Many parents wonder whether their child is ready, or want to prepare their player, for the next Division in OBA. To help you better understand your child's readiness, here is a brief summary of the minimum skills required for each Division.
Pinto
Player must demonstrate basic baseball skills - play catch, catch the ball with a mitt, throw the ball with a relatively normal motion, and hold & swing a bat properly. For a more detailed description of Pinto requirements and overview, click here.
Mustang
Player must field ground balls with proficiency and proper form, catch at least 50% of fly balls hit to them in the outfield, throw with increasing pace & accuracy - target distance of 60 feet (base distance), and must hit faster pitches (35-40 mph batting cage speed) and make semi-consistent contact.
Bronco
Player skills must advance further, demonstrating further proficiency at all skills described. Player must: understand baseball rules, be able to follow coaching signs, catch with proficiency and proper form - including fielding and catching fly balls (i.e. rarely miss or drop ball), throw with increasing pace and accuracy - target distance 70 feet (base distance), hit any speed pitches (minimum 45-50 mph batting cage speed) and consistently make contact, execute a bunt, and demonstrate solid base-running skills (e.g. sliding, speed, base-running rules).
Pony
Expectations at the Pony level are generally very high. A player must be proficient in all aspects of the game, and must possess very strong throwing, catching, fielding, base-running, and batting skills. A player must have all skills required for Bronco, plus "expertise" at one or more positions, a solid understanding of strategy and is be more adept at situational issues depending on position played.
For a more detailed description of the required skills and development goals for each Division, go to www.obabaseball.com.
