South Orange and Maplewood Baseball and Softball organizations accepting registration

MAPLEWOOD – Four registration dates have been scheduled for all South Orange and Maplewood children planning to play baseball or softball this spring:  

• Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23 and 24.
• Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6 and 7.

In-person registration can be completed at either the Baird in South Orange or Town Hall in Maplewood on these dates. All registration sessions will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Representatives of the South Orange and Maplewood baseball and softball organizations will be on hand at all registration sessions to answer any questions about the programs.

BASEBALL

All first-time registrants to the South Orange-Maplewood Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Baseball program must register in person at one of the listed registration sessions and bring a copy of their birth certificate. Returning players have the option of online registration through Feb. 8 at www.thebaird.org. All children wishing to participate in spring baseball must register by Feb. 8. There is no guarantee of team placement for those who do not register by this date.

South Orange-Maplewood Baseball is operated under the banner of the national Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth organization and is open to South Orange and Maplewood residents, ages 5-15 (as of April 30). The program begins with T-Ball for 5- and 6-year-old children, Rookie League (coaches pitch) for 7- and 8-year-olds and then the Minor, Majors 60, Majors 70 and Babe Ruth Leagues.

Training for coaches is a priority for the South Orange-Maplewood Baseball organization. A number of clinics and seminars will be offered for first-time and returning coaches.  SOM Baseball wants every parent volunteer to be provided with the training and support necessary to succeed and enjoy their coaching experience.

For complete details about South Orange-Maplewood Baseball, visit the league website at www.sombaseball.org.

SOFTBALL

The Maplewood-South Orange recreational softball program is open to all girls from kindergarten through eighth grade. Divisions are historically grouped by grade as follows (divisions may change based upon registration numbers):  

Kindergarten and First Grade – Tee Ball.

Second and Third Grades – Coaches Pitch.

Fourth and Fifth Grades – Junior Division, following modified ASA rules.

Sixth through Eighth Grades – Senior Division, more closely following ASA rules.

Practices will be held for all divisions prior to the start of the season. Friend requests (one per player) are accepted for grades K-3.

Interested softball players are strongly encouraged to register in person at one of the above listed registration sessions. Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions. Registration is also available online at www.twp.maplewood.nj.us.

Registration for softball will continue online and at the Maplewood Recreation department until Feb. 21. After Feb. 21, planning for teams will begin and girls may be placed on a waiting list.  

Volunteers are needed as coaches and in many other areas in order to ensure the success of the softball program. Check the MSO Softball web site for up-to-date information at www.msosoftball.org.