Hastings Little League FAQ (Baseball & Softball)
HASTINGS LITTLE LEAGUE FAQ (BASEBALL & SOFTBALL)
Last updated: 2/14/2026
Table of Contents
1) REGISTRATION & CONTACT
Q: Is registration open online?
A: Yes. Registration is open online. The registration link will be posted on our website and social media.
Having trouble registering online?
Fill out the Google form at
register.HastingsLL.org, then come to one of the in-person registrations and let us know at checkout that you completed the form.
Q: Do you offer in-person registration/pickup?
A: Yes. We will have in-person registration/pickup opportunities at Big G ACE Hardware (3203 Osborne Dr W). Dates/times will be posted online.
Q: I registered online — do I still need to attend in-person?
A: Yes. If you register online, you must attend one in-person pickup to receive your player’s team hat and/or raffle tickets.
Q: Are there extra fees to register online?
A: Our registration website provider charges a $3 per account fee plus credit card processing fees.
Q: I already have an account. How do I log in?
A: Click Login Here under Create Account. If needed, select Forgot your Username or Password? and enter your email to receive a reset link.
Q: Who do I contact with questions?
2) AGE CUTOFFS & OFFICIAL AGE CHARTS
Q: How do I know which division to register for?
A: Divisions are based on the official Little League age charts (not grade). If you’re unsure, email us and we’ll help.
2.1 Baseball age cutoff + age chart
Q: What is the baseball age cutoff date?
2.2 Softball age cutoff + age chart
Q: What is the softball age cutoff date?
2.3 Can girls play baseball?
Q: Can girls play baseball?
A: Yes. Girls can play baseball or softball.
3) BASEBALL DIVISIONS OVERVIEW
Q: What baseball divisions do you offer?
A: Rookie (5–6), Pee Wee (7–8), Minors (9–10), Majors (11–12), Juniors (13–15).
3.1 Rookie Baseball
Q: What is Rookie baseball like?
A: Rookie is a beginner program focused on fundamentals, teamwork, and fun. It is non-competitive (no score and no standings).
3.2 Pee Wee Baseball
Q: What is Pee Wee baseball like?
A: Pee Wee continues to build fundamentals and introduce more team concepts. It remains non-competitive (no score and no standings).
3.3 Minors Baseball
Q: What is Minors baseball like?
A: Minors is a transitional division where more advanced skills are introduced, including player pitching.
3.4 Majors Baseball
Q: What is Majors baseball like?
A: Majors is a higher-level division with more strategy and game concepts. An All-Star team may be selected to represent the league in postseason Little League play (based on eligibility and participation).
3.5 Juniors Baseball (Grand Island LL + Kearney LL)
Q: What is Juniors baseball like?
A: Juniors is played on a full-sized field and focuses on a fuller range of skills and strategies. Our Juniors division will play with Grand Island Little League and Kearney Little League.
4) SOFTBALL PROGRAM OVERVIEW
4.1 Mission / program focus
Q: What is Hastings Little League Softball?
A: Hastings Little League Softball’s mission is to provide a fun, safe, and well-organized experience for players of all skill levels by teaching fundamentals, building confidence, and promoting teamwork and sportsmanship—while creating opportunities for every player to learn and grow as the program continues to develop in Hastings.
4.2 Softball divisions offered (note: 7–8 Parks & Rec)
Q: What softball divisions do you offer?
A: Rookie Softball (6 & Under), Minors Softball (10 & Under), Majors Softball (12 & Under).
Note: Softball for ages 7–8 is offered by City Parks & Rec.
5) SOFTBALL DIVISIONS DETAILS
5.1 Rookie Softball (6 & Under)
Q: What is Rookie Softball like?
A: Rookie Softball is a fun, low-pressure introduction to organized softball. Players learn the basics of hitting, running, fielding, and throwing, plus simple team concepts. The focus is on fun, confidence, and skill-building—not wins and losses.
Q: Will Rookie Softball be softball-only?
A: If we have enough registrations to form a softball-only league, we’ll do that. If not, we’ll still offer Rookie Softball and fill in some games alongside our Rookie Baseball League so players have a full and enjoyable season.
Q: What are the planned days/times and what does a night look like?
A: Planned days are Mondays and Wednesdays (based on field availability). Early in the season, we plan for a 6:30 PM start with 45 minutes of practice followed by 45 minutes of game play. Coaches may adjust as the season progresses, but practice time is important.
Q: What is the game format?
A: Modified T-ball style: we use coach pitch first, and if needed we’ll bring out the tee to keep the action moving and help every player be successful.
Q: Is Rookie Softball competitive?
A: No. We do not keep score and no standings are tracked.
Q: Typical roster size?
A: Usually 6–10 players (we try to keep teams smaller so everyone gets more opportunities).
5.2 Minors Softball (10 & Under)
Q: What is Minors Softball like?
A: Minors Softball is a developmental, transitional program. Players continue developing hitting, throwing, catching, fielding, and base running while learning game concepts (where to throw the ball, how to make outs, and basic team strategy).
Q: How does pitching work in Minors Softball?
A: We introduce and grow comfort with player pitching at an age-appropriate pace. To keep the game moving and make early pitching experiences positive, we use a modified approach: walks will not be recorded. If the count reaches ball four, a coach will step in and finish the at-bat.
Q: Planned days/times and format?
A: We’d like set weeknight game days, but final scheduling depends on field availability. We plan to use a 1 hour 45 minute time block that includes practice time before games to keep learning consistent. Early season may include more practice time, shifting toward more game time as teams progress. Game times may fall anywhere from 6:00–8:00 PM depending on scheduling.
Q: Typical roster size?
A: Usually 10–12 players.
5.3 Majors Softball (12 & Under)
Q: What is Majors Softball like?
A: Majors Softball is our most advanced youth softball offering and is designed to provide a more complete, game-like experience. Skills are refined with increased emphasis on pitching, defensive positioning, and situational strategy—while keeping development and sportsmanship as key priorities.
Q: What if registration numbers are smaller at first?
A: Because the program is newer locally, we’re not sure what numbers will look like at first. We fully expect this division to grow year to year as the program becomes established.
Q: Planned days/times and format?
A: We’d like set weeknight game days, but final scheduling depends on field availability. This division will follow a more complete rules structure and competitive game flow, while still keeping development and sportsmanship as key priorities.
Q: Will softball have All-Stars/postseason opportunities?
A: As the league gets stronger over time, our long-term goal is to create opportunities beyond the regular season. As participation grows, we want to build toward the ability to send an All-Star team to postseason play (District/State/Regional and beyond). We may not be able to do that right away, but it is absolutely a goal.
6) TEAM FORMATION & SKILLS EVALUATIONS
Q: How are teams put together?
A:
- Rookie & Pee Wee: Players are assigned by school/area of town as much as possible.
- Minors, Majors & Juniors: Players must go through Skills Evaluations. If a player cannot attend, team placement may be based on prior coach/committee input.
6.2 What to bring to evaluations
Q: What are Skills Evaluations like, and what should we bring?
A: Evaluations are run in stations to assess different skills. Please bring a glove. Evaluations may be inside or outside depending on weather.
6.3 Same team as last year?
Q: Will players be on the same team as last year?
A: Not necessarily—teams are formed each year from that season’s registrations.
7) TYPICAL SCHEDULE, SEASON TIMING & GAME NIGHTS
(Exact schedules can vary and will be communicated once teams are formed.)
7.1 Rookie Baseball
Typically Monday & Wednesday evenings; practice often starts at 6:30 PM and games at 7:15 PM. Season typically starts after Memorial Day and wraps up before the 4th of July.
7.2 Pee Wee Baseball
Typically Tuesday & Thursday evenings; practice often starts at 6:30 PM and games at 7:15 PM. Season typically starts after Memorial Day and wraps up before the 4th of July.
7.3 Minors Baseball
Typically Monday & Wednesday nights (coaches schedule practices on non-game days). Practices typically begin in late April, with games starting in mid-May.
7.4 Majors Baseball
Typically Tuesday & Thursday nights (coaches schedule practices on non-game days). Practices typically begin in late April, with games starting in mid-May.
7.5 Juniors Baseball
Schedule varies based on registrations; we will share details when available. Practices typically begin in early May, with games starting in late May. Juniors will play with Grand Island Little League and Kearney Little League.
7.6 Rookie Softball
Planned for Mondays & Wednesdays (based on field availability). Season typically runs after Memorial Day and wraps up before the 4th of July.
7.7 Minors Softball
We’d like set weeknight game days, but final scheduling depends on field availability. Season typically runs after Memorial Day and wraps up before the 4th of July.
7.8 Majors Softball
We’d like set weeknight game days, but final scheduling depends on field availability. Season timing depends on league size and scheduling.
8) TEAM PHOTOS
Q: When/where are team photos? Do we need to attend if we aren’t ordering photos?
A: Team photos are held at Provident Promotions, and all players should attend even if not ordering. Coaches will have your team’s assigned time.
9) FEES & FUNDRAISER (RAFFLE TICKETS)
9.1 Raffle ticket requirement + opt-out
Q: What is the raffle ticket/fundraiser requirement?
A: Participation in the league fundraiser is part of registration. Each player will sell 20 raffle tickets at $2 each (total $40), and tickets/money will be turned in at team photos. Parents may opt out at registration by paying the $40 opt-out fee in addition to the registration fee. If you register after the in-person pickup opportunities, the Opt-Out Raffle Ticket Fee will automatically apply.
9.2 Need more tickets
Q: What if I need more raffle tickets?
10) EQUIPMENT, UNIFORMS & WHAT TO BRING
10.1 Equipment basics
Q: What equipment does my player need?
A: A glove is recommended for all players. Coaches will share division-specific needs (bats, helmets, etc.) at the start of the season.
10.2 Baseball pants / uniform notes
Q: Do players need special pants?
A: Minors and Majors players need to provide their own grey baseball pants. Rookie and Pee Wee players may wear baseball pants or shorts.
10.3 What to bring to evaluations
Q: What should we bring to evaluations?
A: Please bring a glove.
11) RULES & EXTRAS
11.1 Where to find rules
Q: Where can I find league rules?
A: Rules can be found at hastingsbaseball.net under each league’s tab.
11.2 Duncan Field admission with team shirt
Q: Do players/coaches get into Duncan Field games for free?
A: Players and coaches get into regular season American Legion games at Duncan Field for free by wearing their team shirt.