OVERVIEW
For players League Age 4 - 6* who are brand new to the game, our T-Ball division provides a basic introduction to how baseball is played. The focus is on teaching rudimentary concepts, such as the elements of the field (home plate, bases, infield, outfield, etc.) as well as proper techniques for hitting, running the bases, fielding, and throwing. Scores are not kept, every player bats in each inning, and there are no outs. The dimensions of T-Ball are smaller than a standard Little League field with distances between bases at just 45 feet.
*Note: We recommend that League Age 6-year-olds play Single A unless they have never played a sport before.
Q: What equipment do I need to provide for my T-Ball player?
A: The league will provide team hats and jerseys. Players will be responsible for having the following items:
Bat (26" or shorter)
Fielding glove
Batting helmet
Cleats
Baseball pants, belts, socks
Once your team has been assigned its color scheme, you can purchase pants, socks, and a belt accordingly.
Q: When do Spring practices start?
A: Practices for T-Ball are scheduled to begin the week of February 20 (subject to change).
Q: When do Fall games start?
A: Tentatively, we are planning to have first games on Saturday, March 4, and the season will end on or around May 6.
Q: Can I make a “buddy” or coach request?A: Yes! T-Ball is all about playing with friends and people you know. Teammate and coach requests are accepted and honored as much as possible. To do this, go to your account profile, click the edit icon next to your child's name, and you'll be taken to a page where you can input the requests. If there’s a case where we have more requests for a particular coach than we can accommodate, we do the best we can to place players where they’d like to be. If you register or make your request after teams have been assembled, you will be assigned to a team based on roster needs and it is unlikely that we will be able to accommodate teammate and coach requests in these instances.
Q: What is a typical week for T-Ball?
A: T-Ball will have one 60-minute field practice each week. The general start time is around 5pm, but this can vary a little bit. There will be one 60-minute game each Saturday morning. Exact practice days will be determined by our practice scheduler and will usually remain consistent once established.
Q: What types of bats are allowed?
A: In T-Ball, all bats must be 26" or less in length. If you’re buying a bat for a brand new player at this level, there is no need to spend much more than $30. A clerk at any sporting goods store should be able to suggest an appropriate bat for your player.
Q: Are scores and standings kept?
A: No, not in T-Ball.
Q: I have a friend who has a child who wants to play. Is there still time to register?
A: At this time, the division is full though we try our best to accommodate every child who signs up to play at Vista Little League, especially in the lower divisions.
Q: Who are the managers and coaches?
A: Parents like you. Every manager and coach on the field is related to a child on that team. Managers, coaches, and any other adults who participate with the players on the field at games and/or practices must pass a background check as well as a brief online concussion awareness course. A few parents come in with a working knowledge of how to coach baseball, but the overwhelming majority do not. We will provide training and practice plans for any parents willing to give their time. It is absolutely one of the most rewarding experiences you can have with your child. Most of the managers and coaches in the upper divisions started out just like you with some basic knowledge of the game and, over time, have become very adept at higher levels of instruction. If you understand what happens in a game when you watch it on television, you have more than enough proficiency to coach at this level. If you don't feel that you can coach, being a Team Parent is another great way to actively participate.
Q: What is the goal for T-Ball?
A: At all levels of Little League, the ultimate goal is for the player to want to return the following season. The lower divisions are designed to give kids a simple introduction to this incredible game. Scores are not kept, no one is benched, and everybody plays multiple positions during the season. It’s all about having fun.
Q: Besides managing, coaching, or being a team parent, how can I help the league?
A: Every board member, manager, coach, etc. is a volunteer donating their time to make the league function. We are always looking for people within our membership to contribute their unique skill sets (professional and otherwise) in keeping our facilities and operation in good working order. The more help we get from within our community, the more we can invest in maintaining the type of environment we want for all of our kids.