Kinsmen Minor Baseball Program

Operated annually at the

John Brother MacDonald/ Kinsmen Ball Fields

Proud Home To The

2007 Pee Wee Atlantic Canadian Champs!

A Brief History…

 The Kinsmen Minor Baseball Program was started approximately 40 years ago by John Brother MacDonald through the financial support of the New Glasgow Kinsmen Club. Approximately 10 years later, the Kinsmen took the program over entirely and became responsible for all facets including funding, coaching, enrollment, scheduling and field maintenance, etc.  Eventually, the Kinsmen entered into a lease deal with the Town of New Glasgow to effectively take full responsibility of the baseball fields.

 Over the years, Kinsmen have experienced highs and lows on many fronts.  Enrollment once topped 400 kids and has actually dipped below 150 in some years.  In the most recent years, we have maintained a level of about 200 children annually.

 Today the entire program, including the upkeep of the fields, is 100% financed by the Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow

 Program Goals…

 To provide a quality but inexpensive minor baseball program with qualified coaching, adequate fields, facilities, and equipment to area children, so that they may have an opportunity to play, learn, and interact in a recreational atmosphere that is safe and fun.

The Program Details…

       Open to children between the ages of 4 -15

      Very cost effective: 

      Children are scheduled a minimum of 2 games and/or practices per week

      Program runs both during days and evenings

      Players receive instruction from qualified coaches

      Depending on division, schedule runs from 10 – 15 weeks

      Rep teams play out of town tournaments

      Employs 3-5 students per year

Outside Support…

 The Kinsmen Club is fortunate to have a strong base of partners to assist in the program.  First and foremost, there are numerous qualified coaches who dedicate their time and knowledge.  Secondly, every year we have parents who step up to assist with the program in a variety of ways.  Lastly, we have corporate partners who have donated resources from time to time to enhance the playing fields… NS Power and Higgins Construction are prime examples.

  Program Description:

Farm League (ages 5,6,7 ***) This program uses fun drill and low competition games to introduce players to the game of baseball. Throwing, catching, batting and base running are emphasized in a learning station format. Coaches pitch during the games with all players batting each inning. Farm league takes place 2 evenings per week, beginning at 6pm and lasting for one hour.

 *** 7 year olds may play Rookie depending on experience and skill level

Rookie League (ages 7,8 and 9) This program introduces the layers to more organized games although coaches still pitch and catch. The teams are part of a county league so players will sometimes play in neighbouring towns. Each team plays 2 evenings / week .When at home, Players on the New Glasgow teams will practice skills from 6:00 to 6:25 (Clinic) and them play their games at 6:30. Clinic is optional but allows all players to develop throwing, catching and batting skills before their game.

Mosquito League ( ages 10 and 11) This program is the beginning of players pitching and catching during their games and most regular baseball rules will apply. The New Glasgow teams participate in a county league and are selected to be as evenly matched as possible. There is also a Representative (rep) team chosen from the house league to participate in tournaments and provincial playoffs. Selected players must play on their house league team to participate on the rep team.

Peewee League (ages 12 and 13) This league is a county program with New Glasgow teams participating. Regular rules apply with some modifications to allow all players to develop. There is also a rep team selected from these teams (usually chosen be mid May ) to prepare  for provincial play.

Bantam (ages 14 and 15 ) This year there has been  only enough registration to field one bantam team. Players who are not selected for this team may be given the option of playing in the peewee league as long as they are still 14 years old. If there were enough registrations for a second team, this option would be considered.

For further information on Kinsmen Minor Baseball, contact:    Kinsmen Chairman  Dr. Ray Wagg   752-3653