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FAQs

Who is this program for?

The Octavius Catto Youth Baseball League is specifically designed for:

  • first-time ballplayers;
  • those who are curious about baseball and aren’t yet sure if they’re ready to play hardball; and
  • kids who have recently started playing and want to develop their core skills before joining a competitive league.

What will programming look like?

Our coaches use EL1 Quickball equipment – foam balls, plastic bats, batting mats, and teaching tools often found in P.E. classes – and curriculum specifically designed to quickly introduce young athletes to baseball/softball through safe, accessible, fast-paced drills and games. Players will learn the rules of play session-by-session and will not use gloves when playing, keeping their learning focused to fast-track their development.


The first four weeks will focus exclusively on skill development through practices. Teams will begin playing games in mid-April. No scores or standings will be kept; the purpose of game play is to introduce ballplayers to competitive gameplay as a learning experience.


Why aren’t you using baseball gloves?

Gloves add both cost for families and complexity for kids. Our coaches work to teach their young ballplayers fundamental moto skills for long-term success, and gloves also allow athletes to be imprecise with their hand movements when catching the ball. In an effort to limit added costs and help our young athletes to develop more quickly, we will be playing with bare hands.


If you’re interested in purchasing a glove for your ballplayer, we recommend an 11-inch to 12-inch model. You can typically find entry-level (synthetic or leather-palmed) options for $15-45 at Ross, big box stores, or local sporting goods stores (Dicks’, C&M Havertown, etc.). For those looking for models above entry-level, we recommend fully-leather gloves, such as from the Marucci Youth Caddo Series ($70), Rawlings Youth Premium Series ($80), or Wilson A550 line ($80).


What equipment does my child need to participate?

For practices: Sneakers, athletic clothing, and a water bottle (optional: sunglasses)

For games: White baseball pants ($13-45), matching socks and belts (if your child’s baseball pants have belt loops) in the colors listed below ($20), sneakers or plastic cleats ($35-55), and a water bottle (optional: sunglasses)

  • 48th & Woodland: Kelly Green
  • Athletic: Orange
  • Christy: Black
  • Cibotti: Royal Blue
  • Clemente: Black
  • Dendy: Navy Blue
  • Francisville: Dark Green
  • James Finnegan: Yellow
  • Kingsessing: Red (socks provided by local donor; no need to purchase)
  • Lee Cultural Center: Purple
  • Tarken: Dark Green
  • Tustin: Black
  • Wister: Kelly Green

Hats, practice shirts, and game-day jerseys will be provided. Coaches also have free but gently-used pants, belts, and cleats for families; if you need some for your ballplayer, please speak with your coach.


When will hats, t-shirts, and jerseys be distributed?

Participants will receive their hats and practice shirts within the first three weeks of practices. Jersey tops will be distributed to families who regularly attend practices before games begin in mid-April.


How can I support my child’s development outside of practice?

In order for young ballplayers to develop, they must enjoy the game. Family members can support this by:

  • playing catch with their child (any ball a softball size or smaller will do);
  • watching or listening to Phillies or WPBL games together;
  • enjoying baseball movies together;
  • opening packs of baseball cards with their child;
  • introducing their child to age-appropriate baseball video games;
  • sharing stories from their own childhood about their experiences; or
  • anything else that encourages their young ballplayer to spend time with the game and people they love.

Family members looking to learn more about the sport and its mechanics can check out our Baseball 101 Guide for Families or EL1 Quickball’s YouTube library.


Where can I find more opportunities for my child to play baseball after the season?

Our coaches and administrators are connected to several programs across the city that offer opportunities for young ballplayers to play and deepen their experience within the game after the Catto League concludes. These include:

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