La Grange Little League: FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does player/team assignment work?
Teeball, Coach Pitch - Assigned based on neighborhood/school location.
Farm League - Assigned based on Coach Pitch manager ratings.
C, B, A leagues - Assigned by Draft held after skill testing.
Minor League Softball - Assigned by Draft held after skill testing.
Major League Softball - Assigned by Draft held after skill testing.
Juniors Softball - Assigned by Draft held after skill testing.
What is "League Age"? "League age" is the child's age on April 30 of the current year for Baseball, or December 31 of the previous year for Softball. It is used to determine which league level to play in. These cutoffs were changed by Little League International beginning with the 2006 season, previously the date was July 31. LaGrange Little League is allowing players to continue to play under the July 31 age cutoff for the 2006 season if they so desire. Future seasons will adhere strictly to the new dates. The Little League Tournament all-star teams will use the new dates starting this season (2006).
Can my 5 year-old play Tee Ball? Kindergarteners who will be 5 on April 30 may register. LaGrange Little League does not offer a program for children younger than kindergarten age.
What are the roles of managers and coaches? Managers are the leaders of each team, and make decisions regarding practice schedule, team strategy, lineup, etc. Their presence is important at almost all games and practices. Coaches assist the managers at practices and games. Managers and Coaches are role models for the players. Managers and Coaches respect the decisions of the umpires. Due to insurance reasons, only designated managers and coaches should participate in games.
What is a Player-Agent? The Player Agent is a Little League officer who is the "agent of the players". This role is second in responsibility to the league president. The Player Agent is responsible for registration, skill testing, drafts, other player issues, and observes the managers/coaches handling of the players.
How do the tournament teams work? LaGrange Little League selects "all star" tournament teams for each age level from 8 - 12. The selections are made by consensus of league managers, based on performance displayed during the season. These teams play in one or more tournaments in July/August. LaGrange Little League pays for one tournament for each team. One 9-10 year old tournament team and one 11 year old tournament team enters the Little League District Tournament which leads to the State Tournament, and one 12 year old team enters the District Tournament which leads to the Little League World Series.
How much does it cost to play? For Spring 2007 Season $105 per player, except T Ball, Coach Pitch and Farm League baseball and Peanut softball are $75 per player. Financial scholarships are available.
Can I still sign up if I missed registration? Yes, as long as we have openings on teams, you may sign up to play Little League. Once all teams are full, a wait list will be started. There is a late registration fee to help cover the cost of ordering an additional uniform. To register, please contact the appropriate player agent.
What are rules of usage for the batting cages? Due to Park District and Insurance restrictions, only LaGrange Little League teams supervised by a manager or coach can use the batting cages at Sedgwick.
Can boys and girls play baseball? Softball? Boys and girls can play baseball, and girls can play softball.
What is Skill Testing? Skill testing is the Little League approach to estimating players skill level before the season starts. It is used as a basis to assist coaches in drafting players into the major league (A League) and also to achieve balanced teams at both major and minor league levels. Players are tested on fielding, throwing, batting, pitching and running.
What is Fall Ball? Fall Ball is an extra season of LaGrange Little League which is made up primarily of informal games. Standings are not kept, and instruction and coaching is emphasized. Registration for Fall Ball takes place in July, and the season runs in September/October.
What are the LaGrange Little League Boundaries? Within 55th street, Gilbert, Brewster, and East Ave. Except, residents south of LG Country Club and LG Memorial Hospital between Edgewood and Gilbert are in Lyons Township Little League.
Can we still play baseball in LGLL if we move outside of the boundaries? The National Little League policies have recently changed on this issue. If your child played with LaGrange Little League last season, and you move outside the boundaries, he/she may either join the Little League in the community in which you now reside OR continue playing with LaGrange Little League. Children may continue playing with LaGrange Little League as long as they play each year. If a child sits out a year, then they are no longer eligible for LaGrange Little League and must join the Little League program in their new community.
Can girls living outside the LGLL boundaries play in the fast pitch softball program? If the town in which you reside does not have a Little League that offers fast pitch softball, then your daughter may play in a neighboring suburb. LaGrange Little League welcomes girls from other communities to play in the fast pitch softball program, however, permission to play in our program must be granted by the Little League District Administrator. If you are interested in signing your daughter up for fast pitch softball, please contact your own town’s Little League president and the LaGrange Little League Softball Player Agent. These two people can assist you with registering for a fast pitch program.
What equipment do I have to provide? Glove necessary, bat and rubber cleats recommended. Bats must not be more than 2 1/4 inch in diameter. Cup for C League and above boys required, recommended for lower ages.
Who Plays Where?
TeeBall - Waiola Park, Gilbert Park
Coach Pitch - Waiola Park, Gilbert Park
Farm League - Spring Ave. School
C League - Spring Ave. School
B League - Sedgwick Park
A League - Sedgwick Park
Juniors SB - Sedgwick Park, neighboring towns
Majors SB - Sedgwick Park, neighboring towns
Minors SB - Spring Ave. School
Peanut SB - Spring Ave. School
What is Little League? Little League is an international organization that provides structure and rules for local leagues around the world. It is the most popular form of organization for youth baseball/softball in the world. The Little League program provides playing and development opportunities for all players at the community level, including major leagues and all star teams.
What is the Little League Pledge? I trust in God, I love my country and will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win, but win or lose I will always do my best.
What is Little League Parent/Volunteer Pledge? I will teach all children to play fair and do their best, I will positively support all managers, coaches and players, I will respect the decisions of the umpires, I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.