After 5 years (ages 4-9) we finally had enough and have moved on. Our son was bullied by teammates and coaches and the Commissioner and President who was our son's first coach, couldn't be bothered. If you child isn't an all star, you are treated as such and relegated to the outfield or bench. It was our experience that coaches are only intresteded in showcasing their own children and winning at all costs. read more

Overall, the experience has been very good for my family. Fun league, good people, many friendships created.

We started with Irvine Pony when my son was 5 years old for T-Ball, and had such a wonderful experience that we signed him up again the following spring for Shetland. One of our regrets is not signing him up that previous fall, so that he could get two seasons under his belt before going to Shetland... because some of these 6 year olds are already really good. It felt like a huge leap in skillset going from T-Ball to Shetland at Irvine Pony, and we felt the change in pressure. By the time they are 6 years old, there is a draft (so you can't choose to be with a buddy anymore), they are no longer batting off a tee (unlike Little League, which still uses the tee at this age). It is machine pitched only. And while they are allowed 6 pitches for the first half of the season, they drop that down to only 3 pitches the remainder of the season (post Spring Break). With that said, we've had really awesome coaches both seasons - coaches who were encouraging but firm, fair, supportive, and patient. Irvine Pony as an organization is organized and communicative. Our son has improved so much, and is having fun at the same time. What more can a parent ask for? We will be signing our son up again this fall and next spring. A few caveats - Irvine Pony is great if you want legit baseball and a more competitive vibe. However, this might not be the league for you if you're not interested in any kind of pressure, and are just looking for some light, non-competitive fun. I believe with the Irvine Little Leagues, only kids zoned for those particular areas in Irvine can join, which limits who can play on their teams. However, Irvine Pony allows kids from other cities to join as well - there is no zoning criteria, so it opens up the pool. Those wanting more intensity might be actively seeking out Irvine Pony even if they're not living in Irvine - making it more competitive. The already good players might gravitate here. Just some things to think about as you make your decision. read more

"Winners never cheat and cheaters never win!" Isn't this what we want our kids to know and understand? We try to teach our children this and go to great lengths to make sure our kids grow up with good examples in school and in sports. We expect the people in position of authority to look out for our kids when it comes to making things fair. This is why rules are agreed upon and should be enforced. This is NOT what happened this weekend at the 14U boys Irvine Memorial Day tournament. We fought our way to the top, to the championship game. Our boys followed all of the rules; we were asked for age verification, pictures, etc. When we arrived to play there was already scuttlebutt about the previous game. The word was, the team from Mexicali Mexico had pitched not only a 16 yo in a 14 yo tournament, but this kid had already accepted a 1 mil contract from the PADRES. Yep, really. We played (when we should not have) even after the director was heard telling the previous "losing" team from Long Beach that he would not disqualify the whole team but only the one offending teammate. It was told to these 14 year olds to "keep quiet" and do not talk to media about the event. This was such a game of good will after all, an international match up that had been happening 20 years. Well, we aren't feeling the good will, neither are any of the other teams eliminated by kids, some twice the size of our 14 year olds. The whole team, turns out was ALL MADE UP OF 15 and 16 year olds that looked like men. To add insult to injury, they used illegal bats. These bats are designed to hit a ball faster and farther. One of our teammates was even injured by a line drive to the arm. This could have ended much worse. The Long Beach team stayed around to support us as we were pummeled by hits going up to 350 ft. For a loss of 15-1. Police were summoned to the end of this event, by someone unknown. The director had left before the game to avoid confrontation by parents. The game ended in a mercy so 3 teams stood around (peacefully) but disappointed and frustrated. When the director finally showed up with the trophy for Mexico and our runner up rings. He wouldn't listen to anyone. Irvine obviously cares more for the money than the kids. They are condoning cheating, creating an unsafe environment and we will never participate again. What is this teaching kids and adults? Cheaters prosper. This is wrong. Please tell our story. Thank you! Mom of a Newport Riptide baseball player read more

Irvine Pony Baseball - Look at the size difference between our 14 year old and the team from Mexico. their coach after the game admitted all his boys were older - Amateur Sports Teams Near Me

#irvineponyMDT #irvinepony Dear Irvine Pony, One of the rules of baseball as a coach, is safety first. How can you let 17 year old's (admitted by the coach of said team) that are throwing 85-90 play in a 14U tournament? Our kids played hard and won all their games to get to the championship game, only to get destroyed by a Mexico team where half of the kids / young men were at least 16, and some were at least 17 and the youngest was 15. This was admitted by the coach of said team. We had a player that missed the cut off date by 3 days, he didn't play. My son is only 13. I heard a lot of talk from a lot of parents and coaches at this tournament, and some things better get ironed out. I'm sure the phone is ringing off the hook over there. A lot of people on the Irvine Pony Board and Coaches in Irvine know this has been an on going issue for years. Someone better make some changes before someones kid gets hurt. Is your insurance up to date? Deleting comments will not help this process, and nothing I have said here is inaccurate. read more

We love Irvine Pony! We feel so lucky to have such wonderful volunteers doing their best to make baseball fun and competitive. We have been apart of the league now for three years and only have wonderful things to say. Their communication is organized and timely, fields are beautiful, safety and skills are important. Even through COVID they have handled everything with care and concern for everyone's well being. My son loves Irvine Pony and so do I! read more

My 3 boys have been playing in Irvine Pony for over 13 years. We love the baseball community and the league. Boys have all had a great experience from players, coaches, families, games, Opening Day, Memorial Day Tournament, Colts, everything! I always recommend Irvine Pony to friends and families. read more

We love Irvine Pony! My boys started playing in Miteball when they were teeny tiny! It was the only sport/league we felt comfortable keeping our boys in during the pandemic since Pony took such great precautions. The coaches care about the players and want them to grow and learn instead of just win. I highly recommend Irvine Pony! read more

Everything written here about the Irvine Memorial Day tournament 2018 is true. What a disgrace Irvine! Allowing our children to be pummeled by men... not 14 year olds all in the name of revenue! Our documents were scrutinized and Mexico got a free pass! Who really knows the ages of any of the Mexico players? I am pleading with all teams to boycott the 2019 Irvine Memorial Day Tournament. Do it in the name of Newport Riptide, Long Beach Heartwell, and every other boy out there that plays by the rules. It's not ok to cheat, no matter what country you are from. Irvine- you deserve more from your Pony Board! I would hope you will consider voting them out as well. read more

Do not support the Irvine Pony Memorial Day tournament! Irvine Pony allows some teams from Mexico to enter players at the wrong age levels all in the effort to generate revenue for their league and for the City of Irvine. This program has no integrity. Our coach was even told that Mexico gets a pass on their books. Our team, Long Beach Heartwell 14 U Select played Mexicali-Osuna in the semi-finals and lost to 15 and 16 year olds. The incoming president Dave MacIntyre, told our boys, that the same thing happened to his team when his son was 6 years old. A team from Mexico had a 10-year-old girl that beat them. How long has this been allowed to go on? Did he feel this was fair when it happened to his own son? As incoming president why didn't he disqualify the team? Is money more important that player safety and honesty???? read more

I have two young sons (4 yr. and 6 yr.), that have been in this league for over a year now and our experience has been great! The league is very competitive and yet the coaches are patient (as apposed to my experience with other leagues). The kids are developed properly to understand the game and given opportunity to shine. The best part is the sense of community with each team we've been on. The parents (which include the coaches) are very welcoming and involved. This allows any new parent to feel good about contributing in any way they can (even as a spectator if they choose to be). The league hosts a big tournament each year and you can tell by the teams which come from all over the U.S. and other countries, that this is a HUB for real baseball. read more

This was our first spring season playing in the Irvine Pony Open Division with our 10U travel team, Freedom Baseball Club and what an awesome experience!! This was an amazingly well-run, well-organized league and operation top to bottom. Tunuja (TJ), Brad and Stacie were super communicative, responsive and handled literally every detail. All the teams, the coaches, the field coordinators were great, and we've made a lot of opportunities for scrimmages with the teams. The end of season Memorial tournament was extremely well put together (over 200 teams!) and we had literally no issue even though there was rain most of the night before Championship Monday. These folks do a terrific job, we'll definitely be back! Thank you! read more

I have kindly requested per email if Dave MacIntyre could share the Date, Time and Location of their (Irvine PONY Baseball) next board meaning, so a few of us "concerned parents" can share and communicate our outstanding issues with our experience during their Memorial Day Tournament that Irvine PONY hosted this past weekend (5/24th-5/28th) and I am basically getting the run around. Figures, Dave's pretty good at giving people the run around. Help anyone? read more

My son played for this organization from ages 6-7 in Shetland and Pinto Kid Pitch. We left because the new age cutoff they adopted was not favorable to my son as he is an August birthday (he was forced to play with kids over a year older than he was). Some teams were better than others, and we did have one good All Star season. But this review is primarily centered around a recent "tryout" that was held for their 10U Colts team. My son had been playing travel ball elsewhere successfully for the past year elsewhere. We needed to find a new team, so we attended the scheduled tryout for the Colts team. Upon arrival, we were told by the coach, and league president, that there were only 3 spots open on "his" team (which was not disclosed in the tryout information). After 15 of just throwing/catching, he took a group of boys aside (my son included) and told them bluntly "I can tell you boys are just not ready for this level of baseball yet, so I'm going to let you go home so no one's time is wasted." Then he tells parents we should all stick to rec ball for another year. No hitting, infield drills, base-running - just a couple throws. While I am fine not having that man coach my son, I was disturbed at seeing a dozen boys go home in tears with their confidence destroyed. Is that what we as adult mentors are all about nowadays? Are we so consumed with seeing our children win (because we didn't win enough when it was our time) that we're okay treating young kids like that? Disgraceful. I would never treat kids like that and I will never support an organization that allows itself to be lead by that "man". We are now happily playing at Big West, who is expanding into Orange County, as their coaches are former players at professional, collegiate and amateur levels - not ego-driven dads. My son also takes lessons from the Beckman Varsity coach (a former MLB player) who has praised his skillset. Wherever you choose to play with your kids, I hope you have an enjoyable and positive experience - we unfortunately had to find ours elsewhere. read more

This organization would have received 5 stars under the past president, Mike Filia, who really cared about the league. Unfortunately, it is run under Pete Stankovich which is clueless on how to run an organization. Competition of select teams at the Bronco level is a complete joke and the scheduling of games have been very unorganized. We have played some teams more than once and other teams not at all. It is very sad to see this league go downhill as much as it has. read more

We have two sons (ages 6 and 4) that have played for Irvine Pony for one year now (Fall and Spring seasons). We have been very happy with the experience so far. Our sons have both been part of great teams (T Ball & Shetland) and have had wonderful coaches, team moms, parent support and the kids are great. They really are learning the sport as well as given the opportunity to learn what it means to be a part of team which is definitely a benefit at their age. All events and games are also very organized. We were also able to experience the All Star season this summer for my older son - and thought it was a great experience. We definitely recommend Irvine Pony to any parents that are looking to sign their kids up for baseball. read more

First of all, I'm surprised there aren't more reviews. You have to remember that this, like all leagues are run by volunteers. Whether you like the schedule or not, this league is a thousand times better than little league. There are dads that put their heart and souls into their team's. They don't get paid one dime. My son has been okay for a few years and have gotten so much better. If you want your kids to play baseball, get into this league! read more

I am happy to have a league close to our home, my son (6) is learning a lot about being on a team and the game of baseball. We did not realize most kids in Irvine begin Tee ball at 3-4 yrs old, so we are playing catch-up. So, I recommend starting early. I have not tried other leagues. Though, am happy so far with Irvine Pony. I understand running a large organization can be difficult. So, thank you to the management staff! read more

Both my boys (now ages 17 and 15) started with Irvine Pony when they were 4 years old. They loved how competitive it was and the coaches back then really helped them learn the mechanics to play baseball in H.S. They have made life long friends and have been able to play against most of them in high school. It's been so much fun watching them grow over all these years! read more

Our son is in his second season now. He started without any experience at all...he has grown since then. Much improved. He is fast. Steals bases. Hitting the balls. He plays short stops and at times...third baseman. The coaches are wonderful...the families are amazing. Happy to be part of this organization. read more

I have had both my boys playing Irvine Pony since they were 5 years old and never miss a season. It's a very well run organization. Pony baseball is far superior to little league. Kids get to play with players their own age and as they get older, the same skill level. We transitioned into Pony Select last year and have loved every minute of it. read more