SHETLAND NATIONAL is an instructional league to teach five and six-year-old players the fundamentals of baseball by the simplest method possible - letting them play the game. It is intended for all six-year-olds and for five-year-olds who have previously played baseball..
Emphasis is on instruction and fun, not competition. Every player is given the opportunity to try different positions and every player plays the entire game. Every player is in the batting order, but Shetland National limits innings to 3 outs (or 5 runs). Coaches use the Blue Flame Pitching Machine during games. The field is a 50-foot diamond.
For the five-year-olds who are considering playing Shetland National, it is important to point out that there is no hitting off a tee at this level. The season starts with Blue Flame and Coach Pitch, and by the end of the season we only use the Blue Flame pitching machine. If young players are not ready for the Blue Flame, they will strike out. Kids learn quickly, but both parents and players should be ready for the rapid progression.
If a five-year-old is still learning the basics, he or she should be in Shetland American, even if friends are playing in Shetland National.
Shetland National Players are allowed to request Coaches and Teammates. We cannot guarantee requests, but we will do our best to honor as many requests as possible. Encourage your friends to come play with you and see how much fun baseball can be!