Travel Baseball
TRAVEL BASEBALL:
The West Orange PAL Mustangs play in the United States Amateur Baseball League, which is comprised of over 2,500 teams in the New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and the New York metro area for the spring, summer, and fall seasons. There are playoffs, Championship, a chance to qualify for the USABL League World Series. Teams are placed by skill and location, teaching the value of competition and good sportsmanship. Teams enter at least one USABL Tournament in the spring or summer season.Team selection is based on skillset and baseball knowledge.
COACH/PLAYER PITCH LITTLE LEAGUE (ages 5-7 year olds)
Location: PAL Baseball Field
This division is played on a 46/60 little league diamond. (46/60 diamond means 46’ from pitching mound to home plate and 60’ between bases). Standard little league rules apply with modifications for 7U. Coaches pitch the first two & last two innings; players pitch the 3rd and 4th innings. This program is built to teach the fundamentals of baseball, competition, teamwork and sportsmanship. Practice is required and you can expect 2-3 practices a week in order to prepare the players for the next level.PITCH (4 BALLS AND 3 STRIK
LITTLE LEAGUE (ages 8 – 10 year olds)
Location: PAL Baseball Field
This division is played on a 46/60 little league diamond. (46/60 diamond means 46’ from pitching mound to home plate and 60’ between bases). Standard little league rules apply with modified pitching rules. This program builds on the fundamentals of baseball progressing from 7U through 10U. Practice is required and you can expect 3-4 practices a week in order to prepare the players for the next level.
50/70 TRAVEL LITTLE LEAGUE (ages 11-12 years old)
Location: Degnan Park, Colgate Field
This division develops the skills learned in Traditional Little League and focuses on progressing to the next level of play. Leading and stealing off the pitcher's motion and balks are introduced on a 50/70 field (pitching mound 50’ to home plate and base paths are 70’). The concept of the 50/70 design is to bring high school rules to a manageable field size, allowing players to transition for success in high school on the 60/90 diamond. As you advance from each division it takes you one step closer to true baseball. Playing time is not guaranteed. The 12U team participates in the Cal Ripken Tournament Experience in Aberdeen, MD.
SENIOR TRAVEL LEAGUE (ages 13 – 14 year olds, 7-8th Grade)
Location: West Orange High School
The objective of this program is to provide players the opportunity to stay involved in organized baseball while sharpening their skils against local competition. Playing on a real full size field (60/90), players will engage in different aspects of the game using regulation baseball rules. This program prepares players for high school play and a greater respect for the game of baseball. Playing time is not guaranteed. The team has an annual tradition of playing Verona at the Home of Baseball: Doubleday Field Cooperstown, NY. This annual event includes a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame and tour of the flagship Baseballism store.
Important Links
2024 SPRING TEAM TRYOUTS
MAKE UPS: November 14-15*
6-7pm: Ages 5-14
WOHS Baseball Field
PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED:
https://bit.ly/WOPALBaseballTryoutsSpring2024
Winter Training: January - February
Spring Season practices & games: March - June
Spring Registration Fee:
7U-14U teams $350
Contact the PAL if you are unable to attend tryouts.
Games will be on Sundays. but subject to change dependent on team/field availability.
Tournaments run Friday-Sunday
Common Questions:
When does practice start?
Spring Season:
The Spring season begins with tryouts in October/November, winter training in January & February and the season running through mid June.
Winter training is 1 day a week during January and February. There is also winter clinics with the WOHS staff 1 day a week. In March practices move outdoors with 3-4 practices a week and games on weekends (usually Sunday).
Summer Season:
Summer rosters are selected in May with practices and games picking up at the conclusion of the Spring season. There are typically 2 games a week, with 2-3 practices during the week/weekend. The season concludes at the end of July.
Fall Season:
The Fall season begins with tryouts in August and the game season beginning in September. Teams practice 2-3 days a week with games on weekends (usually Saturday).
Do I need my own equipment?
Yes. Players will order their customized game jerseys, hats, & warm up shirts. You will also need to provide a navy belt, navy socks, white baseball pants, and cleats/sneakers, batting gloves, etc. While the PAL does have equipment most players provide their own mitt, bat, helmet, cleats, etc.
How is playing time determined?
The WO PAL is a competitive town travel baseball program. Playing time may vary as the season progresses. It is not guranteed. We believe in developing players through practices but game time decisions can vary on a number of factors. Tournament and Playoff games MAY be coached differently than regular season games.
How do I contact the coach?
Each team will have a Teamsnap account which will allow you to reach out to the coaches.
What league do you play in?
The PAL participates in the United States Amateur Baseball League (USABL). Teams also compete in tournaments in the spring. Our 12U 50/70 team will participate in the Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, MD and the 13U/14U teams play at the historic Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY.
How do I get involved in the PAL Baseball Program?
PAL is always looking for volunteers to help promote and create a positive experience for the youth of West Orange. Volunteer options include but are not limited to coaching, game day support, field maintenance, public relations and fundraising.
To get involved or for additional information, please e-mail info@wopal.org.