The SOAC travel baseball program known as the Shrub Oak Hornets consists of the elite baseball players in Shrub Oak.  The travel baseball program is for players who already have the basic skill sets and are looking to improve their abilities through advanced practice and competitive play.  Depending on the interest level, the Shrub Oak Hornets typically consists of teams from age 8 through 18. This is a competitive baseball program for players with advanced skill level.  All of our teams play in the Greater Hudson Valley Baseball League (GHVBL) during the summer season (June - August).  Some of our teams also participate in the GHVBL spring season (March-May) and most also play in the fall season (September-October).  To be eligible to play travel baseball all of our players participating on the 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, and 12U teams must play in the spring in house rec baseball program.  Our 12U team typically travels to Cooperstown, NY for a week over the summer to compete against other teams from around the country. Teams also have the options to participate in various tournaments offered throughout the summer months. The 8U team will play their games on a standard little league field and pitch from 42' feet away and have the option to play ten players in the field. The 9U and 10U teams will also play on a standard little league field and pitch from 46' feet with a max of 9 players in the field. The 11U and 12U teams have the option to keep playing on the standard little league fields or play 50/70.  50/70 is the transition age from the little league field to the standard 90' diamond. Pitchers will pitch from 50' away and the base paths are 70' in length. The 13U and older play on the regulation 90' baseball diamond.  Pitchers pitch from 60' 6" away.

Unlike in-house, players are not rotated for equal playing time or equal opportunity at a position.  Up to and through the age of 12, players are guaranteed two innings in the field and one at-bat per game.  From 12 and up there are no minimum play requirements.  As mentioned, Travel Baseball is a more competitive form of baseball. Scores and standings are kept in all divisions, and only the top teams will make it to the playoffs.  Only nine (9) players play in the field (with the exception of 8U), and typically you can only bat ten (10).  In the in-house program, we have “free” substitution rules.  In travel, substitutions are closely tracked.  As a result of this, we strive to put 12 players on a team. Due to the amount of pitchers that are needed, some coaches may opt for a larger roster. In addition, some rules such as stealing, bunting, and tagging-up at the 9-12 year old age groups will be different than those of our in-house program, meaning that they are closer to the rules followed by Little League Baseball or even High School Baseball.  Although the league itself is competitive, our coaching staff will work with the players to advance their skills while providing a safe and fun environment and not focus solely on winning.
Any questions regarding the Shrub Oak Hornets travel baseball program should be addressed to the SOAC Director of Baseball - Jay Tomasulo via email: at [email protected].