Babe Ruth Prep Program

Age: 13 with Birthdate cutoffs defined by national rules

Philosophy:  The Babe Ruth Prep program is a competitive program that plays in a Dane County league and has both state and national affiliations.  This program requires a major commitment by players and parents.  Middleton may assemble one or two teams based on the total number of potential players that register and talent levels of those attending tryouts.

Season:  The season begins in late May.  Games are on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:00 PM and Saturday mornings beginning at 10:00 AM. (Middleton's Saturday home games will be played on Friday evenings).  The Dane County league is completed around the 2^nd weekend in July.  A playoff scenario follows for teams that win their division in the Dane County league.  The divisional winners in the Dane County league are permitted by state and national rules to pick up additional players from their division for the playoffs.  Winners of this playoff qualify for a state tournament, with the state winner advancing to a national level tournament.  In July teams attempt to participate in weekend tournaments.

Team Composition:  Teams are selected through a tryout process. The tryouts are held in early April in order to meet state and national deadlines for submitting rosters.  Teams may have a maximum of 15 players. If there is more than 1 team then the teams are generally divided into 2 fairly equally talented teams. The Middleton teams typically are comprised of 13-15 players. At the end of the season the best 13-15 kids, as selected by the coaches, are joined together to participate in the Regional and to qualify for the State Tournament. Players who are not selected for the Babe Ruth Prep teams are eligible to play in the Pepper program or the AAA program if they so choose.