Q: What is the difference between the Spring season and the Summer season?

The Summer season is MCSLBA’s familiar “main” season we all know and love. The Summer season begins after the MCCSC school year ends to allow 15 year olds who play on high school Freshman/JV/Varsity teams to participate in rec league baseball.

The Spring season is new this year, and is targeted at 13 and 14 year olds who would like an opportunity to play more recreational baseball! This is a great opportunity to acclimate to the full size field before the Summer season. The Spring season will begin roughly the same time as BLJBA’s spring season.

Q: My child / I participated in the summer league last year or did not play last year but did play in a previous year, do I need to re-register for programs again this year?

Yes. Each year re-registration is required. During the registration process your current address, phone number, e-mail address, and/or any other pertinent detail can be updated or corrected.

Equipment:

Q: What equipment (clothes, gear) do I / does my child need (purchase) to participate in games and practices?

Players need to have appropriate shoes (plastic or metal cleats), baseball pants (any color acceptable) an appropriate size glove and a water bottle. Each player will be given (as part of the playing fee) a team hat and shirt. Items such as batting helmets, catchers gear, balls and bats are available to each team for use during the season. If a player or parent wants to purchase and use specific equipment such as a personal bat, first baseman’s glove etc. they may as long as it abides by all outstanding laws and regulations of the MCSLBA organization. See Special Rules for more information.

Practice and Games:

Q: When and where do practices take place?

In the Minor Division, teams primarily start practicing the first week of May (shortly after the evaluations) and do so for two to three weeks prior to the start of the season (Jamboree weekend). Normally holding two practices a week on various days (Mon-Thur). Team will then practice the week after the Jamboree and prior to the start of games. Once games start, most teams will conclude practices and focus solely on the games, but additional practices could be scheduled. All practices will likely be held at the Winslow Sports Complex.

In the Major Division, teams primarily start practicing the first week of June (shortly after the evaluations) and do so for one to two weeks prior to the start of the season (Jamboree weekend). Normally holding two practices a week on various days (Mon-Thur) . Once games start, most teams will conclude practices and focus solely on the games , but additional practices could be scheduled. All practices will likely be held at the Winslow Sports Complex.

Q: When and where do games take place?

In the Minor Division, teams will usually play one to three games a week depending on the number of teams (could include double headers). Games are usually held starting late May and concluding with the league tournament early/mid July. Games will be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays with Mondays being used for makeup games. This game schedule is intended to be travel ball friendly so that players may participate in both. All games will be held at the Winslow Sports Complex.

In the Major Division, teams will usually play one to three games a week depending on the number of teams (could include double headers). Games are usually held starting mid June and concluding with the league tournament in late July. Games will be scheduled based on field availability and on number of teams. Games will likely be held during the week (Mon-Thur). The game schedule will be travel ball friendly so that players may participate in both. All games will be held at the Winslow Sports Complex.

Q: Who manages and determines the time slots of games and practices?

The short answer is Bloomington Parks and Recreation. MCSLBA shares the Winslow Sports Complex with miscellaneous travel teams, other sport leagues and Bloomington High School South baseball. Parks & Recreation gives MCSLBA our “slots”. MCSLBA then assigns those slots as evenly as possible between both divisions and subsequently all teams.

Q: Due to other commitments, I will not be able to attend every practice and/or game is this a problem?

We understand that everyone juggles multiple commitments and sometimes things just come up. All that is usually asked is that you communicate with the manager what conflicts you have. And keep the manager informed as circumstances change. Managers usually just want to know who to expect and who won’t be there on any given night because most managers plan the night’s activities (at least with a mental sketch) and it helps to know who is going to be present.

General Questions:

Q: If I have a problem or question while at the ballpark, who can I talk to?

A representative of the Parks and Recreation Department will be present during each game and practice at Winslow Sports Complex. In addition, during each game at the Winslow Sports Complex a MCSLBA board member will be on duty.

Q: I am interested in sponsoring a team, what is all involved?

A team sponsorship is $350. For the sponsorship the team name/logo go on the front of the shirt. In addition, the sponsor gets a plaque, suitable for displaying, with a team picture and words expressing our sincere appreciation for the sponsorship. Furthermore, the sponsor can have their website embedded in our website under sponsor links so that people visiting our website can go to the sponsor links and be directed to the sponsors website. If interested, please contact us and we will get a sponsorship form set right out to you.

Q: Is MCSLBA a recreational league or competitive league?

We consider MCSLBA a “full service” program. We provide baseball in two flavors: Travel and Recreation. The Mayhem Travel Program is a supplement to the regular spring/fall seasons.  This program is designed for players looking for an early start to the baseball season with additional practices and highly competitive games. The MCSLBA Recreational Program is for age groups, based on age (i.e., 12/15, 16/18) and is indeed for all levels of skill, from the weekend travel ball player to the first time player. In addition, we provide a Fall Ball program in September/October for players who would like to work at acquiring and/or refining their baseball skills in anticipation of the next season.

Q: What are the field dimensions/distances?

Pitching Distance: 13 year olds may throw from a distance of 54’ OR 60’-6”. 14-18 year olds must throw from a distance of 60’-6”. Base Paths: 90’ base paths will be used for both divisions.