Pony Baseball is a youth baseball organization that provides opportunities for players ages 3 to 18 to participate in organized baseball leagues.  Pony Baseball emphasis on fair play and healthy competition. Our leagues prioritize integrity, respect, and teamwork, instilling in players the values that extend far beyond the diamond. Through the ups and downs of the game, athletes learn valuable life lessons, forging friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

> What are the age divisions in Pony Baseball?

Pony Baseball offers divisions ranging from Foal (ages 3-4) to Colt (ages 15-18), with divisions tailored to different age groups in between. For ages 15-18 their season runs June 1st- December (based on field availability) 

Foal (3 -4 year olds)
Shetland (5-6 year olds)
Pinto (7-8 year olds)
Mustang (9-10 year olds)
Bronco (11-12 year olds)
Pony (13-14 year olds)
Colt & Palomino (15-18 year olds)

> Can my child play UP one level/division?

If your child is within one league-age year of being in the next division higher, it is possible for him/her to move up one level. Generally we advise players to play within the division that their age mandates. We do this to keep the teams balanced based on age, maturity, ability and safety of our players  IMPORTANT: Pony rules do not allow a player "playing up" to be all-star eligible for the age-level of his actual age, only the level they played in.

> Do ages 3-6 play tee-ball?

No. Our little guys hit off a machine, called a Blue Flame. This helps them develop good hand-eye coordination as well as motor skills. We have done it for 18 seasons now and been very successful. These little guys will amaze you at how fast they learn.

> Do you have to be a Fontana Resident to play? 

We do not have city Boundaries.  We are not bound by streets meaning you do not have to be a Fontana resident to participate in our league. 

> What is  Resident vs Non-Resident? 

City of Fontana regulations require all leagues to maintain a player residency requirement of 80/20 to have access to fields and practice sites. While FBA has always met the residency requirement in previous years, our percentage has come close to the minimum requirement the last few seasons and we want to make sure our families are aware of the situation. Fontana Parks and Recreational department monitors our league registrations very closely.

> What equipment do players need for Pony Baseball?

Players typically need a baseball glove, baseball cleats, a bat, and a helmet. We provide catchers gear to coaches.

> Are there tryouts for Pony Baseball leagues?

During Spring season we hold player evaluations for Pinto age and above. Once you register a players agent will reach out to schedule before season starts. For Fall season we do not have evaluations.

> How long does the Pony Baseball season last?

The length of the Pony Baseball season varies depending on the league and division. Typically, the season runs from spring to summer, with playoffs and tournaments. Summer season kicks off All Stars which is then followed by our Fall season which typically kicks off in September. Yes we play all year long!

> What is the cost to participate in Pony Baseball?

The cost of participating in Pony Baseball varies by division and includes registration fees, snack bar buy out, equipment expenses, field maintenance, field permits, insurance and any additional league fees. For Spring season we also include a picture package. ( We do not include a players uniform ) Our mission is to keep fees as low as possible for the community.

> Do we have to participate in fundraising?

Yes, Our league does one mandatory league affiliated fundraiser each spring. This helps keep our registration fees low, stock our snack bar, repair or replace game and practice equipment. Fund Umpires for the season as well as offset additional cost occurred during the year.

> Are there volunteer opportunities for parents and community members in Pony Baseball?

Yes, Pony Baseball leagues rely on volunteers to coach teams, assist with field maintenance, and organize events. Parents and community members are encouraged to get involved and support their local league. All of our staff including board members are all volunteers.

> What is All Stars and What divisions/ages go? 

All Star play happens after our regular season has ended. The most talented players in each division are chosen for the teams to continue playing games against other PONY leagues in a quest to make it to the PONY World Series. This season requires travel.

The Foal division (3-4 year olds) team is guaranteed to play in the world-series. 
All other age groups are by age group. Such as 5u,6u,7u,8u,9u,10u,11u,12u,13u,14u,16u18u.

> What are the differences between Little League and Pony Baseball?

Primary features that distinguish PONY baseball from Little League baseball are:

Scaled Diamonds - Up until and including age 12, Little League players play on a 60-foot diamond.  From 13 on, the players use 90-foot diamonds. PONY baseball, on the other hand, scales the size of the diamond to match the physical capabilities of the players. The dimensions for PONY baseball are:

35-foot bases for Foal (3½ -4 year olds)
50-foot bases for Shetland (5-6 year olds)
50-foot bases for Pinto (7-8 year olds)
60-foot bases for Mustang (9-10 year olds)
70-foot bases for Bronco (11-12 year olds)
80-foot bases for Pony (13-14 year olds)
90-foot bases for Colt & Palomino

Rules More Like Major League Baseball - The scaled diamonds allow for baseball more similar to the Major Leagues. For example, at the Mustang level and above, base runners can lead off and steal. (As a result, pitchers learn how to pitch from the stretch, hold runners on base, and are accountable for balks.) There are no lead offs in Little League rules until age 13. Additionally, in Little League there are sliding restrictions as well as bat size restrictions.

Age Groups - Pony teams are grouped in two year age increments, from ages 3 through 16. Most Little League organizations divide players by skill level into groups with three-year differences between players.

Pony is typically considered more of a competitive league with the goal to prepare players for high school baseball.

> How often are practices and games scheduled?

Each team receives a practice schedules. On average teams practice 2-3x per week preseason. When the season officially starts, teams will have one game during the week and one game on Saturday. Your child's manager will provide you with a game schedule and game times. If you cannot make it to a practice or game for any reason you should inform your child's manager, coach or other team representative.

> Do we travel for games?

There may be times when the PONY division does travel and inter-league, since it is high school prep. The Colt- Palomino division does travel.