Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I sign-up for baseball?

Baseball sign-ups are always the last two Saturdays in February and the first Saturday in March.  For the 2011 Eastern Season, the sign-ups are February 19, February 26, and March 5 at Cove Park from 9 am until noon. Please try to sign-up one of the 1^st two weeks.

The Board will select coaches after the second week of registration (i.e. February 26).

What do I need to sign-up for baseball?

If your child has not played a sport at Eastern before, you will need to take a copy of their birth certificate to registration and fill out the complete registration form.

If your child has played a sport at Eastern before, there should be a pre-printed registration form at the park during registration.

How much does baseball cost?

Registration for Baseball and T-ball is $90 for the 2011 Season.  Development T-ball for kids league age 4 is $45.

What ages can play baseball?

The 2011 baseball league age chart is as follows:

Majors:  Typically league ages 11 and 12’s play in majors, 9 and 10 can try-out but typically you do not see them making a major team.  Major league requires a try-out to be selected for a team. All players must attend at least 50% of the scheduled try-out to be considered.  If not selected for a major team your child will play in minors. If your child played on a major team last year he will automatically be on a major team again this year.  All 12 year old will make a major team unless there are special circumstances. 

Minors:  Minors is open for ages 9 to 12 with the majority of the kids being 9 or 10.  Twelve year olds in the minors cannot pitch by rule.  Each player must go through a player evaluation prior to team selection.  You will sign up for a time during registration. The goal of this evaluation is to give each manger a chance to see the players prior to the selection meeting so we can have balanced teams.  All players will be placed on a team in this division unless it is judged by the evaluators that the child is not ready to play at this level.

Coach Pitch:  This division is for players’ league ages 7 and 8.  Six year olds who have played one year of T-ball may try out for coach pitch.  If selected by a team they can play in this division.  If not, they will play on the T-ball division.  Each 7 and 8 year old player must go through a player evaluation prior to team selection.  You will sign up for a time during registration. The goal of this evaluation is to give each manger a chance to see the players prior to the selection meeting so we can have balanced teams.  All players league age 7 and 8 will be placed on a team in this division unless it is judged by the evaluators that this child is not ready for play at this level.

T-ball: This division if for league ages 5, 6 and 7.  Typically the division is made up of 5 and 6’s.

Development T-ball: This is a special division run by Eastern League.  This division is typically made up of league age 4 kids.  To qualify for this division the child must be age 4 on or before May 1.  The goal of this league is to have fun and introduce young players to the game of baseball.  No scores or records are kept or maintained.

New Pilot Program 50/70 division from 12 and 13 year olds:  In an effort to further ease the transition from the standard Little League field size (46-foot pitching distance and 60-foot base paths), to the standard field (60.5-foot pitching distance and 90-foot base paths), Little League is now offering the pilot program for league age 12- and 13-year-olds. In the 50-70 Pilot Program, ONLY players who are league ages 12-13 will be eligible in 2010.  A player can play in this division and the majors at the same time.  These games will typically be played on weekends and not conflict with the major league program

Additionally, base runners will be permitted to lead off in the 50-70 Pilot Program (requiring pitchers to hold runners on base), runners may attempt stealing at any time, and head-first sliding is permitted. In the Little League division, runners cannot leave the base until the ball reaches the batter, and sliding must be feet-first unless the runner is retreating to a base

Also for the 50-70 Pilot Program – unlike the Little League division – the batter becomes a runner on a dropped third strike, the bat can have a diameter of 2 5/8 inches, and the on-deck batter is permitted. For more info go to : http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2010/Jan-Apr/Update_MoreThan100TeamsRegisteredfor50-70PilotProgram.htm

How do I sign-up to coach?

If you would like to be added to list of candidate coaches, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . There will also be a sign-up for coaches at the 1^st two weeks of Registration (February 19 and February 26).  You will also need to complete a “volunteer application” either email it or drop it off at registration.

The Board will select coaches after the second week of registration (i.e. February 26).

When does the baseball season start?

The baseball teams start practicing in mid-March.  The pre-season jamboree will take place on Saturday, April 2.  The first regular season games will start on April 4. 

When does the season end?

The regular season ends on the second Wednesday in June.  However if you want your child to be eligible for all-stars, they will need to be available all of June for practices and all-star games.

What are all-stars?

All-stars are post season tournament teams that play against other Little Leagues in our district.  The following five tournaments are planned to be held this year;

Coach Pitch

8-9

9-10

10-11

11-12

 9-10; 10-11, and 11-12 winners advance to state level play; State winners in 9-10 and 11-12 may advance to regional play.  The 11-12 team is the only team that can advance to the International Little League Tournament televised on ESPN/ABC.

What does it take to be eligible for all-stars?

Players must be able to commit to be at all the all-star practices and be in town to support the game schedule.  At times a player may have to miss a practice; however, if it is more than a single practice it will require special approval.  Please don’t schedule vacations during this period if you want your child to be eligible for all-stars.

How are all-star teams selected?

All players meeting the age requirements for the All-Star tournament the league elects to participate in will be included on the All-Star ballot. Each regular season manager and one assistant coach will then vote.  Details will be posted on the league web site:  http://www.hsv-eastern-league.org/content/view/131/124/

What are baseball evaluations?  What will the kids be asked to do at evaluations?

Evaluations are used by the coaches and the league to try to create even and balanced teams. During evaluations, each child will be asked to perform a few simple drills.  These drills normally consist of fielding ground balls, catching fly ball, hitting, and running.  Evaluations typically take about 10 to 15 minutes per group.  It is very important that each child sign up for an evaluation time when registering.

When are baseball evaluations?

For the 2011 Baseball Season, evaluations will be on the following dates.

Major try-outs (part 1) 12-2 pm on February 26 and (part 2) 10 am - 1 pm on March 6.

Minor evaluations March 5 from 1 to 6 pm and Sunday March 6 from 6 to 7.

Coach Pitch evaluations from 7 and 8 year olds are Sunday March 6 from 1 to 5

Coach Pitch try-outs for 6 year olds are Monday night March 7 at 6pm.

Where do the baseball teams practice and play games?

All games will be at Cove Park except for major league.  Most all of the major games are at Cove Park but they will have some away games with other parks.  Practices are at Cove Park and Hampton Cove Middle School

How many times per week does each team practice or play games?

Before the season starts, most teams practice 2 to 3 times per week.  Once the games start, most teams will play 2 games per week and practice 1 or 2 times per week. 

When are practices and games?

Majors and Minors are normally during the week; Coach Pitch and T-ball mainly play Saturday but will have some weekday games.  The Development league only plays on Saturday with all games being at 8 am.

Will the teams have any practices or games on Sunday?

Yes.  Sunday afternoon is one of the options for practice.  There may also be a few make-up games on Sunday afternoon.

Do I need to buy any special equipment?

A pair of baseball shoes is recommended – plastic cleats only.  For the 6 and under, baseball shoes or a good pair of tennis shoes are fine.  Equipment bags contain catcher gear and catcher’s mitt, helmets, and balls are provided.  Bats and gloves are not provided.  Bats are typically shared within the team. 

Does baseball have a minimum play rule?

Yes. There is a minimum play rule in all age groups. Consult the rules below.

 Where can I get a copy of the rules for Eastern Baseball?

The Baseball Rules are available on the league web site at http://www.hsv-eastern-league.org/content/view/131/124/

Who can I ask if I have additional questions?

If you have additional questions, please email your question to \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and someone will try to answer your question.