Phoenix is Arizona's premier youth baseball destination, offering year-round play, spring training facilities, and elite development programs. Families benefit from the city's warm climate, MLB Diamondbacks influence, and access to world-class facilities that host professional teams.
Community-run Little League offering divisions by age and skill with emphasis on fun, teamwork, and fundamentals.
Ages: 4-12
Seasons: Spring (main), Fall (developmental)
Traditional Pony Baseball program serving Phoenix families with balanced teams and trained volunteers.
Ages: 4-14
Seasons: Spring (main), Fall (developmental)
Premier Arizona club with MLB development pathway, college placement, and national tournament success.
Ages: 8-18
Leagues: Perfect Game, USSSA, Arizona Premier
Fields: Salt River Fields, Sloan Park, Regional facilities
Established Phoenix club with strong college pipeline and tournament success.
Ages: 8-18
Leagues: Perfect Game, USSSA, Arizona Premier
Fields: Salt River Fields, Regional facilities
MLB Diamondbacks-affiliated development program for elite youth players.
Ages: 12-18
Leagues: Perfect Game, USSSA, Arizona Premier
Fields: Chase Field area, Regional training facilities
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt River Fields at Talking Stick | 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 | professional spring training facility, multiple fields, parking, restrooms | Premier spring training facility used for tournaments and elite training events. |
| Sloan Park | 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201 | professional spring training facility, multiple fields, parking, restrooms | Chicago Cubs spring training facility used for tournaments and showcase events. |
| Phoenix Municipal Stadium | 5999 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | professional stadium, training facilities, parking, restrooms | Historic stadium used for tournaments and youth development programs. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Diamondbacks Youth Academy | MLB Diamondbacks-run camps and clinics focusing on professional development and skills. |
| AZ Sandlot Training | Year-round training programs and specialized clinics for competitive players. |
| Phoenix Baseball Academy | Local training programs and clinics for youth development. |
| Phoenix Classic | Major tournament hosted at Salt River Fields drawing elite teams from across the Southwest. |
|---|---|
| Arizona 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
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
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. |
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
Find comprehensive youth sports guides for your area. Each guide includes local leagues, clubs, fields, camps, and resources to help your child succeed in their chosen sport.