Wednesday June 19th 2013

FAQs (youth players)

When does the Little League season start?
The season commences in March and April with Spring Training to prepare the players for the new season. The Little League season starts officially in May. For more details about Herts Little League events please see the Calendar of Events.
   

 Where will the Little League events take place?
Games, training sessions and other events will be held at Grovehill Ballpark (unless specified otherwise), which is one of the UK’s best baseball venues. For directions please click here.

Is the Little League for boys or girls or both?
Both boys and girls are able to take part. Baseball is a sport which can be enjoyed equally by boys and girls.

What is the age of the players?
The Herts Little League has had players as young as 6 and as old as 16. Players are monitored closely to determine the right age group and team for them. Some players develop so quickly that they are invited to join the club’s adult teams when they reach the age of 14 or 15.

How can my child join the Herts Little League?
To join the Herts Little League or to receive more information click here.

Is it too late to join now?
No. You can join the league at any time?

What are the costs?
To cover the costs of organizing the Herts Little League, players will be asked to pay an annual membership fee. The membership fee is expected to be around £30 and covers the full year. The exact amount will be confirmed a little closer to the start of the season. Players will also be able to buy their uniforms. We are making every effort to source uniform suppliers at affordable prices. If you join the league partway through the season your annual membership fee will be reduced on a pro-rata basis (e.g if you join at the halfway point of the season your fee will be reduced by 50%). Spring training sessions are absolutely free of charge. You don’t have to be a member to give baseball a try so contact us.

All necessary equipment (e.g. fielding gloves, bats, balls, helmets etc) will be provided. We know that many of the kids would prefer to buy their very own fielding glove, bat etc. and we encourage this. This would allow them to practice at home with their friends plus it will mean that they will have a glove which they are used to and this will enhance their performance.

Will drinks and food be available?
American-style Hot Dogs and other baseball snacks and refreshments are available to buy on most days.

What is the National Baseball Championships?
The governing body of British Baseball, the BBF, stages the Youth National Baseball Championships (NBC). Herts Baseball Club enters its All-Star Teams to represent Herts in these national leagues where they meet the top teams in Great Britain.

Will my child play in the National Leagues?
Herts Baseball Club will look to reward the most dedicated, hard working and talented young players by selecting them to represent Herts Baseball Club at these prestigious national events. The decision, which players will be selected, will be based on many factors including the players’ statistics which they generate over the course of the season. Therefore, every player will have the opportunity to earn the honour of playing for the Herts All-Star Teams.

Who will coach the Little League players?
The sessions will be run by coaches from Herts Baseball Club. From time-to-time, special guest Coaches may be invited. In the past the Herts Little Leaguers have had the privilege to be coached by coaches of the Great Britain National Team as well as coaches from MLB clubs. Many of the parents have baseball experience and the League encourages them to get involved as team managers, coaches, umpires, scorers etc.

Can the Parents and other family members and friends get involved?
We are looking for volunteers to help out throughout the year and if you are interested in providing support please contact us. Also, Herts Baseball Club has many adult teams, competing in the various British Baseball Leagues for adults (14 years of age and older). If you or any of your older children and friends are interested to try the game of baseball then you are very much welcome to give it a go with our adult teams. We have new players joining us every week, from complete beginners to accomplished professionals. For more details visit the Herts Baseball Club official website.

Where can we watch baseball games?
The Little Leaguers are always welcome to come and watch official games from the British Baseball League (the adult league) involving the Herts teams, which is a great opportunity for the whole family to spend an enjoyable summer afternoon and maybe have a picnic at the ballpark. The players can also watch baseball on British TV. ESPN (available on SKY) shows live games more or less every day of the week during the MLB season. You can also subscribe to MLB.TV which gives you the opportunity to watch every MLB game on demand.