Sharks & Babe Ruth
Sharks & Babe Ruth: Partners in Vineyard Baseball Excellence
At the Martha's Vineyard Sharks, we're more than a summer collegiate powerhouse in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), we're the beating heart of island baseball, committed to growing the game from the sandlots to the pros. That's why we're thrilled about our partnership with the MV Babe Ruth Fall League, a dynamic collaboration designed to fuel the fire of young talent on Martha's Vineyard. Together, we're bridging the gap between fall ball dreams and summer spotlights, creating a seamless pipeline for kids to thrive on the diamond year-round.
This partnership builds on our shared roots in MV Youth Baseball & Softball, Inc., and honors the timeless Vineyard mantra: Little League to Babe Ruth to High School to College to the Sharks. Whether it's hosting joint clinics, providing Sharks players as mentors, or offering exclusive game-day perks for Babe Ruth families, we're united in making baseball accessible, fun, and transformative for the next generation.
Why Our Partnership Bites Big
The MV Babe Ruth Fall League, serving players ages 13-15—delivers competitive action through the Gateway Babe Ruth Baseball League, with practices firing up in late August and games running into October. Our two teams (Babe Ruth 13U and 15U) hit the field both on- and off-island, building skills, teamwork, and that unbreakable Vineyard grit. Now, with the Sharks in their corner:
Mentorship Magic: Sharks alumni and current players guest-coach fall clinics, sharing pro tips on hitting, fielding, and mental toughness. Imagine your kid getting swing advice from a NECBL All-Star—straight from the Shark Tank!
Seamless Pipeline: Top Babe Ruth performers earn invites to our Summer Drop-In Clinics (June-August 2026), fast-tracking their path to high school varsities and beyond. We've already seen over 50 Sharks alumni drafted to MLB teams. Your young star could be next.
Family Perks & Events: Babe Ruth families score discounted tickets to Sharks home games (children are free), priority access to the Sharky Baserace, and special shoutouts during broadcasts. Look for our joint "Fall-to-Summer Showcase" scrimmage in September 2026, a free community event blending fall league standouts with Sharks hopefuls.
Community Impact: As 501(c)(3) non-profits, we're pooling resources for scholarships, equipment drives, and island-wide tournaments. Registration for Babe Ruth Fall Ball 2026 opens in July—sign up early at mvybaseballsoftball.org!
Hear from the Helm
"Our Partnership with the MV Babe Ruth Fall League is a home run for Vineyard youth baseball," says Russ Curran, Sharks President and GM. "These kids are our future whether they're chasing a spot in the Shark Tank or just loving the game. Together, we're keeping the diamond alive all year long."
From the MV Babe Ruth Facebook crew: "The Sharks bring the energy and expertise that elevates our fall season. Can't wait to see our teams light up the field and maybe steal a base or two against the pros!"
Get in the Game: Join the Partnership Play
Parents, coaches, and pint-sized power hitters, don't miss out! Register for Babe Ruth Fall Ball: Head to mvybaseballsoftball.org/signup (practices start around Aug 21, 2026; games from Sept 20).
Sharks Tickets & Clinics: Snag seats at mvsharks.com/tickets or dive into our 2026 Drop-In Clinics at mvsharksdropinclinics.com.
Stay Connected: Follow the action on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram (and MV Babe Ruth).
This is Vineyard baseball at its finest: raw, real, and ready for the big leagues. Go Sharks... and Go Babe Ruth! 
