Your Child’s Team
We do our best to accommodate requests by players/parents who have preferences for certain teams or coaches. Players will be assigned to teams and divisions based on age and, in some cases, experience. The coaches assigned to your child’s team will contact you once the teams have been set for the season.
Equipment Your Child Will Need
Your child will need a baseball glove and we also recommend the purchase of a batting helmet. Baseball pants and rubber cleats are optional (blue jeans and tennis shoes are also acceptable). Your child’s baseball cap and game jersey will be provided by the league. For those who wish to purchase/bring their own bats, please note that bats used in Joy League must have a barrel diameter of 2-1/4” or less for tee-ball (ages 4-6) and 2-5/8” or less for coach pitch (ages 7-12). These requirements are in accordance with generally accepted standards for youth baseball.
Game and Practice Schedule
Practices begin the first Saturday in March. During the month of March and the first week of April, teams will typically have one Saturday practice and one weeknight practice (weeknight practices begin after Daylight Saving Time on March 10). After the season begins (April 6), practices are generally once per week on a weeknight. Practices usually begin at 6:00 pm, with the field and day of the week to be determined by your team’s coaches.
Games are played each Saturday during the season (April 6 – June 8). Rookie teams will play April 6 through May 18. The first games are at 8:00 and the last game typically ends during the mid-afternoon. Depending upon the weather and the number of teams in each division, there may be occasional weeknight games during the season.
In 2019, Joy League replaced its traditional season-ending All-Star game with a post-season tournament involving every team in each division (with the exception of our Rookie division). The goal was to allowall of our playersto participate in post-season play. The tournament was a great success, and the format has been adopted as a permanent part of the schedule. This year’s championship games will be played June 8.
Player Safety
Joy League requires a chest protector and face guard for players fielding the “pitcher’s” position in the 2A and 3A divisions for protection against hard-hit balls (Joy League will issue this equipment to each team). This must be used during all games and practices.
Joy League is About Positive Reinforcement at All Levels
Joy League emphasizes learning the game, good sportsmanship and having fun. We encourage our coaches and parents to be mindful of the league’s purpose at all times.
Umpires are provided at the games and their rulings are final. No profanity or insults directed at the umpires will be tolerated.
JLB at Homewood Middle School
This season will be our sixth year to play at Homewood Middle School, which has graciously provided us with access to their wonderful facilities. We will forward information to all parents to help with game-day parking and logistics before the season starts.