The following information is specific to PONY League age players only (born between May 1, 2011 - August 31, 2013).
Questions: Matt Preece, Western Hills PONY Baseball, Commissioner ([email protected])
SPRING 2026 PONY BASEBALL FAQ
Q: What dates should I put on my calendar now?
- SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 - MANDATORY player evaluation day at Harper Field (1100 W. Cesar Chavez); 12:30 - 3:00. Yes, we know that is Super Bowl Sunday. We'll have everyone on their way in plenty of time! Teams will be determined the following week with parents notified by coaches.
- WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 - Practices begin!
- WEEK OF MARCH 2 - Regular season games begin! (There will be no games over Spring Break or Easter Weekend.)
- SUNDAY, MAY 3 - Regular season games conclude.
- MAY 5 - MAY 21 - Post-season tournament to crown the City of Austin Spring 2026 PONY Baseball Champion! To conclude by no later than Thursday, May 21.
Q: What age range is eligible to play Spring 2026 PONY baseball?
Born between May 1, 2011 - August 31, 2013.
Q: What does it cost to register?
$500
Q: Are there any residency or geographic boundary requirements to register?
No, players can register from anywhere in central Texas. Please ignore any proof of residency requests during the registration process. Those are applicable to Little League registrations only (12U and younger).
Q: What are PONY Baseball rules?
Outfield fences are 255'+. Field dimensions are 80' bases and 54' pitching mound. 7 inning or 1:45 games. Dirt/grass fields. Open bases. Metal spikes are allowed. Head first slides are allowed. USA/BBCOR bats only. We follow NFHS rules, with very limited modifications, to begin preparing players for high school baseball.
Q: How are teams formed?
Following the player evaluation day, teams will be drafted by the head coaches. Player/coach/teammate requests cannot be accommodated. ALL confirmed registered players will be placed on a team.
Q: Who will the teams play?
Opponents will include fellow Western Hills PONY teams and PONY teams from Northwest, Delwood, South Austin, Balcones, and potentially other PONY organizations in the greater Austin area. The league is typically comprised of 10-12 total teams.
Q: What is a typical practice/game schedule for PONY baseball?
Teams will have a combination of practices and games three (3) days per week (two (2) weekdays + Sundays). The regular season typically consists of 12-14 regular season games. There will be no games over Spring Break or Easter Weekend.
***Schedules are not determined until registration closes and teams are formed.***
Q: Where are Western Hills PONY practices and games?
All practices and home games will be played at Harper Field (1100 W. Cesar Chavez, next to YMCA west of Lamar).
Away games will be played at opponents' fields (South Austin's Preston Field at 1704 Toomey Rd.; Northwest's District Field at 6799 N. Park Dr.; Balcones Youth Sports Complex at 3106 Adelphi Ln).
Q: Can my son also play other sports or club and/or middle school baseball while playing PONY?
Absolutely! We have many players that play other sports, football, basketball, lacrosse, club baseball or school baseball along with PONY Baseball. The schedule intentionally does not include any Saturday games to help players avoid as many conflicts as possible.
Q: What if I am interested in being part of a team's coaching staff?
Please let us know ASAP! Western Hills PONY relies on enthusiastic, knowledgeable volunteer coaches and parents to support the players' on-field development and experience.
Q: Why should I consider PONY baseball for my son instead of or in addition to other baseball organizations?
- Cost. For only $500, your son will be able to participate in more than a dozen 2-hour practices and 12+ games. That's A LOT of baseball for the $ and 100% of all fees go towards your son's baseball experience.
- Convenience. All practices and games are played at tremendous fields right here in the Austin city limits. No need to drive to Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Taylor, Dripping Springs, etc.
- Schedule. Typically, Saturdays are all yours and the in-week commitments are no different than most other organizations (2 nights per week) + Sundays.
- Experience. Play with and against classmates and friends, and against other organizations in a competitive and challenging structure featuring 7th & 8th graders (and some age-eligible 6th graders as well).
- More. Because your son plays club or school baseball, but wants even MORE baseball!
Q: Does WH PONY offer financial aid to help with registration fees?
Yes. Financial aid is available for families who are experiencing financial hardships. Please contact our registration team at [email protected] to request assistance.
Q: What forms of payment does WH PONY League accept?
Registration fees may be paid with either MasterCard, Visa, AMEX or Discover credit cards.
Q: What equipment do I need to provide?
WH will provide a custom jersey (with your son's name), hat, belt, socks and bag tag to each player. Players are responsible for providing their own baseball pants and cleats. Metal spikes are allowed. Players are also responsible for their own equipment including glove, bat, and batting helmet. PONY Baseball requires USABat or BBCOR stamped, max 2 5/8 barrels.
**Please note: 2 3/4" barrel, USSSA stamp, and 1.15 BPF bats are NOT allowed.***
Q: May I purchase a sponsorship online?
Yes! You may utilize our website to purchase team sponsorships, field signs and more. If you have questions or special requests, please contact our Sponsorship Team by email ([email protected]). We thank you in advance for your support!