(Important-only park in the paved parking lot-the school has requested that we not
drive onto the grass or dirt, next to the playground for safety reasons)
There are benches for players and small bleachers for spectators available…You may
want to bring a chair or blanket to make your selves comfortable. Rest room: Port-a
toilet available at the Upper Field- near route 26.
To: Poland Community School Lower field, park at the school (Important-only park
in the paved parking lot. The school has requested that we not drive onto the grass or
dirt, next to the playground for safety reasons) or you can drive to the lower field (sand
lot area) take the paved road between the fire station and public works buildings. Take
first right onto a dirt road and go straight. Please park in the open space area.
Rest room: Port-a toilet available at the Lower Field.
To: Mechanic Falls Sports Complex
From: Poland Town Hall
Go north on route 11, take right onto route11/121, Go about ¼ mile, on left side… look
for Town Municipal Building/Tennis Courts. Park in lot; The first field is the Perkins
field, also the softball field and now the T-Ball field.
***Minot games will be played in Hebron (approximately a 20 minute drive from
the Poland Town Hall***
To: H. Packard Memorial Baseball field (Hebron)
From: Poland Town Hall
Go north on route 26, after Poland Community School, take right onto Brown Road, go
about 1.5 miles, take right onto Route 11 North. Go about 1.8 miles to intersection in
Mechanic Falls, go straight on route 124 (Cumberland Farms on left) About 4.6 miles,
you will come to a right yield and a quick left yield, stay on route 124. From the yield
signs, go another 4.5 miles. Take a left on to Station Road. Go less than a ½ mile, take
left in to H. Packard Memorial Baseball field, just before Storekeepers.
Helpful Tips for Tee ball Coaches
Tee ball Practices:
 1 hour max
 Warm Up: 5-10 min
 Throwing: 10 min
 Ground Balls/Fly Balls: 10 min
 Hitting: 20-25 min
 Fun Game and Wrap up 5-10 min
Warm Up:
 Run Bases (twice, touch all the bases)
 Stretch (examples: touch toes, reach
up high, arm circles. Movement stretches like straight leg toe kicks,
butt kicks, lunges)
 Team Race: split kids in half (one line on second, one on home plate)
one at a time they run around the bases (have to touch each one) until
the entire team has gone around. First team with all players back their
starting base wins. Grab siblings or parents if you need an even
amount.
Throwing:
 Be sure they step with opposite foot of throwing arm (same foot as
glove) point glove at target, bring arm back like they are showing off
their muscles and follow through with their throw in front of their
body.
 If they can understand, teach them to flick their wrist at the end of the
throw.
Stations/Drills:
 Have them throw into a bucket (get points if they make it in), throw
with their parents, throw with a teammate.
Catching ground balls or pop fly’s:
 Be sure they stand with feet spread apart, knees bent (I call this
“baseball ready”)
 First progression is having players catch a ball with no glove on.
 Having them catch the ball and squeeze with their hand is very helpful
when they go to their glove. I call this the bear claw (some kids called
it a dinosaur).
 Be sure to put their throwing hand behind their back, they can only
catch with one hand (their normal catching hand). Have them put
their gloves on and back up some and catch with their gloves.
For ground balls:
 Glove should be down with the opening facing out away from them.
They should move to the ground ball and have it roll into their glove.
Their open hand should go on top of that to secure the ball inside their
glove. I call their glove an alligator (the glove is the bottom of the
mouth and the hand is the top of the mouth) We say to have their
alligator eat the ball and the two parts of the “gator” chomp the ball.
For Pop fly’s:
 Glove should be at head level, off to the side. I explain it like they are
giving a high five. They should catch the ball in their glove and use
their free hand to secure the ball in their glove. This is very hard at
this age but at least you are teaching the skills. The biggest challenge
is not hitting them in the face.
Stations/Drills:
 Line up each kid with their parent/guardian- they get a point every
ground ball they catch and throw back to their parent (first to 10
wins). Parents and kids throw the ball back and forth, each get a point
when they catch it (first to 10 wins).
 Split kids into 3 or 4 lines (shouldn’t be more than 3-4 kids in each
line) Have a parent/coach throw ground balls or pop fly’s to the kids,
they catch and throw back. First line to 10 points wins.
 Have kids stand in a circle (split up so not all kids are in one circle)
and toss ball back and forth with no glove, they get a point for each
catch. Must throw across the circle. (if they throw too hard or at
someone’s face, they are out). First team to 10 wins
Hitting
 It is very important to do this in stations. Kids will get bored if they
are standing around too much and it takes too long to let each player
swing alone 10 times.
Stance:
 Legs should be spread apart, both feet in line with each other, facing
home plate. (I usually draw lines in the dirt where I want them to put
their feet).
 Be sure they are turned to the side towards the pitcher.
 Knees should be bent and hands should be together on the bat.
 If batting righty, right hand should be on top and left hand should be
right underneath on the grip of the bat.
 Back elbow should be up, not straight down towards the ground but
not straight up in the air.
 Bat should not lean on the shoulder. Eyes should be on pitcher or
Tee. See example below.
Eyes should be on the ball at all times. Swing level and be sure to
follow through and twist wrists around so bat ends on opposite shoulder.
You can try teaching them to “squish a bug” with their back foot as they
may understand that you pivot with the back foot as you swing, but I usually
find that is too advanced for this age. I usually tell them to keep their feet
still as most of them swing and spin all the way around.
Stations/Drills:
 Always split them up to no more than 3-4 kids per group. Have good
parents/volunteers to help run the stations who will teach them how
you want them to hit.
 Tee hitting. Set up a tee and let them hit off it. Be sure to critique
things they are doing wrong (not watching the ball, not keeping their
elbow up, etc...). the other kids in the group are to catch the ground
balls/pop fly’s then bring back the balls after hitting. I always have a
kid ready to go with a helmet waiting so it is an easier rotation. The
kid who hits goes out and another comes in.
 Hitting off the pitch. Be sure to have a parent/volunteer here who
can pitch a good ball to the kids. This station is for timing and
hand/eye coordination. They need to see the ball to hit it. Have extra
help here to critique their swing and timing. Helpful to have someone
stand behind the batter for passed balls. Same here, have the next
batter waiting with helmet and other kids catching the balls then
rotate.
 Soft toss. This seems like a lot but the kids do great with it. The
child stands like they would if they were hitting off a pitcher. As the
coach/parent/volunteer you crouch beside them so you are facing each
other. You will lightly toss the ball up to their hitting zone. The
player will watch the ball and hit out to the field (away from the
tosser). Same thing here, have the next batter ready, other players in
the field then rotate. It helps to have another parent/volunteer to help
gather the balls. See set up below.
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Some fun ending games are freeze tag, the bases race (mentioned
above), or hot potato with a tee ball. I always have the kids come
together and do a team cheer before going (put your hands in and on
the count of the three yell go tee ball- or their team name). Tell them
all they did a great job and always encourage them to practice at
home. At the end of every practice I try to corral any parents I have to
confirm the next event I will see them (practice, game, etc.) time and
place.
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Be sure to rake the field and clean up any trash or bottles left.
Tips/Tricks:
o Learn names and make the kids learn each others names.
Constantly repeat their names throughout practices and games.
o Take as many water breaks as you think they need and then get
them to come back quickly. Last one back is a rotten egg at my
practice
o When pitching to the kids, kneel down- your pitch will be more
likely to reach their hitting zone and not come down at them.
o Batter on deck is the only one who can hold a bat. We put a
hula hoop out, far from the bench and they are able to warm up
swing in the hula hoop only.
o At a game, put your kids in the batting order you want and sit
them on the bench in that order. Put as many helmets on them
as you can. Have a parent/volunteer/coach help to keep this
order and send them to the hula hoop when it is their turn. The
parent will help be sure they rotate helmets as kids come back
from running the bases.
o At a game you will need the following volunteers: Pitcher,
Batting instructor (they will stay at home plate to help set up
the batter), Adult at every base to help guide the kids where to
run, Adult helping run your batting order and rotating helmets.
o GET YOUR PARENTS INVOLVED! They will go out there,
they just need your help with what to do and where to go. The
kids love it!
o Have a word that you shout out when you want their attention.
I shout bubble gum and all kids have to be quiet and put their
eyes on me.
o Set a head coach; this person is in charge. Have assistant
coaches, volunteers, helpers. But be sure they are teaching the
same techniques and skills that you are.