Little Tykes and Rising Rookies are the coed starting point for Chelan and Manson boys and girls ages 3-6. The goal is a fun, safe first connection to the game before players move toward 8U CYB or CYF.
LT/RR is intentionally different from the older CYF programs. The pace is lighter, the rules are simpler, and the focus is helping young kids enjoy being at the field. They learn how to wear a glove, move safely, listen to a coach, hit, throw, run bases, and celebrate teammates.
It is also the one part of the pathway that welcomes both boys and girls. CYF Rec and Silvers are girls-only fastpitch programs, while LT/RR gives the youngest children in Chelan and Manson a shared baseball/softball foundation.
The age groups are close together, but the experience should meet kids where they are.
Built for preschool and pre-K players, usually ages 3-4. This is T-ball only, with simple movement, basic glove work, hitting from a tee, and parent or guardian presence expected at all times.
Built for kindergarten and 1st grade players, usually ages 5-6. This group uses a coach slow-pitch and T-ball hybrid so players can begin learning to hit coach-thrown balls while still keeping the game fun and manageable.
LT/RR depends on family involvement. Parents and guardians help keep young players safe, settled, encouraged, and moving in the right direction. Volunteer help also keeps clinics, stations, and teams organized.
When registration opens, sibling and team requests may be collected so the board can consider them while building groups. Those requests help, but they cannot always be guaranteed once numbers, coaches, and team balance are known.
Rising Rookies helps kids get ready for 8U baseball or softball. Boys may continue through CYB, and girls may continue through CYF Rec when they are ready for the girls fastpitch pathway.