Cardinal Program

Age: 9-10 or grades 3 through 4

Philosophy:  This program is instructional in nature.  The league coaches hold practices two weeks before the season starts.  The first two weeks of the season, the coach pitches, after 2 weeks then player-pitch, but only three innings.  A batter hit by the pitch does not take the base.  Batter gets three strikes swinging or called, and/or five balls.  Teams bat no more than 10 players per inning, three outs or 10th batter put out or walk.  Teams play with 10 players in the field.  12-inch softballs are used.  Batters must wear helmets and catcher must wear catcher’s equipment.  Home team must provide the umpires.

Season:  The season runs from the middle of June to the end of July.  The season runs for 6 weeks and plays twice a week on Mondays and Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.  Games have a 1 ½ hour time limit or 6-innings.  A picnic is held at the end of the season for the Brewers, Cardinal, and Minor Leagues where a game is played first.  A family pot luck, with hot dogs and drinks, is furnished by the Commission.

Team Composition:  The programs director and coaches select teams based on school areas when possible.  Teams from West Middleton and Sauk City are in this league so some travel is involved.