Junior Baseball of Oregon - Senior Division

Junior Baseball of Oregon, Inc., is independent of any of the traditional nationwide baseball organizations, and governs eight separate "Districts" within Oregon. The JBO organization generally plays by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules.

There are several modifications at the various age group levels that impact rules governing length of base paths and the pitching distances. JBO is set up for players 9-14 years of age, with three distinct age groups, Midget, Junior and Senior. Within each age group, there are also three distinct skill levels, National (recreational), American (more competitive), and Federal (very competitive).

Most member leagues also have their own independent "T-Ball" programs for the younger kids. Senior Leagues are aged 13 and 14, and Cubs are aged 15 and 16. The age of the players are generally determined by their age on July 31 of the year of the baseball season, though there are exceptions for older players who wish to participate with their school classmates.

Junior Baseball of Oregon, Inc., is an Oregon non-profit corporation that exists to provide young boys and girls an opportunity to participate in an organized baseball experience. It is the goal of Junior Baseball to provide each child, regardless of skill level, an opportunity to compete in baseball against other players of equal skill and age.

In JBO the field size grows as the kids grow so pitching does not dominate because of the mound distance.

• Fields are bigger: 80' base paths and 55' pitching distance for American and National; 90'/60'6" for Federal (regulation high school field)
• Bats are bigger: up to 2-3/4" barrel
• Games are longer: 7 innings
• Cleats can be metal spikes
• Leadoffs allowed

The primary difference is that JBO plays by amended high school rules, as opposed to most of the other youth league rules. Probably one of the most prominent rule differences is about base stealing. In the other traditional leagues, a player cannot steal a base on a pitched ball until the ball crosses home plate. In JBO, a player may take a lead off the base and steal at any time during the pitch. As the kids get older and more experienced, the "base stealing" rule makes for some very exciting baseball. The rule also teaches the kids smart base running techniques. They will need the techniques if they continue playing baseball as they get older. Possibly the best thing about Junior Baseball, is that when it comes to playoff time, a team goes as a unit. No "all-star" team is created.

Need to Know

National

Among teammates of their own age and experience level, players continue building and refining their fundamental skills while they begin to understand game strategy.

• Ages 13 through 14
• 80' base paths
• More instructional and recreational level

American

• Ages 13 through 14
• 80' base paths
• More competitive level

Federal

• Ages 13 and 14
• 90' base paths
• Most competitive level, usually last level before high school baseball