Cal Ripken Program - Majors  

Major Leagues Ages: Under 12 with Birthdate cutoff defined by national rules


Philosophy:  The  Cal Ripken Jr. Major League 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 typically assembles two teams that play over 30 games including league games and 3-6 weekend tournaments.

Season:  The season begins in mid May.  Games are on Monday and Friday evenings beginning at 6:00 PM.  The Dane County league is completed around the 2nd 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.  Players who are not selected for the Cal Ripken Jr. teams are automatically eligible to play in the Pepper program.  The tryouts are held in early April in order to meet state and national deadlines for submitting rosters. Middleton will have as many as 4 teams in these age groups. Teams may have a maximum of 15 players, no more than 8 can be 12-year old players.  The Middleton teams typically are comprised of 12-14 players.  Middleton teams are typically organized based on the results of the tryouts. Teams will be divided equally for league play. During the season the coaches and league director will select the most talented 12 year old group and the most talented 11 year old group. These teams will play in the end of year State tournament. The rest of the players will form another team(s) that can play in local weekend tournaments.  This arrangement promotes the development of all players better than if one team was stacked for a “win it all” approach.