K/1/2 DIVISION
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade
In this league, emphasis is on teaching fundamentals specific to softball. We attempt to match players with classmates and friends. Though instruction is the top priority, games are competitive. Score is kept and each team gets three outs per inning. Rosters are kept as small as possible to give every player a chance to have an impact on the game.
WHERE & WHEN: Games are played in Evanston on Saturday afternoons on James Park 9.
* Game schedule and frequency will be impacted by whether there is an even or odd number of teams.
3/4 DIVISION
3rd & 4th Grade
Basic skills are emphasized and player pitching is introduced. Players use a cushioned 11" softball and pitch from 35 feet. A no-walk rule speeds up the game as coaches step in once the count reaches three balls. Players will be assigned to teams with classmates and during enrollment they may request friend(s) they want to play with but at this age we want kids to branch out a bit. We do our best to honor such requests please try to keep them reasonable, 1 or 2 friends at most.
WHERE & WHEN: Games in Evanston are either Monday or Wednesday and on Saturdays games are either in Wilmette or Winnetka. The season ending playoffs schedule may be on random days depending on field availability.
* Game schedule and frequency will be impacted by whether there is an even or odd number of teams.
5/6 DIVISION
5th & 6th Grade
Players in this division typically have some softball experience but a few start at this age. Skills grow as players learn to steal bases and pitch consistently. A regulation 12" softball is used and pitching is from 40 feet. Players may sign up with friends, however we will work to balance skill level on teams at this level. Teams should have one practice a week scheduled by coaches and there are 2 games per week.
WHERE & WHEN: Games in Evanston are Tuesdays and Thursdays and on Saturdays games are either in Wilmette or Winnetka.
* Game schedule and frequency will be impacted by whether there is an even or odd number of teams.
7/8 DIVISION
7th & 8th Grade
Players learn finer points of the game as stricter rules are introduced. Players may start to specialize in positions at this level but all players will have an opportunity to play many places in this division. We will still consider teammate requests if possible but teams are formed with the objective of balancing skill level. Teams should have one practice a week scheduled by coaches.
WHERE: Teams in this division compete in Northbrookâs league, games are 2-3 times a week and they are in Evanston, Winnetka, Wilmette, and Northbrook.
WHEN: Game days vary throughout the week.