Our History
Founded in 1966, the St.Catharines Minor Baseball Association has been the backbone of youth baseball in the Niagara Region for more than five decades. What began as a handful of local teams playing on makeshift fields quickly grew into a wellorganized league serving over 400 players ranging from ages 5 to 18.
Key milestones include:
- 1972 Opening of the first dedicated SCMBA field at St.Patricks Park.
- 1989 Introduction of the Little League (U8 and U10) program.
- 1998 First provincial championship win for the AAAB team.
- 2005 Launch of the Baseball for All initiative, providing equipment to underserved families.
- 2017 Completion of the modern clubhouse at Louthis Memorial Stadium.
Today, the association operates under a volunteer board of directors, and its mission remains the same: to promote fun, sportsmanship, and personal growth through baseball.
Programs & Age Divisions
The SCMBA offers a tiered structure that matches skill level and age, ensuring that every player finds an appropriate challenge.
U5 MiniBaseball
Designed for children new to the game, this program focuses on basic handeye coordination, running, and cooperative play. No prior experience is required.
U7 to U11 Little League
Players learn fundamental skillsthrowing, catching, batting and base runningthrough short, 6inning games. Emphasis is placed on fun and learning rather than competition.
U13 to U15 Youth Baseball
At this stage, athletes begin to specialize in positions and are introduced to more complex strategies. Games are 7 innings, and teams compete in citywide divisions.
U16 to U18 Junior & Senior
Advanced players join AA, AAAA, or AAAB divisions, playing full 9inning games against teams from surrounding towns. These leagues serve as a pipeline for provincial and national tournaments.
Volunteers & Coaching
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SCMBA. Over 150 parents, teachers, and community members donate time each year as coaches, scorekeepers, field maintenance crews, and board members.
Coach Training
All coaches must complete Hockey Canadas Safe Sport certification and attend the SCMBA Coaching Clinic, a twoday workshop covering:
- Fundamentals of instruction
- Positive reinforcement and player safety
- Game strategy for each age division
- Firstaid basics
Volunteer Recognition
Each September we host a Volunteer Appreciation Night at Louthis Memorial Stadium, where volunteers are honored with certificates, plaques, and a celebratory dinner.
Community Impact
Beyond the diamond, the association contributes to the social fabric of St.Catharines in several ways:
- Health & Wellness: Regular physical activity reduces childhood obesity rates and promotes lifelong fitness habits.
- Academic Success: Studies show that studentathletes maintain higher GPA averages due to discipline and timemanagement skills learned through sport.
- Inclusivity: The Baseball for All program supplies equipment to families in need, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation.
- Economic Boost: Game days bring families to local businesses, from restaurants to sporting goods stores.
Get Involved
Whether youre a player, parent, sponsor, or community partner, theres a place for you in SCMBA.
Contact Information
Address: 55 Bridge Street, St.Catharines, ON L2R 1A5
Phone: (905) 6883321
Email: info@scmba.ca
Join a Team
Registration opens each March. Visit the registration page for deadlines, fees, and required forms.
Support SCMBA
Sponsorship opportunities include field naming rights, equipment donations, and annual fundraising events. Learn more about how your business can make a difference.
