What Baseball and Softball divisions do we offer?
Baseball:
T-Ball (4-6 Year olds) - This is for our youngest age players. Games are 3 innings or 1 hour, whichever comes first. Each kid will bat every inning. No outs or runs are recorded. All defensive players will be in the field. Kids learn basic baseball rules and how to enjoy the game.
Rookie Machine/Coach Pitch Baseball (6-8 year old's) - Players hit from a pitching machine run by a coach, usually 5 pitches and then we bring out a Tee to help kids help and learn how to run the bases. Outs are made, runs are scored, there is a 5 run limit per inning. Kids refine their ability to track pitches, catch, and throw. They improve their baseball knowledge, so they are ready to move to the minors.
Minors Baseball (8-10 year old's) - Provides a bit more emphasis on player development and participation. Kids pitch to each other from the mound. Strikeouts and walks occur. Stealing bases is introduced. All Little League rules are implemented and players are improving to make the jump to Majors.
Majors Baseball (10-12 year old's) - All Little League rules are implemented without restrictions. Dropped 3rd Strike is introduced and being more aggressive with stealing bases. Players continue to refining their skills previously learned to become better overall players.
Juniors Baseball (12-14 year old's) – Majors level enhanced, Getting ready for the transition to High School sports. Teams will have Double Headers, at a much high competitive level.
Softball:
Rookie Coach Pitch Softball (7-8 year old's) - Coaches pitch to players, usually 5 pitches; if a player does not hit then we bring out a Tee to help kids hit and learn how to run the bases. Outs are made, runs are scored, there is a 5 run limit per inning. Kids refine their ability to track pitches, catch, and throw. They improve their Softball knowledge, so they are ready to move to the minors.
Minors Softball (9-10 year old's) - Provides a bit more emphasis on player development and participation. Kids pitch to each other from the mound. Strikeouts and walks occur. Stealing bases is introduced. All Little League rules are implemented and players are improving to make the jump to Majors.
Majors Softball (11-12 year old's) - All Little League rules are implemented without restrictions. Dropped 3rd Strike is introduced and being more aggressive with stealing bases. Players continue to refining their skills previously learned to become better overall players.
Juniors Softball (13-14 year old's) – Majors level enhanced, Getting ready for the transition to High School sports. Teams will have Double Headers, at a much higher competitive level.
How many games will be played?
Although weather plays a factor, HSLL makes every effort to follow these guidelines:
T-ball – 6 games, each game lasts 3 innings (60 min. time limit)
Rookie/Machine Pitch – 6-8 games, each game lasts 4 innings (1 hr. 45 min. time limit)
Minors – 12+ games, each game is 6 innings (1 hr. 45 min. time limit)
Majors – 12+ games, each game is 6 innings (1 hr. 45 min. time limit)
Juniors – 14+ Games, each game is 6 innings (1 hr. 45 min. time limit)
What nights are games usually played on?
T-ball –Saturday mornings in Harbor Springs
Rookie BB Machine Pitch & Rookie Softball Coach Pitch –Friday nights, in Harbor or local areas (can be other nights too)
Minors BB/SB - Tuesdays and Thursdays - in HS and local areas
Majors BB/SB - Monday and Wednesdays - in HS and local areas
Juniors BB/SB - Usually play double headers - could be any night of the week and sometimes on Saturdays
What does my child need to bring to practice and games?
Practice: Glove, Cleats, dressed in athletic clothing (baseball/softball pants are recommended), Water bottle and a good attitude to work hard and listen.
Games: Wear Team jersey, hat/visor, baseball/softball pants, and all the equipment they would bring to practice.
**HSLL Baseball wear white baseball pants and Softball wear black softball pants**
Optional items: A bat bag (to hold all of their equipment- highly recommended), players can also choose to bring their own USA Standard Bat, helmet, batting gloves & catcher’s gear if desired. HSLL will provide team equipment (catcher’s gear, helmets, bats, & baseballs).
Where are games played?
T-ball, Rookie, Minors and Majors baseball games are played on the Little League Fields – either Reber Field (A) or Hoffman Field (B). Home games for older leagues will be played at: Juniors Baseball games are played on the Varsity Kosequat. Softball Teams play on the Reynolds Varsity field, and other local fields when needed.
Away games are at other local Little League areas that we play (Tri-Rivers, Cheboygan, North Emmet and Petoskey, etc.) A list of the fields are under the Player/Forms Tab - with links to all of their addresses.
Do I have to volunteer?
In 2024 we have changed our volunteering policies, now Volunteering at Harbor Springs Little League is not a requirement, but the league does run on the power of volunteers. We are always in need of parents, families, and friends to help with field cleanup, maintenance, coaching, etc!
We especially need help running the concession stand!!!! Please still sign up when you have availability.