The biggest difference between Cal Ripken and Little League is in the major division (11-12 age group), Cal Ripken’s pitching distance is 50 feet and the bases are 70 feet apart (compared with 46 and 60 feet in Little League.)
Referred to as 50/70, this allows base runners to lead off, stealing is permitted and pitchers work out of the stretch with runners on base.
Cal Ripken implemented this at the 11-12 age group to help players transition to standard baseball fields 60/90 that feature a 60-foot pitching distance and 90-foot base paths.
Cal Ripken operates under the same rules as travel ball. If you would like your 11-12 year old to learn Baseball like it is truly intended to be played the choice is clear.
