As mentioned on 700 ESPN Radio, we are holding an information night for coaches and parents that want to learn more about Spokane Pony Baseball.

February 23, 2012 6:00PM to 7:00PM at the SYSA Bingo Hall 2230 E. Sprague.

We will discuss why Pony is the competitive option in the Spokane area, how to get on or put together a team, our All Star program and other topics.

The 2012 Player registration opens Monday January 16th. Coach registration will open after January 23rd.

For the 2012 season we have implemented three major changes:

1. - In the Bronco and Pony divisions there will be no individual payments taken. Each coach will collect the player fees and pay by March 16th for Bronco and June 1 for Pony.
2. - The Mustang division will also collect payments from coaches (due March 16), but will also offer the ability to register and pay as an individual if you are not yet on a team. In this division we are generally able to put solid teams together through the individual application process. The two teams that were put together last year both made the playoffs. Players that have registered and paid will be placed on a team on a first come first serve basis. If for some reason you are not placed on a team your money will be fully refunded.
3. There is no longer a $200 sponsor fee.

PLEASE NOTE - all players and coaches still need to register as individuals.

2012 Fees:

Mustang - $1,600 team fee or $135 for an individual

Bronco - $1,800 team fee. For 2012 we will schedule 2 umpires for every game.

Pony - $2,000 team fee.

Shetland and Pinto - $80/player.

2012 Summary of Rule Changes

1. With input from numerous local Pony coaches, the Mustang (9/10U) and Bronco (11/12U) boundaries have been removed for the 2012 season. This is in line with the Pony age group (13/14U), which has not had boundaries for two years. Coaches and parents will be responsible for forming and joining teams that make the most sense for them. Teams will not be required to add players to their roster from individual applications, unless the team agrees to same.

2. Pony discourages pitchers from throwing breaking balls. The no breaking ball philosophy has been widely misunderstood the last few years, as it was in place to protect the health of our young players, not to equalize the level of competition. The decision to throw breaking balls will be up to the coaches and parents of a given player, it will not be regulated by the Pony Board or Pony Umpires. Protecting the players in our league is still the most important aspect of Pony baseball, thus Pony discourages the use of breaking balls.

3. All Bronco pitchers will be limited to a maximum of 4 innings in a game. The old rule allowed 12U players to throw up to 5 innings.

4. Bats with a 2 ¾ inch barrel will not be allowed in the Pony league at any age level.

5. If you bat the entire line-up, the minimum playing rule (in the field) of 3 innings will still apply, but the innings do not have to be consecutive. The coaches will have the freedom to move kids in and out each inning if they wish.

Congratulations to the 2011 9U Bombers.

Indians Announce 2011 Bob Robertson
Sportsmanship Award Winners

Spokane, WA--The Spokane Indians announced today that the Spokane PONY 9U Bombers have been named the inaugural recipients of the Bob Robertson Sportsmanship Award. The award, which is named after the Indians long-time broadcaster, was awarded to the team who best exemplified Robertson's motto of, "Always be a good sport. Be a good sport all ways."

The criteria for the award included:
--Respect for opponent
--Graciousness in winning or losing
--Observance of the rules
--Courage in difficult situations
--Enthusiasm for the sport
--Teamwork

Submissions for the award were collected throughout the season via the Indians website.

"The 9U Bombers team last season was comprised almost entirely of 8-year-olds, all playing up a year...this was a courageous effort for our players," said assistant coach John Hedy. "Our players showed up ready to go whether there was rain or snow...and they didn't complain; our kids simply wanted to play baseball."

The 9U Bombers will receive a $500 scholarship from the Spokane Indians which is used to cover league and team expenses. The Indians plan to honor the 9U Bombers at Avista Stadium during the 2012 season.

"After reading about what the 9U Bombers overcame during their season, it was apparent that they represented everything the Bob Robertson Award stands for," said Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. "We are glad that this award will be able support the continued growth of good sportsmanship in our community."

The 9U Bombers were coached by Rafe Kincaid and assistants Mark Blewett and John Hedy. Players included Jayden Blewett, Ryder Fleming, Steele Hammond, Tyler Hedy, Colter Kincaid, Andrew Lambert, Ben Maple, Jacob Reid, Nolan Ruegsegger, Joshua Schermerhorn, and Hunter Soles.

Nominations for the 2012 award will be accepted beginning in June.