Spring 2024 Baseball and Softball Registration

 

General Information: 
 

Players will receive the following uniform items:

• Baseball Players: 1 jersey and 1 hat.

• Softball Players: 1 jersey and 1 pair of socks.

Teams:

• Receive field time for team practices

• Participate 8-10 regular season games (weather and field conditions permitting)

• Participate in an end-of-season tournament (weather and field conditions permitting)
   

Our season schedules will be available on lhyl.org and SportsEngine when they are finalized.  Please make sure that you download the SportsEngine app to make sure you are receiving communication from your coach.

 

Player Ages:

The following guidelines govern LHYL player ages. We will strictly enforce league ages this season, but players may request to play one age level higher. If there is an error in the player's birthday information, please correct it on their SportsEngine profile and then proceed with the registration process. To confirm your softball age range please visit the official Pony site here.

 

For the 6U, 8U, and 10U baseball divisions, we may form two divisions: American League and National League. The American League is suitable for first-time or inexperienced players, while the National League is geared towards more experienced players. The creation of separate divisions depends on the availability of enough teams and coaches. The LHYL Board will announce this information after assessments take place.
 

Baseball

All baseball age divisions instituted waitlists during Fall 2023 registration.  

6U, 8U, and 10U divisions may reach capacity this spring.  Register early to ensure a spot.  We will activate a waitlist when a division reaches capacity. 

Late registration will only be allowed on a wait-list basis, and will be case by case depending on the age group.

Except for the 4U division, all other age groups of baseball will have approximately 8 to 10 games, a single-elimination End of Season tournament. Umpires will be present for all baseball games except the 4U division. 

Baseball assessments are tentatively scheduled for Sunday February 4th 2024.  LHYL will publish a final schedule with age specific times and locations approximately two weeks before assessments. 

All baseball age groups, excluding the 4U division, will play approximately 8 to 10 games and participate in a single-elimination End of Season tournament (weather and field conditions permitting).  Umpires will oversee all baseball games, except for those in the 4U division.

 

Due to the league growth and limited field space Baseball may have to play games on Sundays during the Spring 2024 season.

 

4 year old Baseball (Instructional) Dustin Woodul Commissioner

In instructional baseball, parents/coaches actively participate. This age group emphasizes learning about baseball and having FUN! There will be ONE practice per week and ONE game on Saturdays. There is no End of Season tournament for 4U, and no umpires will be present.

• Players must be 4 yrs old as of 4/30/24

• Price: $75

6U Baseball (T-Ball)- Dustin Woodul Commissioner

T-ball baseball is an introductory level for young children new to organized play. Players use a stationary tee to hit the ball, focusing on fundamental skills like batting, running bases, and fielding. The goal is to create a fun, supportive environment that introduces kids to the basics of baseball, emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship. T-ball serves as a starting point to build confidence and coordination, setting the stage for a lifelong love of the game.

• Maximum Age: For players 6 yrs old or younger as of 4/30/24

• Price: $140

8U Baseball (Coach Pitch)- Megan Perez Commissioner 

In coach pitch baseball, players transition from tee-ball to a more dynamic and interactive level of play. At this stage, instead of hitting the ball off a stationary tee, a coach pitches the ball to the batter. This allows players to experience the thrill of hitting a moving ball while still receiving guidance from their coach. The emphasis remains on developing fundamental skills such as hitting, throwing, and catching, but with the added element of learning to connect with a pitched ball. Coach pitch baseball serves as a crucial stepping stone for young players as they continue to build their understanding and enjoyment of the game in a supportive and hands-on learning environment.

• Maximum Age: For players 8 yrs old or younger as of 4/30/24

• Price: $150

10U Baseball (Kid Pitch)- Chelsea Turner Commissioner 

In 10U youth baseball, players transition to pitching to each other for the first time. This stage introduces a more dynamic element compared to earlier phases. The focus actively centers on developing essential pitching and hitting skills, fostering teamwork, and gaining a deeper understanding of the game—all while ensuring a fun and exciting experience. It's a stage where young players actively learn, relish the nuances of baseball, and have a blast in a more interactive setting.

• Maximum Ages: For players 10 yrs old or younger as of 4/30/24

• Price: $160

12U Baseball- James Chidester Commissioner

In 12U baseball, players reach the second age division where kids actively pitch to each other. This marks a significant advancement in their baseball journey. The focus intensifies on refining pitching and hitting skills, strategic gameplay, and team dynamics. At this stage, players are immersed in a more competitive and interactive environment, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sport. The emphasis remains on fostering skill development and teamwork while enjoying the game in a more dynamic setting.

• Maximum Age:  For players 12 yrs old or younger as of 4/30/24

• Price $160

14U Baseball- James Chidester Commissioner

  In 14U baseball, the game takes on a full-scale form, representing a more advanced and competitive level in the players' baseball journey. At this stage, the athletes pitch to each other, showcasing refined skills in hitting, fielding, and strategic play. The pace and complexity of the game increase, offering a comprehensive experience that mirrors the professional aspects of baseball. 14U baseball marks a stage where players delve deeper into the intricacies of the sport, emphasizing skill mastery, teamwork, and an overall immersive and full-on baseball experience.
 

If there aren't enough 14U teams within LHYL for all internal games, we'll join inter-league games through Town and Country. This involves playing against teams from different areas, enhancing competition, and providing valuable exposure to diverse playing styles. It adds an exciting dimension to the season, fostering camaraderie within a broader baseball community.

• Maximum Age:  For players 14 yrs old or younger as of 4/30/24 

• Price: $160

• Games at Town & Country

 

SOFTBALL

All age groups of softball will play between 8 and 10 games and participate in one weekend tournament (typically Friday through Sunday) with other local leagues.  There will be a maximum of 3 touches per week which includes practices and games.  Each day that the team meets is considered a touch.  There will be an umpire present for all softball games. 

One new change that we will have this year is that there is a possibility for Sunday afternoon practices. The reason we are having to add practices on this day is due to the amazing growth we have seen on the softball side of our league.  If you have any questions about this, please reach out to the Softball Vice President at softballvp@lhyl.org.

 

Equipment Needed for Softball:

- Fielder’s Mask 

- Batting Helmet with face mask

- Glove that fits an 11” ball for 6U, 8U, 10U and a glove that fits an 12” ball for 12U and 14U

- Bat 

- Cleats

- Softball Pants and Belt (color choices for these will be given out by the head coach)

 

If you have any questions about the softball equipment needed, please contact our Softball Vice President at softballvp@lhyl.org.

 

6U Softball (T-Ball) - Scott Ivicic Commissioner

T-ball is where the girls begin working on their foundation skills and gaining softball knowledge. Players use a stationary tee to hit the ball, focusing on fundamental skills like batting, running bases, and fielding. The goal is to create a fun, supportive environment that introduces kids to the basics of baseball, emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship. T-ball serves as a starting point to build confidence, coordination, and setting the stage for a lifelong love of the game.

• Ages: For players 5 & 6 yrs old as of 12/31/23

• Price: $140

8U Softball (Coach Pitch) - Commissioner

In coach pitch, players transition from hitting off of a tee to a coach pitching to them.  This allows players to experience the thrill of hitting a moving ball while still receiving guidance from their coach. The emphasis remains on developing fundamental skills such as hitting, throwing, and catching.  Coach pitch serves as a crucial stepping stone for young players as they continue to build their understanding and enjoyment of the game in a supportive and hands-on learning environment.

• Ages: For players 7 & 8 yrs old as of 12/31/23

• Price: $150

10U Softball (Kid Pitch) - Natalie McKinnon Commissioner

In 10U softball, players transition from hitting off of a coach to hitting off of other kids. The girls will begin leading off, stealing, and using the traditional  4 ball/3 strike count. The focus continues on developing essential pitching, catching, hitting, and base running  skills, fostering teamwork, and gaining a deeper understanding of the game.

• Ages: For players 9 & 10 yrs old as of 12/31/23

• Price: $160

12U Softball - Jen Knowlden Commissioner 

In 12U softball, players begin using a 12 inch softball.  The focus intensifies on refining their foundational skills in fielding, throwing, catching, hitting, base running, sportsmanship, and softball IQ. 

• Ages:  For players 11 & 12 yrs old as of 12/31/23

• Price: $160

14U Softball - Jen Knowlden Commissioner 

In 14U softball, the focus continues on refining their foundational skills in fielding, throwing, catching, hitting, base running, sportsmanship, and softball IQ. 

• Ages: For players 13 & 14 yrs old as of 12/31/23

• Price: $160