SEASON INFORMATION
OVERVIEW (AGES 4-5 AS OF AUGUST 31 OF THE CURRENT YEAR)
Hamel Tee Ball is a league comprised of our community's youngest players. The Tee Ball program offers players the opportunity to learn the very basics of baseball in a supportive, positive, and encouraging environment. Every inning, all players bat, all players play a position in the field, no score is kept, and no one is ever out. Halfway into the season, coaches will start to pitch underhand to the players. The focus at this level is on fun and socializing with other children from our community. The season is considered a success if kids are enthusiastic to sign up for baseball the following season.
SPRING/SUMMER SEASON
DAYS: | MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY |
TIME: | Two alternating shifts starting at approximately 5:15 and 6:45 p.m. |
DATES (approx.) | May 1 – June 30 |
SUMMER/FALL SEASON
DAYS: | MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY |
TIME: | Two alternating shifts starting at approximately 5:15 and 6:45 p.m. |
DATES (approx.) | July 15 – August 31 |
In the case of inclement weather, the league will continue as of the date listed on the schedule. The league may choose to make up games after the last week of the season if there is a higher-than-normal number of canceled games during the season.
LOCATION
Games and practices are held on the grass fields located just beyond the outfield fences on Quad 1 and Quad 4 at Hamel Legion Park.
See the Fields page for more information on these locations.
REGISTRATION AND TEAM FORMATION
Season fees may vary year-to-year and will be listed in registration.
Age Requirements:
Tee Ball is for children ages 4-5 as of August 31 of the current year.
Parents should note their child’s K-12 school on the registration form if applicable, not their pre-school.
Team Formation:
Player "play with" request must be mutual (i.e., Player A must request Player B and Player B must request Player A on their individual registrations). Due to the size of the league, we can only attempt to honor one "play with" request per player.
Teams will be formed no later than two weeks before the season using 1) elementary school, 2) a single "friend request", and 3) an equal distribution of available coaches. We will attempt to ensure that no team has a single player of a different gender. We try to group genders together in an effort to help build friendships.
PRACTICE/GAME PLAY
Basic baseball fundamentals such as running the bases, holding the bat correctly, and throwing to a coach (10 feet) will be taught.
Tees will be used during the first half of the season and midway through the year coaches may elect to pitch underhand to their own team.
Games will be roughly 3 innings and every inning all players will get to bat and play a position in the field. No score is kept. During an inning there will be many coaches out on the field to ensure safety and to teach the players as they play.
Parents and spectators who are not on the field coaching are encouraged to celebrate success on both teams and are to refrain from “directional coaching” (i.e., giving direction to their kids) from the sidelines during the games and practices. Players, spectators, and coaches are expected to adhere to the code of conduct policies.
EQUIPMENT
In the Tee Ball League, Hamel Baseball provides:
- Baseballs (soft-core or low-compression baseballs are used at this level)
- Team Bat
- Team Jersey
- Team Hat
- First Aid Kit
- Coach's Hat (rostered coaches only)
- Coach's Shirt (rostered coaches only)
Players are required to supply their own:
- Batting Helmet
- Glove
- Baseball bat (USA Baseball approved - "USAbat")
- Baseball or athletic pants (white or gray preferred)
- Athletic Supporter and protective cup (optional)
- Rubber cleated baseball shoes or athletic shoes
NOTE: Please write your child’s name on all personal equipment.