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​Mahwah Little League Recreational Baseball Philosophy
Mahwah Recreational Little League baseball exists to give every child the chance to learn the game, grow as an athlete, and experience the joy of being part of a team. The focus is not on standings or trophies, but on skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun. Every player regardless of ability deserves meaningful opportunities to participate, improve, and feel valued.
 
The purpose of Mahwah Recreational Little League baseball is about developing young people, not just players. When kids learn to work hard, support one another, handle adversity, and enjoy the game, they carry those lessons far beyond the diamond. Our mission is to help every child discover the joy of baseball and the confidence that comes from being part of something bigger than themselves.
 
The Mahwah Recreational Little League’s Core Principles:
Player Development Comes First

• Coaches teach the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, throwing, and base running.
• Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities.
• Players are encouraged to try new positions and build confidence across the field.

Teamwork and Sportsmanship

• Players learn how to support teammates, respect opponents, and honor the game.
• Coaches model positive behavior and set the tone for a constructive, encouraging environment.
• Winning is celebrated, but never at the expense of integrity or inclusion.

Fun Is Essential

• Practices and games should be engaging, upbeat, and age‑appropriate.
• The goal is for every child to leave the field smiling and excited to return.
• A love for baseball grows when kids feel safe, supported, and free to enjoy the game.

Positive Coaching

• Coaches create a culture of encouragement, patience, and growth.
• Instruction is clear, constructive, and tailored to each child’s needs.
• The emphasis is on building confidence and character, not pressure or perfection.

Community and Family Engagement

• Families, volunteers, and coaches work together to create a welcoming, supportive environment.
• The league fosters friendships, community pride, and shared experiences that extend beyond the field.

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Recreation Baseball Directors 2026 Season:
For Questions about the League Only

Travel Baseball Commissioner
Alex D'Amico - [email protected]

Recreation Baseball Director
Andrew Perkins - [email protected]

Each Division will have its own Director.  You may contact the Rec Director (above) or visit the page for your division. 

Directors by division
T-ball - Matt Kennedy - [email protected]
PeeWee - Josh Simon - [email protected]
Minors - Andrew Perkins - [email protected]
Majors - Nick Barese - [email protected]
Kofax - 

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Baseball Divisions 
Read Below, or select the  "Recreation" menu above and Select Your Division

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What Mahwah Division Should My Child Play In ?

The Mahwah Recreational Baseball program makes it very easy to select the correct league. The recreation leagues are separated by grade. Mahwah Youth Baseball believes that using grades as a distinction in placing players in leagues enhances the enjoyment and safety of the game. Therefore, grade separation by league is strictly enforced. 



THE TEE BALL DIVISION  is a co-ed division for children in kindergarten. This is the first entry into the game for many young ball players.  Scores aren’t kept so, hence, wins and losses aren’t recorded. Tee-Ball games are played at Continental Soldiers Field. For the documented rules used in this league, see the baseball Web site under the Rec Leagues page.

THE PEE WEE DIVISION, in which second graders participate, also has coaches pitching to the batters, but as the season  progresses players begin to pitch to batters. The objective of this league is to get players comfortable with pitching off a mound and to prepare the players for the more traditional baseball rules used in the divisions for older kids. Scores aren’t kept so, hence, wins and losses aren’t recorded. Games are played at fields behind the Betsy Ross and George Washington schools. Some games also are played at Continental Soldiers Field. For the documented rules used in this league, see the baseball Web site under the Rec Leagues page

Third and Fourth Grades - 46/60 Field Size - DRAFT
THE MINORS DIVISION is for third and fourth graders*. It is the first league in which the more traditional baseball rules are used, scores are kept, standings are maintained and umpires govern the action on the field. It’s also the first recreation league in which a draft is conducted. Children in the division attend an assessment in early March to give coaches a chance to evaluate the skill level of players and help them prepare for the draft. Games are six innings. A non-seeded tournament is played at the end of the regular season. Children in the Minors division play on a field with a pitching mound 46 feet from home plate and base paths of 60 feet. Games in the Minors division are played at Riverside Park, Sam Braen field and Continental Soldiers Field. For the documented rules used in this league, see the baseball Web site under the Rec Leagues page. *An active 8u Mahwah Team Travel Player may qualify to play at this level, upon request by parent and approval by Travel Director and Rec Director.  

Fifth and Sixth Grades - 50/70 Field Size - DRAFT
THE MAJORS DIVISION is for fifth and sixth graders. There is no assessment in this division. A draft is held in March. A more traditional playoff tournament follows the conclusion of  the regular season and is based on regular-season standings. Games are six innings. The pitcher’s mound in the Majors division is 50 feet from home plate and the base paths are 70 feet apart. Games are played at fields at Fardale, Commodore Perry and Continental Soldiers Field. For the documented rules used in this league, see the baseball Web site under the Rec Leagues page. For 2017 Majors played inter-town, allowing all players to have a travel baseball like experience. For 2018 we are planning a similar experience.

Seventh and Eighth Grades - 60/90 Field Size - DRAFT
THE KOUFAX DIVISION is for seventh and eighth graders. A draft is conducted prior to the start of the regular season. A traditional playoff tournament is played at the conclusion of the regular season.  Subject to change, but historically early in the season weeknight games are six innings, seven innings on weekends. When daylights savings time is instituted, games are seven innings both during the week and on weekends. The pitcher’s mound to home plate is 60 feet and the base paths are 90 feet in length. Games in the Koufax division are played at Airmont Field, Commodore Perry and Continental Soldiers. For the documented rules used in this league, see the baseball Web site under the Rec Leagues page.  For the 2017 Season Mahwah participated in the PONY League and won the 2017 Championship. For 2018 we are planning a similar experience. 

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