9U Tadpole

9U Tadpole is an exciting transition division where players begin developing many of the core skills and rules used in traditional baseball.

Players are introduced to live pitching, more advanced base running, increased defensive responsibilities, and a greater understanding of game strategy — all within a fun and supportive development-focused environment.

Spring Tadpole is a recreational “house” league, meaning teams primarily play within Cloverdale and do not travel during the Spring season.

What Changes at 9U?

Introduction to live player pitching
Pitching machines still used to support player development
Players begin learning pitching counts and arm care
Base stealing is introduced in limited situations
Score is kept during games
Players begin learning more advanced baseball strategy and positioning

Gameplay Overview

At the Tadpole level, games are played on 60-foot base paths using a softer version of a hard baseball designed for younger athletes.

Games are 5 innings long
8-year-old pitchers throw from 40 feet
9-year-old pitchers throw from 42 feet
No lead-offs are permitted
Players may steal 3rd base only
Players cannot advance home on an overthrow

To support player development and confidence, both live pitching and pitching machines are used throughout the season:

April: 1 inning live pitching + 4 innings machine pitch
May & June: 2 innings live pitching + 3 innings machine pitch

Pitch count rules are strictly followed to help protect young arms and encourage safe player development.

Scores are tracked during games, however league standings are not maintained until playoff season.

Pitching Machine Information

The Tadpole division utilizes the Louisville Slugger UPM45 manual pitching machine as part of player development during the Spring season.

Reference materials and setup information for the pitching machine can be found in the Resources section to the right.

Summer Baseball

Tadpole is the first division where players can participate in competitive Summer Baseball opportunities following the Spring season.

Tryouts are typically held in mid-to-late May, with teams competing from late June through the end of July.

CMBA commonly forms:

1–2 teams at the 9U level
1–2 teams at the 8U level

Summer Ball requires an additional fee and a significant time commitment from both players and families due to travel, practices, and tournaments.

Additional fees apply for players participating in the Summer program.

Fall Ball

CMBA also offers Fall Ball programs for many divisions following the conclusion of the Spring and Summer seasons.

Fall Ball is designed to provide players with additional development opportunities in a fun, lower-pressure environment while helping athletes prepare for the division they will be entering the following Spring season.

The Fall season is especially beneficial for players moving up to a new division, as it allows them to: