Bandit Baseball
What is Bandit Baseball?
Bandit Baseball is OBA's competitive/select baseball program for players seeking a higher level of development, competition, and commitment while continuing to play for their hometown community alongside friends, classmates, and fellow Orinda athletes.
Unlike many travel baseball organizations that assemble players from multiple communities and focus solely on tournament competition, Bandit Baseball is built around a different philosophy: developing strong baseball players while strengthening the bonds, pride, and relationships that come from representing your community. Players have the opportunity to compete at a high level while wearing "Orinda Bandits" on their uni and creating lasting memories with teammates they see in school, around town, and for years to come.
Bandit teams compete in the 680 Diablo League and participate in select local and regional tournaments. Teams are led by experienced paid coaches, many of whom have collegiate playing experience or beyond, and are committed to helping players develop advanced baseball skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership.
Because of the competitive nature of the program, players are expected to attend more than 90% of practices and games. Families should understand that participation in Bandit Baseball means baseball becomes a player's primary sport during the spring season. Consistent attendance and commitment are critical not only for individual development, but also for the success of the team as a whole.
Fall Season
Teams will be selected and finalized shortly after evaluations. Once formed, players will have the opportunity to meet their coaches and teammates and participate in a limited number of practices and scrimmages, depending on team availability and interest.
The fall is intentionally a lighter season that allows players to enjoy other activities while beginning to build team chemistry and establish a foundation for the spring season. These early opportunities help coaches get to know players and prepare teams for a successful spring campaign.
Spring Season
The spring season runs from late January through June and represents the primary competitive season for Bandit Baseball.
Teams will practice regularly and compete in the 680 Diablo League, with league play beginning in early March and culminating in league playoffs and championship competition in late May. Following league play, teams continue practicing and competing throughout June in tournaments and additional games.
Tournament participation varies by team and age group. Each year, our 12U team attends Cooperstown, which is a once-in-a-lifetime baseball experience! Other age groups have participated in events such as Spring Training tournaments in Arizona, the Tahoe Wooden Bat Tournament, and other local and regional competitions. Tournament schedules are determined by coaches and families and may vary from year to year.
The 680 Diablo League
The 680 Diablo League is the primary competitive league for Bandit Baseball teams. The season typically begins in early March and concludes in late May.
League weekends generally consist of a three-game series against another 680 organization, including one doubleheader and one single game, with home and away sites rotating throughout the season. Opponents are typically located within approximately 30 miles of Orinda, helping minimize travel while maintaining a highly competitive level of play.
The schedule usually includes 2-3 open weekends during the season, typically including Spring Break. Detailed division rules and league information can be found on the 680 Diablo League website.
Commitment Expectations
One of the foundations of Bandit Baseball is commitment to teammates.
The 680 Diablo League requires players to participate in at least 75% of their team's regular-season league games in order to be eligible for league playoffs. This rule exists to ensure competitive fairness and prevent teams from adding players for postseason play. Exceptions may be granted for documented injuries.
As a result, players and families should be prepared to make Bandit Baseball a priority throughout the spring season. Consistent attendance is essential not only for playoff eligibility, but also for building the trust, chemistry, and accountability that successful teams require.
More Than Baseball
Bandit Baseball is about more than wins and losses. It is an opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills, compete at a high level, build lifelong friendships, and represent their community with pride.
Our goal is to create an environment where players can challenge themselves against strong competition while remaining connected to the teammates, families, schools, and community that make Orinda special. The memories formed through Bandit Baseball often extend far beyond a single season, creating friendships and experiences that players carry with them for years to come.
Want more information?
For more information on "Why OBA," "Why Bandits," and Bandit program Q&A please view this page.