What Baseball and Softball divisions do we offer?

Baseball:

Rookie Machine/Coach Pitch Baseball  - Players hit from a pitching machine run by a coach or a coach pitches, usually 5 pitches and then we bring out a Tee to help kids help and learn how to run the bases.  Outs are made, runs are scored, there is a 5 run limit per inning.  Kids refine their ability to track pitches, catch, and throw.  They improve their baseball knowledge, so they are ready to move to the minors.

Minors Baseball  - Provides a bit more emphasis on player development and participation. Kids pitch to each other from the mound.  Strikeouts and walks occur.  Stealing bases is introduced.  All Little League rules are implemented and players are improving to make the jump to Majors.

Majors Baseball  - All Little League rules are implemented without restrictions.  Dropped 3rd Strike is introduced and being more aggressive with stealing bases. Players continue to refining their  skills previously learned to become better overall players.

Juniors Baseball  – Majors level enhanced, preparation for the transition to High School sports. Teams will have Double Headers, at a much high competitive level.

Softball:

Rookie Coach Pitch Softball  - Coaches pitch to players, usually 5 pitches; if a player does not hit then we bring out a Tee to help kids hit and learn how to run the bases.  Outs are made, runs are scored, there is a 5 run limit per inning.  Kids refine their ability to track pitches, catch, and throw.  They improve their Softball knowledge, so they are ready to move to the minors.

Minors Softball  - Provides a bit more emphasis on player development and participation. Kids pitch to each other from the mound.  Strikeouts and walks occur.  Stealing bases is introduced.  All Little League rules are implemented and players are improving to make the jump to Majors.

Majors Softball  - All Little League rules are implemented without restrictions.  Dropped 3rd Strike is introduced and being more aggressive with stealing bases. Players continue to refining their  skills previously learned to become better overall players.

Juniors Softball  – Majors level enhanced, preparation for the transition to High School sports. Teams will have Double Headers, at a much higher competitive level.

How many games will be played?

Although weather plays a factor, SILL makes every effort to follow these guidelines:

Rookie/Machine Pitch – 6-8 games, each game lasts 4 innings (1 hr. 45 min. time limit)
Minors – 12+ games, each game is 6 innings (1 hr. 45 min. time limit)
Majors – 12+ games, each game is 6 innings (1 hr. 45 min. time limit)
Juniors – 14+ Games, each game is 6 innings (1 hr. 45 min. time limit)

What nights are games usually played on?

Rookie BB Machine Pitch & Rookie Softball Coach Pitch – any night of the week, lots of Fridays, in St. Ignace or local areas
Minors SB - Tuesdays and Thursdays  - in St. Ignace and local areas
Minors BB and Majors BB/SB - Monday and Wednesdays - in St. Ignace and local areas
Juniors BB/SB - Usually play double headers - could be any night of the week and sometimes on Saturdays

What does my child need to bring to practice and games?

Practice: Glove, Cleats, fielding mask, dressed in athletic clothing (baseball/softball pants are recommended), Water bottle and a good attitude to work hard and listen. Long hair needs to be in a ponytail. 

Games: Wear Team jersey, hat/visor, baseball/softball pants, and all the equipment they would bring to practice. 

**SILL Baseball and Softball wear black pants and white socks**

Optional items: A bat bag (to hold all of their equipment- highly recommended), players can also choose to bring their own USA Standard Bat, helmet, batting gloves & catcher’s gear if desired. SILL will provide team equipment (catcher’s gear, helmets, bats, & baseballs).

Where are games played?
Home games:
Rookie, Minors and Majors baseball games are played on the Little League Fields – either Michigan Field or Huron Field.
Juniors Baseball/Softball games are played on the High School softball and baseball fields.

Away games:
Play at other local Little League areas that we play (Tri-Rivers, Cheboygan, North Emmet and Petoskey, etc.) A list of the fields are under the Player/Forms Tab - with links to all of their addresses. 

Do I have to volunteer?

Our league runs on the power of volunteers. We are always in need of parents, families, and friends to help with field cleanup, maintenance, coaching, etc!