Frequently asked questions

What are NBBA's different divisions

NBBA’s divisions are based on age, with an opportunity play up based on skill and the number of players in each division (e.g., the number of players per team is an important consideration in deciding whether to permit a player to play in a division-ahead:

Little Newps: Ages 3 and 4
Shetland American (T-Ball): Age 5
Shetland National (Coach Pitch): Age 6
Pinto American (Machine Pitch): Age 7
Pinto National (Kid Pitch): Age 8
Mustang: Ages 9 and 10
Bronco: Ages 11 and 12
Pony: Ages 13 and 14

Based on my child's age, which division is appropriate?

Your player’s “Pony Age” is based on the player’s age on April 30 of the baseball season that they are (or will be) playing in. For example, a player who will turn 9 on March 12 of the upcoming spring season is considered to be “Pony Age 9” even though he or she is actually 8 for a portion of the spring baseball season. To determine the Pony Age of your player, you can use the linked chart below.

NBBA Age Chart

Evaluation Day for Upper Divisions

Player evaluations are required for players who intend to play in the “upper division” (i.e., Pinto National, Mustang, Bronco, or Pony). The evaluation day allows coaches to assess players' skills, abilities, hustle, and attitude in anticipation of the draft, which will occur near the end of January.

Evaluations will consist of fielding fly balls, ground balls, throwing, and batting. Players should bring a baseball glove, hat, cleats, and bat (if they have one).

Player Evaluation Day is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Uniforms

NBBA provides a jersey (shirt) and hat for each registered player. Little Newps will have color-based jerseys, while Shetland American (Age 5) and above will have MLB-based jerseys and hats. Many jerseys will contain a sponsor-logo on one of the sleeves.

Players will be required to supply their own:

Helmets
Bats
Gloves
Uniform pants, belt and socks (Note: Little Newps and Shetland Divisions include belts and socks)

Each team will be provided an equipment bag with a few helmets and bats, but most players opt to use their own helmet; sharing bats is okay as well.

what will the practice and game schedule look like?

Practices for the spring season will begin in February, games are scheduled to begin on or around March 7, and the regular season will conclude in May. Regular season playoffs will take place for Pinto National, Mustang, Bronco, and Pony, and will conclude by mid-May. Post-season all-star play for some divisions and players begins in late May and will conclude sometime in late June. Games during the week are scheduled for 5pm. Games occur on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. The season's game schedule will be available by Opening Day (March 7), while Practice schedules are determined by each coach after teams are formed in early February.

When does registration occur?

Registration for Spring 2026 is open until January 9, 2026 for Pinto National, Mustang, Bronco, and Pony. Registration for Spring 2026 is open until early February for Little Newps, Shetland division, and Pinto American.

Is my child guaranteed a spot on the team?

Yes! Every child that has completed their registration on time will be placed on a team.

Are there any discounts to the registration fee available?

Please reach out to NBBA President, Erich Schellenberger, to inquire about need-based scholarships: President@nbbaseball.com

Can I request a particular coach or friend?

For ages 7 and under (Newps - Pinto American machine pitch), you will be able to make coach/friend requests during registration. The league makes it's best effort to honor all requests, but sometimes team sizes will require placement on another team.

For ages 8 and up (Pinto National kid pitch - Pony), teams are formed by draft.

How does the draft work?

Coaches evaluate the players at tryouts (Evaluation Day), and the league facilitates a draft wherein the coaches take turns picking players from the eligible pool. This ensures the fairest distribution of talent throughout the teams.

How can I volunteer to help with NBBA Events or Operations?

We are always looking for parents who want to help us in providing a great baseball program for our community. Please reach out to NBBA President, Erich Schellenberger: President@nbbaseball.com

How are all stars selected?

Our All Star selection process is outlined here

How can I find out more about becoming a sponsor for nBBA?

Please reach out to our Sponsor Coordinator, Michael Woessner: michael.r.woessner@gmail.com