MURRIETA – The spring baseball season is almost here and there and various options for boys and girls of all ages to participate in just about any facet of baseball. Whether it’s t-ball or high school prep, a majority of the Pony leagues can accommodate mostly any request.

Historically, Pony League started as a means to provide continuing opportunities for boys to play baseball after they had graduated from Little League at age 12. As of 2011, both leagues offer programs for boys and girls from ages 5 to 18.

Little League teams have a broader range of ages within teams and leagues. For example, Little League can have children ages 9- to 12-years-old playing together, but Pony teams divide children into 9- and 10-year olds, and 11- and 12-year-olds.

Pony League operates under the assumption that children have a more positive experience when there is greater uniformity in physical, social and emotional maturity, and with that said, registration is now open for Pony League’s spring 2013 season for all players from the Temecula, Murrieta, French Valley, Hemet, Wildomar and Lake Elsinore areas.  

For those in the Murrieta area, nearly all games are played at the MVP Baseball Complex of six baseball diamonds located on the corner of Fig and Adams Streets in Murrieta.

"MVPB is a unique baseball experience," said MVPB President Greg Flores. "We emphasize the rules of real baseball while offering a fun program with very generous play rules. We provide a venue for both recreational and advanced competitive play."  

Registration entitles the player to a major league replica jersey and hat, a picture package, free player clinics and a 16-20 game season with a post-season tournament, all officiated by professional umpires.  

The fee schedule is:

Shetland (ages 4-6) $100

Pinto (ages 8 & under) $140

Mustang (ages 10 & under) $155

Bronco (ages 12 & under) $165

Pony (ages 14 & under) $165

Colt-Palomino (19 & under) $165

Players living outside of Murrieta city limits are subject to a $15 city fee. Discounts are available for multi-player families.

MVPB is also offering a new program to attract and retain quality team managers.

"It’s getting harder and harder for parents to find time to serve as a team manager," said Flores. "We ask a lot of our managers and coaches so we are going to reward those people who step up and do the job well by offering something as valuable as a complimentary registration."

Details of this program are on the league website, www.mvpb.org.

Parents can register their players online until Jan. 11, 2013. After that date, players will be placed on a waiting list and added to teams as space becomes available. A $20 late registration fee will also apply.

For more information, e-mail registrar@mvpb.org or visit

www.mvpb.org.