New to Bronco? Looking for Information to help your player who's progressing in baseball? You're in the right place!
Bronco is the 4th level of baseball in PTBA, comprised of 11-12 year old players. Bronco is where players will begin to play by MLB rules. Players will learn critical components of the game such as:
- Basic Rules - infield fly rule; balks.
- Baserunning - lead offs; steals; extra-base hits.
- Pitching and Throwing Mechanics - wind-up versus stretch; four-seam, two-seam grips, change-ups; pick-off moves, pitcher covering first and home
- Hitting - drill repetitions (tee work, soft toss, short toss, lob toss, one-arm drill); bunting, pitch selection, plate discipline
- Defense and Situational Baseball - cutoffs and relays; basic bunt defenses; basic first-and-third situations; underhand flip and double plays; defending the steal; infield and outfield communication and priorities.
In Bronco the pitching distance moves to 50' and the base paths move to 70'. Bronco games are primarily played at Peterswood Park #2, but may also play at Rec Center and Field #4. Bronco is still meant to be an instructional league where our main focus is on development, but it is definitely a more competitive league & the players generally care more about the wins and losses - but the coaches still strive to keep it fun. Understanding the rules of balks, base running, lead-offs and stealing are going to be even more important than in Mustang so as always, it is strongly advised to download the rules & go over them with your kids prior to the season starting so they understand the differences.
Now that you understand our mission; how can you help us execute?
- You can be your child's biggest fan. Just show up, sit back and enjoy watching your son or daughter continue to learn the great game of baseball - including "real" baseball rulles now! Cheer for them, their teammates and their opponents. Continue to help us teach them the value of hard work and good sportsmanship. This is taken to a new level now as you will have many opportunities to disagree with and be upset about umpires calls! Please remember our code of conduct & our mission.
- Volunteer to be a Team Manager, Coach, Team Mom, helper, etc. There are still plenty of needs and opportunities to assist at this age group. Remember to get your Act 33/34 clearances (without them, you can't be anywhere near the field or dugouts).
- More homework to do! Coaches will never have enough time with their teams to get in the amount of repetitions needed to master pitching, fielding and catching fundamentals. We need your help at home - work with the kids on the techniques they are learning at practice. Not getting enough reps at the plate? Take them to the batting cages, do some tee work or soft toss drills. Check out the video library for ideas!
- Bronco now has "real" baseball rules as well - especially around pick-offs, leading and stealing. Whether you're a parent, player or coach; take the time to learn the rules of the league so you understand why a balk is called, or why an out is called on an infield fly!
- Be positive at all times. If your child, your coach and/or the umpire makes mistakes (and they will), don't drag them down.. pick them up! The game is in the kids' hands now - which can be extremely rewarding, but also daunting. We need to be positive and continue to make it a fun experience if we want to keep them in the game - and we absolutely do!
- Get involved! We are striving to make the Peters Township Baseball Association the best sports organization in the area, and the best sports experience for our players. We can't do this without an active and involved membership base. Contact us if you want to learn about ways to get more involved.
If you have additional questions about the league, the expectations, the requirements, etc. Please contact us. If you need help with how to work on fundamental skills; please check out the videos and resources on this site. These are instructional videos from the very basic fundamental - to more advanced skill development.
Does your player need equipment for the season?? Please be sure to visit The Equipment Room for advice, regulations and offers before you buy! PTBA provides Hats and Shirts for Bronco players. You are responsible for Pants (color determined by your coach), Baseball Cleats (no metal, only plastic at this age), Glove, Bat (no big-barrels), Batting Helmet, etc.