13-Year-Old Prep Division
The Prep 13 year old is a Little League/Cal Ripkin graduate's first chance to move up to the big field. The 60' base pads grow to 90' and first base is a long way away. The throw from third to first is like a rainbow, hits that were once outfield triple baggers become routine infield outs. It is a daunting challenge, but when we're in it together, we grow together. By the end of the season, outfielders, who in the minors were clover pickers, need to be skilled at running fast to track and catch fly balls, and making accurate throws in to the correct base. Confidence returns at the plate, and pitchers give 'em the heat. It's a wonderful learning process and Babe Ruth 13's do it together.
In an effort to encourage more participation in the game of baseball, the International Board of Babe Ruth League, Inc. approved at the beginning of the 1976 season the introduction of the Babe Ruth Baseball Prep League.
Under the Prep League rules, the team rosters must be composed of all 13-year-old players and shall consist of no less than 12 players and no more than 15 players. In order for the Prep League to be accepted by Headquarters, the local parent program must be a chartered Babe Ruth 13-15 League.
Studies have shown that many young players lose interest in the game of baseball when they do not get ample playing time in games once selected for an organized team. In addition, it has been found that players have expressed fear of competing with 14 and 15-year-old players who have already experienced one to two years playing on the standard 90-foot diamond.
With the Babe Ruth Baseball Prep League, the 13-year-old player now has that chance to play, avoiding the possibility of his losing interest in playing baseball. Babe Ruth Baseball also features a 13 Year Old World Series.