The Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club will utilize a P.E. Class approach to player development, using wiffle ball leagues as foundational training grounds for their youth summer baseball and softball leagues.
The Developmental Pipeline: From Plastic Balls to Leather
Starting February 14, boys and girls aged 6-12 will begin a 10-week wiffle ball league designed to teach essential baseball and softball fundamentals in a fun, low-pressure environment. This program serves as a direct pipeline to the 2026 Summer Leagues, where players will transition to regulation equipment and competitive play.
“Our wiffle ball league isn’t just a recreational activity – it’s a structured developmental program,” explains Coach Merv Moore.
“We’re teaching the exact same baserunning rules, field positioning, and game strategy as real baseball and softball, just with safer equipment. When these kids step up to the summer league, they’ll already know how to run the bases properly, execute cutoff plays, and understand game situations.”
The Scouting Process: Identifying Potential
What sets the Bohol Coconuts program apart is their systematic approach to player evaluation. During wiffle ball games, Coach Merv will be evaluating each player’s natural athleticism, coordination, coachability, and sports IQ.
“I’m looking for more than just who hits the ball farthest,” says Coach Merv, “I’m watching their instincts on the bases, their effort and willingness to learn and be part of a team. These rankings aren’t about labeling kids as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – they’re about matching players with the right development path.”
League Structure: Building Toward Competition
Wiffle Ball Development League (February 14 – April 19)
The developmental league serves as an introduction to organized baseball/softball:
Key Features:
Safe Environment: Wiffle balls eliminate fear of being hit by hard balls
Focus on Fundamentals: Slower game speed allows for teaching proper mechanics
Equal Playing Time: Every player bats and plays the field equally
Female Softball Coaches: Creating supportive environments, especially for girls
Modified Rules: 5 innings or 60 minutes, no stealing
“We’ve eliminated the two biggest barriers for new players: fear of the ball and frustration with missing pitches. With wiffle balls, everyone makes contact, and when they do get hit, it doesn’t hurt, Coach Merv added.”
Summer Competitive League (May 9 – July 25)
Based on wiffle ball performance and scouting evaluations, players are assigned to one of six teams across two divisions:
Skill Development Pathway
Phase 1: Wiffle Ball Fundamentals (February-April)
Hitting: Learning proper stance, grip, and swing path with lightweight plastic bats
Throwing: Developing proper mechanics without fear of overthrowing
Fielding: Learning to track balls in air and field grounders safely
Base Running: Mastering base-to-base running and understanding force plays
Phase 2: Transition Period (Late April)
Equipment Transition: Moving from plastic to regulation bats (softee balls for younger divisions)
Rule Modifications: Introducing pitching and base stealing gradually
Team Placement: Players assigned to appropriate competitive levels
Phase 3: Summer League Competition (May-July)
Game Strategy: Implementing learned fundamentals in competitive situations
Position Specialization: Players begin focusing on primary positions
Advanced Skills: Introducing double plays, bunting, and defensive shifts
Special Emphasis on Girls Development
In line with International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8, the Bohol Coconuts program places special emphasis on girls’ participation and development.
“We’ve made a conscious decision to have female coaches only for our girls’ softball program,” says Coach Merv. “The data is clear – girls are more likely to continue in sports when they see themselves represented in coaching positions. Our female coaches aren’t just supervisors; they’re mentors, role models, and technical instructors.”
The girls’ program includes:
• Monthly Girls Empowerment Clinics
• Female Coach Development Program
• Mother-Daughter bonding sessions
• College recruitment assistance for older players
Key Dates for 2026 Season:
February 8: Coaches meeting & training
February 14: Wiffle Ball season begins
March 8: International Women’s Day Celebration
April 19: Wiffle Ball championships
April 26: Summer League player assignments announced
May 9: Summer League begins
May 11: Mother’s Day Recognition
July 19: Summer League championships
July 25: End of season banquet & awards
About the Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club:
Launching on February 1, 2026, and based in Barangay Cambanac, Baclayon, the Bohol Coconuts is a comprehensive sports and community organization offering youth and adult sports programming, academic and social activities, and affordable nutrition services through its soup kitchen and food store.
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