******************************************************************************* "The biggest difference between Cal Ripken and Little League lies in just a few steps.
In the major division, Cal Ripken's pitching distance is 50 feet and the bases are 70 feet apart
(compared with 46 and 60 feet, respectively, in Little League).
Referred to as 50/70 play, this allows base runners to lead off,
stealing is permitted and pitchers work out of the stretch with runners on base."
******************************************************************************* Cal Ripken implemented this at the 11-12 age group to help players
transition to standard baseball fields that feature a
60-foot pitching distance and 90-foot base paths. [Brick American will allow experienced
10 year olds into 50/70 pending a tryout]
******************************************************************************* Cal Ripken Baseball also promotes the intangible aspects of the game.
Its site is dotted with mantras about sportsmanship
and learning to play "the right way, the Ripken Way."
The excerpts above are credited to a Tampa Bay Times article from April 2, 2014, written by Brandon Wright which accurately discusses the differences between Little League and Cal Ripken. Click Here to read the article.