As some know, FNYB and Cal Ripken have recently merged into a single FNYB. This merger was touted as a means to created a bigger and better league for OUR KIDS. Now, in my 13 years with FNYB as a player, coach and parent, I have never known them to ignore child safety. However, this year they have decided to change our Rookie(Micro) division of SEVEN and EIGHT year olds into a 100% kid pitch division. Keep in mind that the jump from the (FNYB)PeeWee division already brings a larger playing field, longer baselines, the ability to steal and other progressive changes. Not to mention the seven year olds who were 6 last year playing tee ball in Cal Ripken! The Rookie division is still considered instructional, yet our board has somehow forgotten that and decided a change to 100% kid pitch in the name of competition, was more important than our kids safety and well-being…

Tommy John: Advice for Kids & Preventing Sports Injury

https://www.ocregister.com/2018/02/16/dr-tommy-john-pitches-advice-for-kids-and-parents-on-preventing-sports-injuries/

Please check out the article above and draw your own conclusion but I personally believe that seven and eight year olds are still too early in their development, both physically and in the game of baseball, to pitch full time. I do realize that there are kids that exceed the standard but they are the exception, not the rule. Question is, since when do we change the rules for the benefit of some and completely forget about the majority? That said, I will end my rant but I do ask you to please sign this petition and make sure FNYB doesn’t forget what really matters, our kids and their safety.