(MBA)
Why MBA? With the continued growth of McKinney and the interest in Baseball never being greater, we are frequently asked about the McKinney Baseball Association…………
MBA is a 50 year old non profit organization that is governed by a Board of Directors representing a wide cross section of McKinney, each responsible for different aspects of our continued success.
In the spring of 2001 over 900 boys and girls participated in MBA. We also had a record number of teams, {80} with players ranging from 5 years of age to 14. We had a record number of 9/10-11/12 year old teams {42}.
There are many excellent youth baseball affiliations MBA is associated with. AABC {American Amateur Baseball Congress} which is the largest youth baseball association in America and USSSA {United States Specialty Sport’s Association} which is the fastest growing sports association in America are two of the organizations. MBA has chosen to affiliate with these two National Organizations, simply because we feel it offers the maximum opportunity for each player through several distinctive advantages.
MBA allows for the maximum number of league games. Because of nationally mandated time restraints many other leagues play what could be considered an abbreviated schedule. MBA allows for the maximum amount of games, resulting in an expanded schedule that offers much more baseball experience at a reduced cost per game. We have found this additional time to be invaluable in the continued development of baseball skill sets.
MBA allows for a maximum number of Post Season Tournament Games, other leagues provide a format that only allows for 25-30 all stars {out of many hundreds} to experience the excitement of Post Season Play.
In 2001 MBBA sent a record number of TEAMS to Post Season Play {21} these TEAMS will play in both State and National tournaments, with teams traveling to Colorado and Missouri, not to mention the 200 boys that will be playing throughout Texas.
MBBA allows for Pre Season and Mid Season Tournaments, while other leagues are strictly prohibited from play outside of their league.
MBA has both an American {draft, recreation} and National {select} League. Many other leagues are so strictly governed by national bureaucracies that local leagues find it difficult to implement policies that are believed to be in the best interest of all the players. As a consequence, a 10-year-old player who can throw a baseball at 50mph is drafted to the same team as a player who has never played baseball. The MBA does not think this is in the best interest of either child. MBA has the flexibility to implement common sense policies to avoid this situation. Accordingly we offer all players 9-14 the opportunity to play in either the American or National Leagues, all players 5-8 participate in the American League.
The National League is generally geared toward the more serious players, parents, and coaches, who have a special passion for baseball. This league is often referred to as the “select” league because teams are formed by selecting 11-14 players of their choice. The players on these teams usually play together for several seasons and accordingly get continuous and systematic training from season to season. Many of these teams will conclude their season having played 25-50 games.
The American League {recreational} is geared towards the players, parents, and coaches that for whatever reason can not make the commitment to play in the National League. For many players they enjoy baseball but are less experienced or are involved in other activities and can not commit the time to play select.
The American league coaches are allowed to “protect” 7 players and will acquire the remainder of their team out of the draft after tryouts. Hopefully, this allows kids from a neighborhood or other group the opportunity to play baseball together, while preserving the draft to insure that all kids have the opportunity to play in MBBA.
Machine Pitch - for all of our 7-8 year old players we utilize a pitching machine to throw to all of the batters. MBA feels that this is more consistent than even the best of coaches who are attempting to throw to the smallest of targets. By using the machines the ball is delivered at a constant speed and allows for coaches to work on proper hitting mechanics. The pitching machine also prepares the player for live pitching when they turn 9.
MBA registers all American League {recreational} teams for Post Season play. Again, unlike other leagues who use an All Star system to reward a few players, MBA allows the TOP performing teams in each of their Divisions to advance to Post Season State Tournaments allowing for the maximum number of players to be rewarded.
The Ballpark in Arlington – Dr.Pepper Games. Again this year as in years past MBA has played at the Dr.Pepper stadium next to the Ballpark in Arlington. MBA had 24 teams participate in games on this miniature replica of the Ballpark. MBA also participated again this year in the “Salute To Youth Baseball” at the Ballpark with over 1700 tickets sold. Players from all age divisions were allowed the special privilege of marching in the parade.
The MBA is committed to providing the best that “youth baseball” has to offer, regardless of experience or ability. The MBA continues to work year round, not to become the best Baseball League in the area, but to become one of the Premier Leagues in the Country.
For additional information please e-mail us @ :
webmaster@mbbatx.org