The Weare Athletic Club is a non-profit organization that organizes a spring Baseball and Softball season for children in Grades 1-8. We do not organize the Weare Middle School teams. See the About The WAC page for information about the club and how you can help.
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Practices generally start during the first week of April, weather permitting, and games usually start in the first week of May.
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What are the different age levels?
Age 5-6:
The 5-6 Tee Ball program serves as an introduction to the game, focusing on learning fundamentals and having fun. Players start the season batting from a tee, until they are ready for the coaches to pitch to them. Teams are coed, and usually practice once a week. Games are played in Weare on Saturdays, and last about an hour. No scores or standings are kept. There are no outs, and all players play the field and bat each inning. Each player receives a hat and T-shirt to keep.
Age 7-8 baseball and softball:
At the Rookie baseball and softball level, players begin to refine their skills and learn how the game is played. The games are more structured, and traditional positions are played in the field. A pitching machine is used, and the sides switch when either the batting team scores five runs, or the fielding team makes three outs. Games are five innings, and usually run about an hour and a half. A scorebook is kept. All players are in teh batting order, and no player sits on the bench for two consecutive innings. Teams usually practice once a week, and play both home and away games against New Boston and Henniker. Girls can choose to play either softball or baseball at this age. Each player receives a hat and T-shirt to keep.
10U (10 and under) baseball and softball:
For baseball and softball players at the 9-10 level, most of the traditional baseball and softball rules are followed. Special rules include a five runs-per-inning rule, and players who pitch are limited to three innings per game and six innings per week. All players are in the batting order, and every player must play at least two innings in the field. Softball players use an 11 inch ball, pitch from 35 feet, and cannot lead or steal. Base ball players use a Babe Ruth approved base ball, pitch from 46 feet, and can steal but cannot lead. Games are played against other towns, and there are playoffs at the end of the season.
12U (12 and under) baseball and softball:
At this level, softball players use a 12 inch ball, pitch from 40 feet, and are allowed to steal. Halfway through the season, pitching rules are relaxed and player may pitch six innings in one game (but are still limited to six innings per week). All players must play at least two innings in the field, and come up to bat at least once a game. Games are played against other towns, and there are playoffs at the end of the season.
14U (14 and under) softball: At this level, the team plays in Kearsarge Mountain South, but may also play Kearsarge Mountain North teams as well. Most of the traditional baseball and softball rules are followed. All players must play at least two innings in the field, and come up to bat at least once a game. There are playoffs at the end of the season.
Age 13-15 baseball: At this level, Major League field dimensions and rules are in effect. This team plays in the Kearsarge Mountain North league, and there are playoffs at the end of the season.
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The Weare Athletic Club is primarily a recreational organization, so there are no tryouts for the regular season. Every player who signs up is placed on a team. We do, however, use evaluations to ensure that our teams are evenly matched. Once the regular season ends, tryouts are used to select All-Star teams for players at the 9-10 level and above. These All-Star teams are comprised of players from several towns, not just Weare.
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The Weare Athletic Club is a recreational program, and all players will play in every game.
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