Frequently Asked Questions

How are the teams determined?
In mid-March, all of the managers come to the Community Center for a “live” team draft. The draft is a “blind” draft. Players within any given league are only identified by age and whether or not their parent is willing to help coach. In some cases a player may be idetified as a pitcher or catcher. Each manager picks at least two volunteer coaches. The teams are balanced to have the same distribution of player ages. For example, a typical youthball team of 14 might have 5 six year olds, 5 seven year olds, and 4 eight year olds.

When does the season start and finish?
The regular season is nine weeks in length. Prior to the season, we have four weeks available for teams to practice. While it varies from season to season, team practices usually begin toward the end of March. The regular season begins the first week in May, weather permitting, and finish up in early June. Play-off games typically begin the following week after the regular season ends and are completed by the end of June. The Boy's Pinto Hardball League begins league play in late May and finishes in late June with playoff games at the end of June.

How many games are played?
There are 13 regular games and one play-off game scheduled for each team. We guarantee all teams will play at least 12 games. If it is a particularly rainy season it may not be possible to make up all games. Saturday games are scheduled each season to maximize the usage of Lombardo Park and the lighted diamonds of Ford Central Park.

Where will the games be played this year?
The club will have use of 18 diamonds in five of the township's parks. The parks being used by the club are Ford Central Park, Lombardo Park, Mae Stecker Park, Whispering Woods and Woodall Park. Ford Central Park and Mae Stecker Park feature lighted ball fields.

What days are games played?
Games are played on alternating days, either Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday, depending on your league. Fridays are reserved for rain-out make up games.

How do I become a Team Manager?
Team manager applications are available at sign-up. These should be filled out and given to the Commissioner of the league you are interested in. The commissioner will review all of the applications and select the managers from this list. In the event there are more manager applicants than teams, the returning managers will be given preference. As a manager you are permitted to name one “coach” and one “sponsor” to be on your team.

How do I become a Team Sponsor?
Any sponsorship questions can be directed to the club's Sponsorship Coordinator using the web site's Contact Form. Sponsor applications are available at sign up or by calling the Parks & Recreation department at (586) 731-0300. Individual team sponsorships cost $300 and includes a 2' x 4' color banner with the sponsor's information. The banner is displayed on the backstop at each game.

Can a player play in an “upper” league?
We do not permit players to play “up” or “down” due to the difficulty of determining player ability. We do permit to players to play down if “special needs” are involved.

Why is August 1st the “cut-off” date when the season is over in June?
This is a date that was agreed upon years ago by many of the nationwide baseball clubs. This age policy is strictly adhered to by our club to avoid judgment calls for birthday’s within a few days of the cut-off.

What is the level of competition/instruction in this League?
We are a “recreational” program and expect our managers to teach baseball fundamentals and to divide playing time and opportunity equally among the players. Our rules require each player play a minimum of three innings and must play two of the first four innings of every game. Players “bat” the entire game. The younger leagues have very specific rules to ensure players get to play infield and outfield with equal opportunity.

Are there opportunities within this league to play at a more competitive level?
At the end of the season we give the upper league managers the opportunity to assemble “tournament teams” that have the opportunity to play in a minimum of one four game tournament. All league players are eligible to try-out for these teams. See your commissioner for details if you are interested in managing one of these teams.

How do I file a complaint?
Contact the Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department at (586) 731-0300. Written complaints are preferred. All complaints will be followed up by the League Commissioner responsible for game play within the respective league.

Will there be concessions available at the fields?
We have been using the off season to identify and negotiate a concessions supplier for games at Ford Central and Lombardo parks. Anyone interested in providing concessions should contact Parks and Recreation at (586) 731-0300.

How can I become involved as a Board Member of the Club?
Contact any board member or Parks & Rec. We meet once per month and are in need of commissioners for Boy’s Minors, Girl’s Minors and sponsorship help. Also, plan on attending our annual meeting in August – you will get a postcard reminder at season end.