21 and 22 Year Olds in AAABA baseball

[knowitall]

Congratulations to the AAABA for finally seeing the light. It's at least thirty years too late if you ask me. Better late than never though.

[CRBL Baseball]

Cut off date is April 30th so anybody turning 22 after April 30th is eligible to play AAABA ~ this will be effective next year I believe.

[footballguy99]

What does this new change mean for AAABA? College players might play more??

[knowitall]

In the past several local college players had limited or no opportunity to play summer baseball following their junior year in college given the age limit of 20.

It also will keep some 17 and 18 year olds in Legion ball.

[say_oww]

IMHO, this change will just mean the same kids will be playing in the league longer unless the Johnstown AAABA league adds more teams. On the flipside, raising the age means that several 18 year old freshman may not be able to get into the league due to limited spots. Interestingly enough, American Legion is dropping their age limit so that only high school age players are eligible - apparently to make baseball consistent with other youth Legion programs. I believe this goes into effect next year. If the AAABA league adds more teams, then will this be beneficial for all players.

In the past, Cambria, Somerset, and Bedford county college players played either in the ICL or Altoona City League once their AAABA eligibility was up. Some of the good ones actually skipped AAABA to play elsewhere (Urban, Harrington, Fleck).

[Crimson's Ghost]

I don't think it was so much skipping as it were better opportunities. There are many, many better leagues for College players outside of the AAABA, and at some college programs...they send you where they want you to play. AAABA isn't even an option.