YOUTH RECREATIONAL BASEBALL

2026 Spring Season Key Dates

Registration Opens:

02/02

Register & Pay by:

03/8

Games Begin:

03/30

Games End:

05/15

All- Stars Spring 2026

ABOUT: Babe Ruth All-Stars ProgramThe Babe Ruth All-Stars Program is an optional opportunity for players who want to continue their season at a more competitive level. 8U and up ONLY How Players Are SelectedAll-Star selections are based on coach evaluations submitted throughout the season. At the conclusion of each game, the opposing team’s head coach can rank up to three players from the other team.Coaches may assign each selected player a score between 1 and 3, with 1 point representing the top performance. Coaches may assign the same score to multiple players if they feel those athletes performed at a similar level. For example, a coach could give all three selected players a score of 2 if they believe each performed at that level. How Coaches Are SelectedCoaches submit nominations using the form linked below. Coach Nomination Form: https://kidsinc.formstack.com/forms/allstarscoachnomination_hswPlayer Commitment & ExpectationsBeing selected for an All-Star team is a commitment for both players and families. By submitting the form, you acknowledge:• Participation is separate from the regular league season • Additional costs apply, including but not limited to: - Jersey/uniform - Travel expenses - Gate fees and tournament costs - Players must be available and willing to travel for tournaments Important Tournament Dates• District Tournament: June 12–14 (Pampa) • State Tournament (if qualified): June 18–21 (Levelland) • Regional Tournament (if qualified): July 9–12 (Monroe, LA) • World Series (if qualified): July 24–August 5 (Florence, AL)
This program is a great opportunity for local players to compete at a higher level, represent Hereford Sports and Wellness, and continue developing their skills in a team environment.
SPRING SEASON

AGE: 5 - 15 (see chart below)

FEE: $65

LEAGUE INFORMATION:
  • Registration begins: February
  • Games Played: March - May
  • Game Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday
  • Teams will no longer be asked to secure a team sponsor
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
  • Team Jersey
  • Team Cap
  • Team Charter Fees with Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken
  • Team State Fees
  • Payment of Umpires
  • Game Balls
Hereford Sports & Wellness will be responsible for submitting all team charter fees and team state fees to Babe Ruth League, Inc.. Babe Ruth League Includes both the Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth leagues for our Hereford league players.

Baseball Rules

6U T-Ball
8U Coach Pitch
10U Minors
12U Majors
Ages 13 - 15
Draft Information

Baseball Operations

The City of Hereford has contracted with Hereford Sports & Wellness to operate and manage the John Bunch Complex, including leagues, tournaments, maintenance, and operations of the facility.
Thanks to the voters of the City of Hereford, we have a brand new, state-of-the-art baseball and softball complex for the children and families in our community! And if that's not enough, we have soccer fields in each of the outfields! What a great use of space and resources! As part of the fundraising campaign designed to provide amenities not covered by the apporved bond funds, Hereford Sports & Wellness received a very generous financial gift from Kevin and Cathy Bunch. This donation was provided to honor Kevin's father, John Bunch. Mr. Bunch was instrumental in the early days of youth baseball in Hereford. He played a huge role in the construction and maintenance of the former Deaf Smith County Kids, Inc. Complex. Today, the City's new complex will forever bear his name and will be known as the John Bunch Complex.
Cal Ripken Baseball
Teams with players ranging in age from 4 -12 years old will be registered in the Cal Ripken program.
More Information
Babe Ruth Baseball
Teams with players ranging In age from 13-15 years old will be registered through the Babe Ruth program.
More Information

Baseball Age Chart for 2026

All player ages are determined by the birth chart shown above. May 1 in any year shall be the deciding date.

Cal Ripken

  • Any player born prior to May 1, 2022 and on or after May 1, 2013 will be eligible for Cal Ripken Baseball League competition
  • Any player that turns 4 years old in the months of May, June, July, and August born in 2022 is eligible to participate in the Cal Ripken T-Ball Division.

Babe Ruth

  • 13-16 – Any player born prior to May 1, 2013 and on or after May 1, 2009 will be eligible for Babe Ruth 13-16 League competition.

Q&A

Q: What ages can play in the baseball program?
A: For Baseball, you can be 3-15.
Q: Can I register now and pay later?
A: Absolutely, Hereford Sports and Wellness and the Amarillo Kids Inc organization allows players to be registered now and pay later. Payment deadlines are updated each season.
Q: When does registration end for baseball?
A: Registration end dates are updated at the top of this page each season.
Q: What equipment will my child need?
A: Every baseball and softball player needs a glove and preferred bat. Follow Division rules on website for bat requirements. Teams will be provided (4) helmets for the season but if you like your child to have their own, a purchase of a baseball helmet will be needed. Baseball players arestrongly encouraged to have a protective cup in their possession. Softball players are required to have a field mask.
Where will the games take place?
A: All games will be played at the new ALL TURF John Bunch Sports Complex.
Q: What days will they play on?
League games will take place Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Divisions will have specific games days. Those specific days will be updated at a later date.