SEASON INFORMATION
OVERVIEW (AGES 10-12 AS OF AUGUST 31 OF THE CURRENT YEAR)
The Minor League Division helps continue a player's transition to traditional baseball. Little League International rules are fully enforced without modification.
The foundational principles of the Major League Division are:
- Develop fundamentally sound ballplayers and prepare them for the next level.
- Foster each player’s love for the game through encouragement and positivity.
- Emphasize respect for coaches, teammates, umpires, and the opposition.
SPRING/SUMMER SEASON
|
DAYS: |
MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY (3-4 practices/games per week) |
| TIME: |
Generally between 5:15 & 9:30 p.m. |
| DATES (approx.) |
April 15 – June 30 |
- Major League teams can expect to practice and play games 3-4 times per week.
- Games will be against other Hamel Major League teams and against neighboring Little League teams, which will require local travel (West Metro).
- Teams will compete in two tournaments:
- An end-of-season (late June) Hamel Major League tournament that coincides with the Hamel Baseball Jamboree. Weekend play is possible for this tournament.
- An end-of-season tournament against other communities in District 1 (approximately June 22 - July 1). Travel (within the Metro Area) and weekend play is likely for this tournament.
- In the case of inclement weather, the league will attempt to schedule make-up games on a best-efforts basis.
SUMMER/FALL SEASON
| DAYS: |
2 DAYS/WEEK (MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY) |
| TIME: |
Generally between 5:15 & 9:30 p.m. |
| DATES (approx.) |
July 15 – August 31 |
- Major League teams can expect to play games 2 times per week.
- This season is focused on development and games will be against other Hamel teams only.
- In the case of inclement weather, the league will attempt to schedule make-up games on a best-efforts basis.
LOCATION
Games and practices will be held at:
- Hamel Legion Park Fields
- Quad Fields
- Lighted Field
- Hunter Lions Field
- Other fields near Medina pending field capacity
See the Fields page for more information on these locations.
Some games may be played on a field in another community during interleague play. Please refer to that community's league site for more details on the location of those fields.
REGISTRATION
Season fees may vary year-to-year and will be listed in registration.
Age Requirements:
Major League is for kids aged 10-12 as of August 31 of the current year.
- 12-year-olds must play in Majors unless a waiver to play in Minors is signed by the Parent/Legal Guardian, League President, and District President.
- 11-year-olds are not guaranteed to play in Majors. Rather, based on the number of Major League teams, roster capacity, and skill evaluation, players may be placed in Minors.
- Parent requests for an 11-year-old to play in Minors will also be considered.
- 10-year-olds may participate in Majors if they evaluate high enough and based on prior year coach feedback (if applicable).
- 9-year-olds are not eligible to play in the Major League.
DIVISIONS AND TEAM FORMATION
Majors American Division:
This division is for the highest-skilled players based on evaluations and prior year coach feedback. Having a positive attitude, respecting coaches and umpires, supporting teammates, and committing to Hamel Baseball as first priority are other factors beyond baseball skill that are taken into consideration.
Majors National Division:
This division is for the next level of players based on evaluations and prior year coach feedback. Having a positive attitude, respecting coaches and umpires, supporting teammates, and committing to Hamel baseball as first priority are other factors beyond baseball skill that are taken into consideration.
Team Formation:
Evaluations are used to create balance among teams within each division. The Board reserves the right to make changes to teams in the event that team talent becomes imbalanced or if coaches are not disseminated equally.
See the Evaluations page for more information.
"Play with" requests will not be honored.
GAME PLAY
A progression of baseball skills will be taught in the Major League. Players will continue to rotate and experience all positions in practice. Coaches will continually evaluate each player's skills and skill development during the season to ensure they are put in a position to succeed in games. All players may not play all positions in games and playing time may not be equal.
Coaches will focus on the things that ALL players can control:
- Showing up on time
- Positive attitude
- Respect for coaches, the opposition, umpires, and teammates
- Willingness to learn
- Giving their best effort
- Running hard on the base paths
- Hustling on and off the field
- Taking quality at-bats
RULES
Little League rules are fully enforced. It is up to coaches to know and understand the rules. The Little League rules app can be downloaded on iOS or Google Play devices.
(Link to download Little League Rules app)
Pitch Count Rules:
An example of a Pitch Count Tracker is provided below and can be downloaded and used during games.
See the Little League website for the full list of pitching and catching rules. If you have any questions, please ask the Major League Coordinator.
PITCH COUNT TRACKER
EQUIPMENT
In the Major League, Hamel Baseball provides:
- Baseballs (practice balls and game balls)
- Catcher's Equipment
- Team Jersey
- Team Hat
- First Aid Kit
- Coach's Hat (rostered coaches only)
- Coach's Shirt (rostered coaches only)
- Little League Patch
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.
ALL STAR AND SELECT TEAM INFORMATION
See the Tournament Team page for more information.