Youth Baseball
If it is the first year a player will participate in the Grove City Youth Baseball program, please bring the following items with you to registration:
Participant's birth certificate
Proof of Grove City residency (i.e. current utility bill, current check stub, bank statement), if appropriate
Full payment fee
Rules for T-ball through pony leagues will be available in mid-March.
Location
Windsor Park, 4330 Dudley Ave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you honor participant requests?
It is the philosophy of the City of Grove City Parks and Recreation Department to treat all persons fairly and equally, including offering equal recreational baseball experiences for all leagues and teams. In adhering to this philosophy, there will be a maximum of 4 players that may be automatically assigned to each team. These players consist of the head coach’s child, two assistant coach’s children and the respective sponsor’s child. No other participant requests will be honored. There will no longer be a coach’s draft; players who are not automatically assigned will be placed on teams by the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department.
Is it possible to exchange uniforms for a different size?
Uniforms will be ordered immediately following the draft. Due to the timely nature of uniform ordering, exchanges cannot be honored, (i.e. no team changes). Please double check the size order to be correct (we will have sample clothing at sign-ups). Uniforms will consist of the following: Grove City Parks and Recreation jersey, hat and socks. Sponsor names will be placed on the back of each jersey. If the customer orders the wrong size, a new jersey can be ordered at the cost of the customer. If unsure, order a larger size.
In which league will my child play?
League placement is based upon age as of April 30, 2010.
Age 5: T-Ball Age 6: Peewee 6 Age 7: Peewee 7 Age 8: Peewee 8 Age 9-10: Minor Age 11-12: Major* Age 13-16: Pony*
*12-year-olds have the option to play in the Major or Pony league.
What days will my child play?
All teams practice from the week of April 5 until Opening Day on Saturday, May 8. Once the season begins, only Minor, Major and Pony leagues practice (on Saturdays); T-Ball, Peewee 6, Peewee 7 and Peewee 8 teams play games only. Practice and game days are subject to change depending on the number of teams in each league. Make-up games are played on Saturday.
T-Ball: Monday/Wednesday Peewee 6: Tuesday/Thursday Peewee 7: Monday/Wednesday/Friday Peewee 8: Tuesday/Friday Minor: Monday/Wednesday Major: Tuesday/Thursday Pony: Tuesday/Thursday
How do I know which team my child is on?
Coaches will call all team members shortly after the coaches' meeting on Sunday, March 28.
When does the season start and end?
Teams will have their first practices during the week of April 5. Practices will be scheduled Monday through Saturday on various nights. Practice schedules will be given to coaches at their meeting. Opening Day is Saturday, May 8. The season will end in mid- to late-June (depending upon weather). Rain-out practices will not be made up.
When will teams get their pictures taken?
Picture Day for Fall Baseball participants is Saturday, May 15 at Windsor Field 1.
What size bat should we buy?
Please be sure to adhere to the following guidelines when purchasing a bat for your child. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of our participants. Bats for T-Ball, Peewee 6, Peewee 7 and Peewee 8 must be labeled “Little League Approved.” Minor and Major league bats must not exceed a barrel size of 2¼ inches. Pony league players must use a bat with no more than a 3-ounce drop (-3). The drop is the difference between the number of inches in the bat’s length and the number of ounces bat’s weight, i.e. a bat 33-inches long and weighing 30 ounces, has a drop equal to (-3).
What am I required to do as a coach?
If you would like to participate as a coach in our program, please visit the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department located in City Hall, 4035 Broadway, to fill out a volunteer coach application . Once you have been approved to be a coach you will need to take online training for coaches through the
National Youth Sports Coaches Assocation . Background checks will be performed on every applicant.
What is NYSCA?
The National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) helps volunteers understand the psychology of coaching children. The program gives coaches practical skills to help all participants have fun and maximize their athletic skills. It also provides continuing education, support and valuable resources to help develop coaching skills and enhance relationships with parents, official, and children involved in youth sports programs.
Do coaches have to be NYSCA certified?
Yes. All head coaches in the Grove City Youth Baseball Program are required to be certified through the NYSCA. In order to pick up uniforms, head coaches will need to show proof of certification.
How often do I have to renew my certification?
Certification must be renewed every year. Grove City Parks and Recreation will cover the annual $20 renewal fee for each head coach who needs certified or requires a renewed certification. Assistant coaches also are required to participate in the NYSCA program, but will not be required to become official members unless they want to pay the membership fees on their own accord.
How much are league fees?
T-Ball: $50 Resident; $60 Non-Resident Peewee 6: $50 Resident; $60 Non-Resident Peewee 7: $50 Resident; $60 Non-Resident Peewee 8: $50 Resident; $60 Non-Resident Minors: $70 Resident; $80 Non-Resident Majors: $70 Resident; $80 Non-Resident Pony: $70 Resident; $80 Non-Resident
When are observations?
The minor, major and pony leagues have pre-season observations at Windsor Park on Saturday, March 20 to evaluate each player’s skills. This assessment helps distribute talent equally among teams. The process is quick and laid back; players will be asked to practice pitching, catching, running and hitting. Children of coaches and assistant coaches also need to attend observations. If observations are cancelled due to inclement weather, players will still be assigned in a blind draft.Pony: 8-9:30 a.m. Major: 9:45-11 a.m. Minor: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Grove City Parks and Recreation Department offers a recreational baseball league for children ages five to 16. Registration takes place, in person only, during business hours in February (spring) and June (fall).
