News and Announcements

BHS baseball pitching camp April 9 & 11

Posted by BPV at Mar 11, 2024 7:18PM PDT
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Bettendorf High School’s baseball program is hosting their annual spring pitching camp to help prepare Bettendorf Community School District students for a new season.

The two-session camp is Tuesday, April 9 & Thursday, April 11 at the Bettendorf Middle School gyms.

The camp runs both days from 5:30-7 p.m. for 3rd-5th graders and 7-8:30 p.m. for 6th-8th graders.

Among the skills to be taught: Pitching mechanics, throwing progression, windup & stretch positions, pickoff moves to 1st & 2nd base, different types of fastball grips, arm care and stretching.

Instruction from the BHS coaching staff and current BHS players.

The cost of the camp is $50.

Registration is available online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYLnW5x9OH3BP9Y4FK_gjcfZxHFUHTwIgv-7qEXhZSF-WwqA/viewform

For questions, email bettendorfbaseballclub@gmail.com.

BPV 2024 spring/summer registration open!

Posted by BPV at Feb 12, 2024 2:02PM PST
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The Bettendorf-Pleasant Valley Youth Baseball registration website is now open for the 2024 spring/summer season.

To sign up, visit: https://active.leagueone.com/Olr/Pages/Welcome.aspx?ClubId=14196

If you have played with BPV previously, you already have an existing account and won’t need to start a new one, but please review your contact information before registering. Newcomers will need to start a new account with their information by following the simple website prompts.

Exact dates will be released soon for tryouts and evaluations, but those season-starting sessions for the Minors (4th/5th graders) and Majors (6th/7th graders) Divisions typically are the final week of March or early April after Spring Breaks.

The general calendar always uses the first week of April to set teams in all divisions so practices can start 3-4 weeks prior to games starting in early May. The exception is the Seniors Division (ages 15-20), which follows the high school baseball schedule, with a late May start to games, and teams not settled until after high school team cuts are decided in many cases.

There also are separate Gold Divisions in Minors, Majors and Juniors for weekend travel tournament teams to play each other once per week to build positional depth.

If you plan on your child playing baseball this spring and summer, please register ASAP!

DIVISIONAL BREAKDOWN

The divisions offered this year are the same as last season (grades listed are for the current 2023-24 school year). NOTE: Divisions are determined by the player’s year in school, but sometimes the online registration system’s guard rails flag some birthdays for another division. (In that case, please contact a division director to request a correction). ALSO: In all divisions, all players bat in order and participation rules are followed:

— Coach Pitch: A beginning program for Grades K-1, or 2nd graders who have not played Coach Pitch in BPV previously. Younger players can request to play, however a season of tee-ball is suggested, with that separate city program an appropriate starting point for all children playing baseball for the first time. Second graders who have played BPV before are encouraged to play in the Rookie/Intro to Kid Pitch division (see below description). Coaches pitch to batters. Players run the bases with some restrictions. Three outs or a run limit (whichever comes first) defines the inning. Games are six innings, with teams playing games typically twice per week, and practice time available on the weekend once games start. April is set aside for practices with each team scheduling their practices according to available diamond times. Weather permitting, games run from late April/early May to late June/early July, with the program scheduled to wrap up prior to the July 4 holiday. The season ends with a postseason tournament and All-Star games, with all of the league’s participants receiving an award at the latter. Fields typically used are at Hoover School; the 23rd St. diamond at Middle Park’s Botanical Garden; and LeClaire’s Veterans Memorial Complex. Most teams grouped by school or special request by late March/early April. ALSO: LeClaire-only teams are a registration option on a first-come, first-serve basis as a convenience for LeClaire residents. Those interested in coaching are encouraged to contact the division director, Bob Jurkowski at rjurkows03@gmail.com, or his assistant Matt Wood at mcw1205@aol.com.

— Kid Pitch: Geared for 2nd and 3rd graders (or any advanced/veteran Coach Pitch players ready for a new challenge, with younger players allowed to request playing in this division). Kids pitch to hitters with restrictions (Coach Pitchers finish batters when Kid Pitchers issue four balls, with walks not allowed in this division). A mixture of rules are used from the Coach Pitch and Minors Divisions to prepare players for the next level. Games are six innings, with teams playing games typically twice per week, and practice time available on the weekend once games start. April is set aside for practices with each team scheduling their practices according to available diamond times. Weather permitting, games run from late April/early May to late June/early July, with the program scheduled to wrap up prior to the July 4 holiday. The season ends with a postseason tournament and All-Star game. Fields primarily used: Tyler Hurd Field at Ed Scheck Park & LeClaire’s Veterans Memorial Complex. ALSO: LeClaire-only teams are a registration option on a first-come, first-serve basis as a convenience for LeClaire residents. Most teams grouped by school or special request by late March/early April. Those interested in coaching are encouraged to contact BPV Secretary/division director Steve Tappa at tappasteve@gmail.com.

— Minors: For Grades 4-5. Full kid pitch with base-running restrictions. Games are six innings, with teams playing typically twice per week, and practice time on the weekend once games start. April is set aside for practices with each team scheduling their practices according to available diamond times. Weather permitting, games run from late April/early May to mid-July, with the season-capping All-Star games and a postseason tournament typically coming after July 4. Fields primarily used: Diamonds #10 & #11 at the Crow Creek Park 4-Plex and LeClaire’s Veterans Memorial Complex. Unlike Coach Pitch or Rookie/Intro to Kid Pitch, there are tryouts/evaluations at the end of March/early April to help strike a competition balance in this division, with coaches asked to draft their teams based on the assessments determined at the evaluations. For special requests, the only way to ensure friends are on the same team is by having a parent volunteer to coach with the parents of their child’s friend(s). Each team formed around a coaching group is able to protect a set number of players in the draft. NOTE: A separate gold division for weekend travel/tournament teams also is available to A) allow those teams separate weeknight games (typically one per week) and B) keep the playing field level for drafted non-tournament squads. Those interested in coaching are encouraged to contact the division director, Bob Jurkowski at rjurkows03@gmail.com, or his assistant Matt Wood at mcw1205@aol.com.

— Majors: For Grades 6-7: Full base running rules. Regulation games now seven innings, with teams playing typically twice per week, and practice time available on the weekend once games start. April is set aside for practices with each team scheduling their practices according to available diamond times. Weather permitting, games run late April/early May to mid-July, with the season-capping All-Star games and a postseason tournament typically coming after July 4. Fields primarily used: Diamonds #8 & #9 at the Crow Creek Park 4-Plex, and Crow Creek #6 (by the soccer fields). Same as the Minors Division, there are tryouts/evaluations at the end of March/early April to help strike a competition balance in this division, with coaches asked to draft their teams based on the assessments determined at the evaluations. For special requests, the only way to ensure friends are on the same team is by having a parent volunteer to coach with the parents of their child’s friend(s). Each team formed around a coaching group is able to protect a set number of kids in the draft. NOTE: A separate gold division for weekend travel/tournament teams also is available to A) allow those teams separate weeknight games (typically one per week) and B) keep the playing field level for drafted non-tournament squads. Those interested in coaching are encouraged to contact the division director, Matt Wood at mcw1205@aol.com, or his assistant Trent Kulig at trentjk82@gmail.com.

— Juniors: For Grades 8-9 (ages can range from 13-15). NOTE: If planning to play high school baseball, play in the Seniors Division on a full-sized diamond and sometimes against older competition and where more games are played. Teams are formed at a coaches meeting in late March/early April, with the coaching group deciding together if tryouts/evaluations are necessary. Full baseball rules (except dropped third strike) on slightly smaller-than-regulation fields (54-foot mound, 80-foot bases). Games are seven innings, with teams playing typically 2-3 times per week, and practice time available on the weekend once games start. April is set aside for practices with each team scheduling their practices according to available diamond times. Games typically start in mid-May (after some big school conflicts) and run to mid-July, with an All-Star game and a postseason tournament capping the season after the July 4 holiday break. Fields primarily used: Crow Creek #5 (on the hill behind the dog park) and Castro Field at Kiwanis Park/Paul Norton School. Some games in the past also have been at out-of-town destinations such as Eldridge, Long Grove and Donahue, versus teams from the North Scott and Wapsi Little Leagues. Bettendorf fields have lights, so night games with 6:30 starts are normal and doubleheaders (5:30 and 8 p.m. starts) are possible. NOTE: A separate gold division for weekend travel/tournament teams also is available to A) allow those teams separate weeknight games (typically one per week) and B) keep the playing field level for drafted non-tournament squads. Gold games can start in April and wrap before July 4, depending on the weather. For the drafted teams, coaches are needed to string together groups of friends/families. Those interested in coaching are encouraged to contact the division director, Steve Tappa at tappasteve@gmail.com, or his assistant Matt Wood at mcw1205@aol.com.

— Seniors: Ages 15-20. Grab your friends and create a team (adult coach needed). All registrants are placed on a team, and each team is placed in an age/skill appropriate division when participation numbers support those splits. 14-year-olds preparing to play in high school should play in this division. Players participating with a high school team are eligible (this is an especially good pairing with freshman baseball). Full baseball on a regulation diamond (60-foot, 6-inch pitching distance, 90-foot bases). Games are seven innings or limited by a 2:15 time limit. Teams play typically three times per week, with practice time available on the weekend. This is a Player Driven league, so there is a Players Meeting in late April/early May to set expectations and begin forming teams. However, registration remains open until the program is full — and rosters remain in flux until well after high school cuts are decided. Games start in late May around Memorial Day and run through late July, with a postseason tournament and All-Star game capping the season. The program ends before practices start for fall high school sports. Long holiday weekends are observed around Memorial Day (to allow for graduations & parties) and the 4th of July (to allow for quick trips). Lighted fields primarily used: Devils Glen Park, McCausland City Field and occasionally Crow Creek #5 or Castro Field at Kiwanis Park/Paul Norton School. Schedule includes doubleheaders (5:30 and 8 p.m. starts, with Team A playing Team B, and Team C playing Team D). Games are Monday through Friday, with Sundays also possible depending on participation numbers. Those interested in coaching or forming a team are encouraged to contact ASAP the division director, Steve Tappa at tappasteve@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE BPV

The calendar: Late March is when the season kicks off with tryouts/evaluations in the Minors and Majors Divisions. Coaches meetings also are held at this time in all but the Seniors division, with Coach Pitch, Kid Pitch and Juniors teams forming (exact dates are TBD). For all divisions except Seniors (which mirrors the high school season), April is set aside for practices. Games typically begin around May 1. Seasons end with a division tournament and All-Star Games. Depending on weather, all seasons should wrap up by mid-July except Seniors, which ends in early August. (NOTE: Coach Pitch & Rookie/Intro to Kid Pitch finishes by July 4). BPV also offers a separate Fall program with games on the weekends starting in mid-August and running through early October. Fall registration annually launches around the 4th of July and continues into August, with the Fall program running mid-August to mid-October.

Games: Expect to play a couple of games each week. Once games start, practice time is mostly available on the weekends, decided on by a team-by-team, first-come basis. (The two oldest divisions usually play 3 games per week, so practice time is scarce and practices are particularly rare in Seniors because of player availability). Exact game schedules determined by the number of participating teams closer to the start of games.

Awards: All participants receive an award in the Coach Pitch division, with an awards jamboree at the All-Star Games. In every division, the top teams in the regular season and tournament earn trophies. Additionally, the All-Star Game participants receive a keepsake for playing.

Equipment: All players receive a jersey and hat for their uniform. Baseball pants and shoes, as well as gloves are the responsibility of the participant. (Some also provide their own helmets and bats, but BPV also provides those, along with catchers gear, in a set of team equipment).

Fees: Cost for the season is $125 ($150 for Seniors to partially cover additional insurance costs) plus a $3 service fee for the online registration/organizational management service. However, BPV does not exclude participation due to financial hardship. For more information, please contact Steve Tappa (tappasteve@gmail.com or 563-676-8111). To help sponsor a financial hardship case, please also contact Steve Tappa.

Sponsorship: Our generous sponsors help make youth baseball an affordable treasure in our community. For information on sponsoring your child’s team, please contact Dan Escontrias (danesco33@gmail.com or 563-210-3489).

Volunteers: Helping keep our costs so low is the volunteerism we enjoy at all levels! Behind-the-scenes help running the all-volunteer organization always is necessary. Service-learning hours are available to help meet school requirements – or provide a resume item for college/work applications. Please consider volunteering your time (or high school or college child’s time) by contacting Steve Tappa (tappasteve@gmail.com or 563-676-8111).

Help wanted: Umpires are also needed and compensated for their work; contact Steve Tappa at tappasteve@gmail.com or 563-676-8111. Umpires are provided a blue BPV umpiring work shirt and the training program features a clinic with professional umpires in mid-April before the season starts.

KEY CONTACTS:

— Coach Pitch (Grades K-2): Bob Jurkowski (rjurkows03@gmail.com) or his assistant Matt Wood (mcw1205@aol.com). NOTE: 2nd graders who have played in BPV previously are encouraged to play in Rookie/Intro to Kid Pitch.
— Rookie/Intro to Kid Pitch (2nd-3rd Grade): Steve Tappa (tappasteve@gmail.com).
— Minors (Grades 4-5): Bob Jurkowski (rjurkows03@gmail.com) or his assistant Matt Wood (mcw1205@aol.com).
— Majors (Grades 6-7): Matt Wood (mcw1205@aol.com) or his assistant Trent Kulig (trentjk82@gmail.com).
— Juniors (Grades 8-9): Steve Tappa (tappasteve@gmail.com) or his assistant Matt Wood (mcw1205@aol.com).
— Seniors (Ages 15-20): Steve Tappa (tappasteve@gmail.com) or his assistant Tyler Kulig (tkulig77@yahoo.com).

NOTE: Coaches are needed in all divisions! (Contact any of those listed).

PV Youth Winter Camp on Jan. 6

Posted by BPV at Nov 12, 2023 9:35AM PST
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Pleasant Valley High School’s state title-winning baseball program is hosting its annual Winter Youth Baseball Clinic on Jan. 6 at the PV Junior High main gym.

The camp is for players in grades 2nd to 8th. Cost is $50 for the half-day clinic with proceeds benefitting PVHS Baseball. The registration deadline is Jan. 5, but there is a 100-camper limit.

The camp runs 9 a.m. to noon, with the clinic focusing on the fundamentals of throwing, hitting, baserunning, infield and outfield work, and pitching and catching.

Campers will be grouped by age and positions. Instruction provided by PV baseball’s coaches and players.

Check-in runs 8:30-8:50 a.m. the day of the clinic. Entrance to the camp is the east side door by the cafeteria. In case of inclement weather delaying the camp to another day, you will be notified by your registration email.

All campers should wear a hat/shorts/sweatpants/baseball pants
with a t-shirt and should bring a batting helmet, tennis shoes, glove and bat. Catchers may bring catchers equipment.

Online registration is available at https://pleasvalia.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/pleasantvalley.jsp.

If your camper does not attend a PV school, you can still attend the camp by registering with PVHS athletics secretary Johanna Pridemore at pridemorejohanna@pleasval.org.

A camp flyer is attached to this email. Please email PV coach Derek Stecklein with any questions at steckleinderek@pleasval.org.

The document PVHS_Winter_Baseball_Camp.pdf was attached to this post.

BHS Wiffle Ball Tourney on Dec. 28

Posted by BPV at Nov 12, 2023 9:31AM PST
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Bettendorf High School Baseball is hosting its 5th annual fundraising Wiffle Ball Tournament on Dec. 28 at Middle School.

This fun holiday tradition offers both an adult division and several youth divisions — 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade.

Each team consists of 5 players. Registration is $20 per player or $100 for a team.

The event flyer is included in this announcement and contains a registration form. Please make sure to list your email and team roster on the registration form. Any tournament communication will be sent to participating email addresses — including the game schedule by Dec. 26.

Please make checks payable to the Bettendorf Baseball Club. Team or individual checks can be dropped off at the check-in/registration table the day of the tournament. Proceeds benefit the BHS baseball program.

To register, or for more questions, email Bettendorfbaseballclub@gmail.com.

The document BHS_Wiffle_Ball_Tourney.pdf was attached to this post.

BPV's free youth umpire clinic Sunday, Aug. 13

Posted by BPV at Aug 8, 2023 8:10AM PDT
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Bettendorf-Pleasant Valley Youth Baseball is hosting a free umpire clinic from 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13 at Saldivar Field at Devils Glen Park.

Local high school umpires are again the chief clinicians for the annual fall training session.

BPV’s youth umpire program boasts nearly 100 participants with the best trained and most experienced of the crew graduating in recent years into the high school officiating ranks themselves.

Clinic participants will be grouped together by age and experience levels so rookies, less experienced and more experienced umpires all can gain knowledge and further their training.

Part of the clinic also addresses how the BPV operates and offers a team atmosphere for the umpire crew.

No advance registration is necessary. Coaches from every BPV division are invited to attend to get a perspective on the training and learn how to best work with umpires.

However, if you or your child are interested in umpiring during the 2023 BPV Fall Ball season, please plan to attend — and send an email expressing interest with the umpire’s name, cellphone number and email address to tappasteve@gmail.com.

In the event of inclement weather and the need to change plans, umpires will be contacted by email.

BPV Fall Ball games begin the weekend of Aug. 19-20. The Fall program runs to mid-October with no games scheduled Labor Day weekend.

Umpires are compensated for their work on a scale that depends on the day/division worked.