Junior Programs for 5 to 14 years of age
Cheltenham Rustlers has a proud history of providing a welcoming, fun and competitive junior development program. There are teams for all age groups and we welcome boys and girls from five years old through to 18 years of age. Players have successfully progressed from the junior ranks through to the seniors and many that started as juniors with the Cheltenham Rustlers have had successful careers internationally.
The summer season usually commences in early October of each year with pre-season training starting several weeks before then. The season has a break during the Christmas period and usually finishes in March.
The age categories are set by Baseball Victoria. To view what age group your child can play, please refer to Baseball Victoria’s Age Matrix.
Junior development pathway at Cheltenham Rustlers
| Name | Ages | Overview | Day of play | |
| Little League T-Ball | 5-8 | Great starting program to develop confidence and basic skills. Kids who are at the top end of the age bracket and are competent, may progress to the next level. | Saturday mornings | |
| Little League Rookie Ball | 8-12 | An introduction to baseball for newer/less skilled players | Saturday mornings | |
| Intermediate League | 11-14 | Also known as 50/70 baseball as the pitching and base path distances are longer. Players can now take leads. | Friday nights | |
| Little League Minors | 8-12 | For players with higher skill sets but not quite ready for Majors | Sunday mornings | |
| Little League Majors | 9-12 | For the player looking to play against the best and are considered to be most competent | Sunday mornings | |
| Junior League | 13-14 | State and metro | Sunday mornings | |
| For information on the 16 to 18 year old teams, please see: Program 16-18 | ||||
Mariners
Cheltenham Rustlers Summer baseball competition is a part of the Southern Mariners Charter for Little, Junior, and Senior League Representative baseball.
Mariners provide advanced coaching and representative opportunities through its Academy and All Stars program. For more information, please refer to the Mariners website.