WELCOME TO HAMEL BASEBALL
WHO
Hamel Athletic Club (Hamel Baseball) was founded in 1926 and has been an active part of the community ever since. We have grown from 300 participants in 2008 to over 1,000 as of 2024.
We are affiliated with both Little League International (ages 4-12), the Metro Baseball League (ages 13-15), and the VFW League (ages 16+). We strive to provide youth in the City of Medina and surrounding communities with a quality baseball program that promotes teamwork, self-esteem, and skill development. Our program stresses the following:
- Fun – we want kids to enjoy coming to baseball practices and games, and to develop a lifelong love for the game.
- Age-appropriate baseball skills – Learning how to play the game the right way (which includes fundamentals as well as strategy).
- Respect – for the game, coaches, teammates, umpires, opponents, and spectators.
- Teamwork and Self-esteem – every player contributes to a team’s success.
- Sportsmanship – learning how to be good winners and losers.
WHAT
We provide baseball programs for ages 4-16 in the following divisions:
- Tee Ball – Ages 4-5
- Coach Pitch – Ages 6-7
- Rookie League – Ages 7-8
- Minor League – Ages 9-11
- Major League – Ages 11-12
- MBL Travel – Ages 13-15
- VFW League – Ages 16+
WHERE
Our primary field locations are at Hamel Legion Park and Hunter Lions Park where we rent seven baseball fields and a green space from the City of Medina. We pay the City of Medina an annual fee for the use of the fields, the concession stand, and the bathrooms. The city is responsible for mowing grass and maintaining the bathrooms. We are responsible for the maintenance of all of the fields (grooming, chalking, etc.). Funding for field improvements (e.g., scoreboards, dugouts, bullpens, batting cages, etc.) is the sole responsibility of Hamel Baseball. The city may partner with Hamel Baseball and provide some funding on a case-by-case basis.
Please see the Registration section for more information on Hamel Baseball's residence and/or school boundary.
WHEN
Little League (ages 4-12)
Evaluations (Majors and Minors Divisions only)
Evaluations for players aged 9-12 occurs in mid-March. Player drafts and team formation occur in early April. See the About page for Minors and Majors and the Evaluations page for more information.
Spring/Summer (Regular) Season
The Spring/Summer Season is family / cabin-friendly, with little to no Friday - Sunday play for a majority of the season. Potential exceptions may occur due to field availability, to make up games canceled due to inclement weather, or for a tournament (such as the season-ending Hamel Jamboree or for the Majors division, a tournament against other District 1 teams). We make every effort to ensure a healthy balance between baseball and family time during the spring and summer. Many constraints are placed on the length of our season, particularly the spring weather. We aim to start in mid-April for Majors and Minors, and the first week of May for Tee Ball, Coach Pitch, and Rookie (Machine Pitch). The Regular Season for Tee Ball, Coach Pitch, Rookie, and Minors ends on a late-June weekend with the Hamel Jamboree. Majors teams may have games in District 1 tournaments up until around July 1st.
All-Stars
All-Star (ages 9-12 only) practices for players nominated coincide with the regular season and typically occur on weekends in June. Game play begins with the District Tournament shortly after July 4th and ends the first weekend of August. See the Tournament Overview page for more information.
Summer/Fall Season
The Summer/Fall Season is similar to our Spring/Summer Season, but generally runs from mid-July to the end of August. The duration of the season is the same as the Spring/Summer Season and activities will only take place on Monday - Thursday evenings. Registration typically opens in early June.
Offseason Training
We provide opportunities for offseason training at local providers for our players to sharpen their skills. Clinics typically run from the beginning of January through mid-March.
Travel (ages 13+)
Tryouts
Tryouts for travel teams occur in September of the year preceding the season in order for team formation to occur and to ensure player commitment. Hamel Baseball strives not to cut any player, however, based on numbers, cuts may have to be made if there are not enough players to form multiple teams.
Spring/Summer (Regular) Season
The season begins in mid-April, weather permitting. Teams generally play weekday games against other area teams and enroll in select weekend tournaments (typically 3-5 per season). The season ends with one or more State Tournaments, if team(s) qualify, in July.
Offseason Training
We provide opportunities for offseason training at local providers in order for our players to sharpen their skills. Clinics typically run from the beginning of January through mid-March.
HOW
Leadership
Hamel Baseball is run by a Board of Directors, all of which are volunteers. Additionally, several other positions are in place to oversee various aspects of the operations of the organization. With the rapid growth of our program and the changes we are trying to make to enhance our program and facilities, there are additional spots available for others to participate in the leadership of the organization. Please contact any member of the Board if interested.
Funding
Hamel Athletic Club was granted 501(c)3 status in 2010 by the IRS and is a tax-exempt organization. The program is funded by player registration fees as well as the generous support of local businesses that provide capital sponsorship as well as team sponsorship funding.