SEASON INFORMATION
OVERVIEW (AGES 7-8 AS OF AUGUST 31 OF THE CURRENT YEAR)
Rookie is a developmental league that builds upon what was learned in Coach Pitch. At this level, games are held on a baseball diamond, and a pitching machine is used in lieu of a coach or player. The Regular Season ends with an in-house tournament between all Hamel Rookie teams as part of the Hamel Jamboree in late June. The season is considered a success if kids have fun and are excited to sign up for baseball next season.
For the Spring/Summer Season parents should plan on two weekend events.
- Hamel Jamboree / Rookie tournament in late June
- Plymouth/New Hope Rookie Day in May or June (not Memorial Day Weekend)
- This two-game "round-robin" is typically at Zachary Playfields in Plymouth against other local Little League teams. If Rookie Day is affected by inclement weather, games will not be rescheduled.
SPRING/SUMMER SEASON
|
DAYS: |
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY
with two weekend events: Interleague Rookie Day (May) and Hamel Jamboree (June) |
| TIME: |
Three sessions starting at 5:00, 6:00 & 7:00 |
| DATES (approx.) |
May 1 – June 30 |
SUMMER/FALL SEASON
| DAYS: |
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY |
| TIME: |
Three sessions starting at 5:00, 6:00 & 7:00 |
| 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 are a higher-than-normal number of canceled games during the season.
LOCATION
Games and practices are held on the Quad Fields 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:
Rookie is for 8-year-olds as of August 31 of the current year.
We also accept 7-year-olds who are ready to hit off a pitching machine. Parents are responsible for determining if their 7-year-old is ready for this level. Regular baseballs are used in play at this level.
We may accept 9-year-olds to further their skill development and provide for equally matched competition. If interested, please contact the Registrar.
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
- Rookie players will bat against a pitching machine set at a constant speed (35-40 mph).
- There are no walks in Rookie, and strikeouts will only count when batters have seen a predetermined number of “good” pitches (as determined by the Board and League Coordinator)
- A pitch that is not in the strike zone is not considered a good pitch regardless of if a player swings.
- Teams will use a continuous batting lineup (all players bat) and players will play both infield and outfield equally throughout the season.
- Coaches also serve as umpires at this level.
- Emphasis will be placed on teaching kids the basic rules, learning proper fundamentals (playing catch, hitting, fielding, catching, and throwing), and exhibiting a high level of sportsmanship.
- Teams will play 10 players in the field, with 4 outfielders. If teams have less than 3 outfielders for a game a coach may stop the batted ball in the outfield in order for both the offense and defense to learn proper fundamentals and to help speed up the game.
- Coaches may be in the outfield while their team is playing defense to instruct kids and ensure they are engaged in the game.
- The ½ inning is over after 3 outs (strikeouts do count as outs) or 5 runs scored.
- This is a “hitter’s” league with the purpose of putting the ball in play so that the offensive team can learn proper hitting and base running skills, and the defense can learn situational defense.
- Any batted ball that hits the pitching machine is deemed live.
- Games will be 4-5 innings based on time available.
- Little League-approved baseballs will be used.
This is not a “run at your own risk” league. Players will stop advancing once the ball is returned to the infield and will be allowed one extra base on an over-throw. Proper baseball habits will be taught (i.e. players should not keep running simply because they could “make it” at this level as poor habits will more than likely lead to outs as the defensive abilities of players increase).
The batting team’s coach will serve as umpire for the ½ inning. Other coaches should not try to influence the call on the field unless the umpire asks for help, and there should not be any arguing over the calls. Scores may be kept, but there will be no standings. The Rookie League adheres to Little League Machine Pitch rules (no bunting, no stealing).
Regardless of the outcome, coaches will focus on the things that players can control—showing up on time, running hard on the base paths, hustling onto and off the field, taking quality at-bats, and giving their best effort.
EQUIPMENT
In the Rookie League, Hamel Baseball provides:
- Baseballs (practice balls are also used for games)
- Catcher's Equipment
- 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)
- Baseball socks and belt (to match jersey if possible)
- Athletic Supporter and protective cup (optional, but required to play catcher)
- Rubber cleated baseball shoes or athletic shoes
NOTE: Please write your child’s name on all personal equipment.