Irvine is the premier youth baseball destination in Orange County, offering elite development pathways with year-round play, MLB scouts, and college programs. Families benefit from the Great Park Baseball Complex, multiple competitive clubs, and a strong academic environment that supports athletic excellence.
Community-run Pony Baseball offering divisions by age and skill with an emphasis on fun, teamwork, and fundamentals.
Ages: 4-14
Seasons: Spring (main), Fall (developmental)
Traditional Little League program serving Irvine families with balanced teams and trained volunteers.
Ages: 4-12
Seasons: Spring (main), Fall (developmental)
Premier Orange County club with MLB development pathway, college placement, and national tournament success.
Ages: 8-18
Leagues: Perfect Game, USSSA, Cal South
Fields: Great Park Baseball Complex, Hart Park, Bill Barber Park
Established Orange County club with strong college pipeline and tournament success.
Ages: 8-18
Leagues: Perfect Game, USSSA, Cal South
Fields: Great Park Baseball Complex, Regional facilities
Professional instruction and competitive teams with focus on player development and college placement.
Ages: 6-18
Leagues: Perfect Game, USSSA, Cal South
Fields: Great Park Baseball Complex, Training facilities
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange County Great Park Baseball Complex | 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618 | multiple baseball diamonds, turf fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Premier baseball facility with 8 full-size fields, home to major tournaments and elite training. |
| Bill Barber Memorial Park | 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606 | baseball diamonds, lights, parking, restrooms | Central community park with multiple diamonds for practices and rec games. |
| Hart Park | 18100 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 | baseball fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Popular venue for practices and small tournaments with well-maintained fields. |
| 4-6 | T-ball introduction. Focus on fun, basic throwing and hitting. Keep sessions short and positive. |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Coach pitch or machine pitch. Build fundamental skills and love for the game. Emphasize teamwork. |
| 8-10 | Player pitch begins. More structured practices and game situations. Introduction to positions. |
| 10-12 | Advanced skills development. Specialization in positions. Travel ball becomes an option. |
| 13-18 | High school preparation and college recruiting. Advanced tactics and physical conditioning. Competitive travel ball. |
| Rec | About $150–$275 per season; usually includes uniform shirt/hat and league fees. |
|---|---|
| Club | Roughly $1,200–$3,500 per year excluding tournaments, travel, and private lessons. |
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant | Helps families cover Little League registration fees for qualified players. |
| Every Kid Sports | Fee assistance for recreational youth sports participation. |
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| UC Irvine Baseball Camps | Elite camps run by UC Irvine coaching staff focusing on college-level skills and development. |
| Trombly Baseball Academy Training | Year-round training programs, private lessons, and specialized clinics for all skill levels. |
| Great Park Baseball Academy | City-run programs and clinics at the Great Park complex for youth development. |
| Great Park Classic | Major tournament hosted at the Great Park Baseball Complex drawing elite teams from across California. |
|---|---|
| Orange County Showcase | Annual showcase event for college scouts and MLB talent evaluators. |
| Always wear a helmet when batting |
| Use proper protective equipment |
| Warm up before throwing |
| Stay hydrated during games |
| Follow coach instructions |
A simple weekly rhythm you can actually stick to
arm strength — long toss, target practice
glove work — ground ball practice, fly ball tracking
bat control — tee work, soft toss
speed — sprint work, base path practice
strategy — cutoff plays, bunt defense
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Long Toss
Start close and gradually increase distance • Focus on proper throwing mechanics
Ground Ball Practice
Get in ready position with glove down • Move to ball and field with two hands
Tee Work
Set up tee at proper height • Focus on level swing and contact
How many minutes should kids practice at home? 15 minutes, 3–4 days a week builds skills without overwhelming young players. |
Do we need expensive equipment? Start with a glove, bat, and balls. Most leagues provide uniforms and some equipment. |
Rec vs travel ball? Rec emphasizes fun and balanced teams; travel ball adds higher commitment, tournaments, and specialized coaching. |
How do we choose the right travel team? Consider coaching quality, practice location, tournament schedule, cost, and team culture. Talk to current parents. |
What equipment is required? Glove, bat, helmet, cleats, and protective cup. Most leagues provide uniforms and catcher's gear. |
How are age groups determined? By birth year using Little League or USSSA standards. Most leagues use the player's age on April 30 or May 1. |
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