Gahanna Junior League Sports: Fall Baseball
Fall Baseball FAQs (frequently asked questions)
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about GJLS Fall Baseball.
What is "Fall Ball"?
The GJLS Fall leagues allow youngsters to play baseball at the level they are scheduled to play in the following spring season. Thus, about half of the players spend eight weeks testing their skills at the next level. The rest of the players hone their skills by playing at the same level as they did in the spring and summer.
What levels of play are offered?
Each year GJLS has teams playing Coach-Pitch (ages 6-7), AA (ages 8-9), AAA (ages 10-11), Pony (ages 12-13), and High School (ages 14-17) baseball.
When does Fall Ball start and end?
The GJLS fall baseball program starts each year in mid-August and continues through mid-October.
Who can play Fall Ball?
Players from around Central Ohio register to play in the program each fall. Dozens of players at all levels travel to Gahanna to compete in our Fall leagues. All travel team players are eligible to participate in the GJLS Fall baseball program The league has developed a reputation around Columbus as a high-quality baseball program. It received glowing remarks recently from a Pickerington parent and coach. He said “it was a great value and very well organized.”
When can I sign up to play Fall Ball?
Sign-ups for Fall Baseball begin in June at the various baseball sites. Registration dates and times will be posted on the GJLS website and at the various concession stand locations.
How often do you practice or play games?
Plan on practicing and/or playing games at least twice each week. Some coaches may schedule three practices each week during the pre-season. You may also have a third game or practice during the week after the season begins. Some leagues play doubleheaders on weekends in the Fall. Some coaches may schedule additional practices.
Do I need to buy a uniform?
GJLS provides each player with a replica hat & jersey, and coordinating socks. The players must supply their own pants, shoes and fielders glove. Most teams wear white pants, however some teams may decide on their own to wear gray or maybe pinstripes.
How much are registration fees?
The fees vary based on the level of play. Look at the Fall Baseball registration form for fees in the various GJLS leagues.
Who do I make my check payable to?
"Gahanna Junior League Sports, Inc." or just "GJLS"
What is a "Non-resident Fee"?
The City of Gahanna imposes and collects a $10 fee for Non-residents of Gahanna. The fee is NOT based on your ZIP Code. It is based on the actual location of your residence. IF you live in a neighborhood that is in Columbus or some other community, you must pay the fee EVEN THOUGH your ZIP code says Gahanna. On the contrary, some neighborhoods that are actually IN Gahanna are not assessed the fee even though they have a New Albany ZIP.
What is a "tryout"?
All players must attend the Fall tryout for his/her league. The tryout is an evaluation so that GJLS can try to evenly distribute players onto teams. All players are placed on a GJLS team regardless of ability.
How does my child get placed on a team?
After the tryout, GJLS will conduct a player draft for the league. Coaches, using their evaluation notes, will take turns selecting players from the pool of eligible registrants. Coaches continue selecting players until all eligible players have been selected. Players who do not attend a tryout become "hat-picks" which means they are placed on teams randomly.
How do I know what team my child is on?
A few days after the draft, your coach will contact you. Please contact GJLS if you have not heard from your coach by the sixth day following your tryout.
Will my child be on the same team every year?
No. Fall baseball teams do not return players to the same team each season. All players are entered in the draft each and every year for Fall ball.
Does GJLS honor ride-share requests?
No. Ride shares are not permitted in order to prevent abuse of the privilege. Unfortunately, there are too many illegitimate requests involving highly-skilled players. This interferes with the league's efforts to evenly distribute talented players. Extreme hardship cases may be presented to the Board of Directors for consideration. Sufficient evidence of the hardship must be presented to support the request.
What is Concession Stand duty?
Every parent/guardian is required to work in the concession stand as scheduled by their coach. Generally, this means that you will work three or four times in the stand over the course of the season. Usually it is only for 3 or 4 innings each time you work. GJLS tries to assign concession duty only to the teams who are playing near the stand. This allows the parents to try to keep an eye on their child when they come to bat or play in the field. Speak to a coach or an "experienced" GJLS parent if you want more information.
Can I pay an extra fee to avoid working in the concession stand?
Not anymore. This option was eliminated prior to the start of the 2003 season. The stands need to be staffed in order for GJLS to survive financially. Allowing parents to opt out by paying a fee meant the other parents on the team had to work more often. Therefore working is mandatory for every parent.
How can I become a coach?
If you are interested in coaching, just complete a GJLS Coach Application and turn it in at registration. You can find a blank application in the “handouts” section of the website.
How can I volunteer my services to GJLS?
Just speak to a Board member or coach at registration or attend a GJLS meeting. You may also complete a Volunteer Form and return it to GJLS.
When are GJLS meetings held?
Check the calendar on the GJLS website for meeting dates, times and locations. Board meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of the first full week of each month. Board meetings are held throughout the year. Coaches meeting are generally held on the Sunday evening following a Board meeting. Coaches meetings may not be conducted some months (e.g. December).
Note: The GJLS Constitution and Regulations is the governing document for the league. The above is general information only and should not be construed to be the official rules of the league.