HISTORY OF PACIFIC GROVE PONY

Pacific Grove Pony Baseball and Softball League began as "Pacific Grove Little League" in 1968 under the direction of president Charles Napier. In 1974 the League changed name and charter to become "Pacific Grove Boys Baseball" expanding league rules to more closely align with Major League Baseball rules and regulations. In 1980 we officially joined the PONY organization (Protect Our Nations Youth; www.pony.org) and once again changed our name to "Pacific Grove Pony Baseball and Softball". We remain PONY to this day. PONY sponsored baseball and Softball offers a well-rounded baseball experience while emphasizing the education, health, and well being of our young baseball and softball players.

HISTORY OF PONY BASEBALL

From its humble beginnings, PONY continues to grow with thousands of participants between the ages of 5 and 18 playing baseball and softball around the world each year. PONY Baseball, Inc. is the corporate name under which Shetland League, Pinto League, Mustang League, Bronco League, Pony League, Colt League and Palomino League are operated.

PONY Baseball and Softball began with the organization of the Pony League in Washington, PA in the summer of 1951. This was a transition league for 13 and 14 year-old players designed for the graduates of Little League baseball. The growth of Pony League, primarily by word of mouth, was rapid. By the end of the 1952 season the original six teams in Pennsylvania were joined by 505 others in 106 leagues across the country. A national tournament was conducted, and the first Pony League World Series was held that year.

The Shetland division starts the Pony program at age group four, five, and six. Then players will move to our Pinto division ages seven and eight. After that we have our Mustang division of players age nine and ten. Our Bronco division is eleven and twelve year olds. Our player's then move up to Pony ages thirteen and fourteen. The Colt division is next for player's age fifteen and sixteen, Palomino is our highest division with player's age seventeen, eighteen, and three nineteen year olds are allowed to play in the program. Pacific Grove Pony competes through the Pony level only.

The PONY baseball program was created for all players to be able to participate in baseball. We want to Protect Our Nation's Youth as they grow into young men and women and leaders of tomorrow. PONY is a community-based program for everyone in the family to enjoy.