How big is Soldotna Little League?
Last year, 2022, we had a total of 350 youth playing for Soldotna Little League in our Spring Season (32 teams). Fall ball we saw 150 youth. We currently have 11 board members that work year round to run the League daily operations. With these numbers we need to have at least 100 volunteers just to coach. This does not include managing the fields, concessions, or Umpires.
What is the new Volunteer Bond we will see at jersey distribution?
Soldotna Little League is a community-based, volunteer-powered organization dedicated to youth baseball and softball. We have added a volunteer fee to help with the duties that are required to run such a vast program. The volunteer bond is to help get volunteers for our coaches. Here is the form that will need to be filed out and turned in before receiving your jersey. Volunteer Bond Form.
Each team needs at least 3 volunteers; Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Team Manager. Other ways to volunteer is by Scorekeeping, Umpirng, and Field Maintenance. This can be cleaning the dugouts and stands after the games. We will also have our Field Clean-up day the Saturday before Opening Ceremonies. You can sign-up at the gate and the volunteer fee will be refunded.
What do the registration fees cover?
Registration fees help pay for the overall operations of the league. The fee covers items like uniforms, field rentals, umpire fees, equipment and other items critical to run a successful program. SLL works hard to include other fundraisers and grants to help cover capital and other operating expenses, all in an effort to keep fees as low as possible.
What equipment and clothing does my player need?
For T-Ball each player will need to bring a glove warm clothes. Minors and above will need a glove, cleats, and black pants. While each player is not required to bring their own helmet and bat, it is encouraged. Catchers gear is available as well.
All players must wear closed toe or athletic shoes at all practices and games. Cleats are a strong recommendation but not required. Metal cleats are only allowed for Baseball Seniors. All catchers need to wear a cup and all other players are highly encouraged.
Baseball pants are required for Minors and Majors divisions during practices and games (to be able to slide). Players in lower divisions are encouraged to wear baseball pants to protect their legs, but athletic shorts or pants are also allowed.
What kind of bat does my player need?
Baseball bats must conform to USA BAT standards and have the USA BAT manufacturer stamp on it. (Does not apply to softball bats.) The length of a bat cannot exceed 32 inches. Seniors Baseball need to be a BBCOR -3. For more information please visit https://usabat.com/.
Is there a uniform provided?
The League provides the following:
• Tee Ball and Machine Pitch: Jersey, Hat
• Minors/Majors/Juniors/Seniors: Jersey, Pants, Hat
When does registration open and close for Spring 2023?
Registration will open Sunday January 1st and close on Friday April 14th. Please note, registration may close earlier due to capacity limitations.
What are the dates of the Spring 2023 season?
Games will start in late May 13th and run through June 24th.
How do I know what division my child should play in?
Information can be found on the PROGRAMS page located above.
SLL follows the age guidelines set by Little League International. Please see the Little League Age Chart below.
For the Fall season it is recommended that your child plays in the division that they would play in following Spring. Since the Fall season is more developmental, this is typically the time that a player would move up to the next division.
My child is 10 or 11, should they play in Minors or Majors?
We want to ensure that players are in a division where they will be challenged and continue to develop. The majority of 10 year old players will play in the Minors Division and generally suggest that 11 year old players move up to the Majors Division. If you are unsure of where your child should play, your SLL coach from the prior season will be able to provide a recommendation.
What divisions attend the player assessment for the spring season?
All baseball and softball Minors Player Pitch, Majors and Seniors/Juniors players must attend the player assessment. There is no assessment for the Fall season.
What should I do if I feel my child should play in a different division than the Little League guidelines indicate?
Please contact our Player Agent at [email protected]
How are teams selected / formed?
Teams for T-Ball and Machine Pitch are formed by our Player Agent. Player age and previous experience determine placement.
- Minors Baseball –
- Random draw to decide team pick order.
- Coaches will go in a “Snake” order when selecting players. Example; 1,2,3,4 and then 4,3,2,1 and then 1,2,3,4 continual order until ALL players have been selected.
- Per the rule book, there are NO PROPERTY PLAYERS in Minors.
- All 10 year olds will be selected first, then on to the 9 and 8 year olds. Some younger players may be moved down to Machine Pitch at the Player Agent and Coach Coordinator discretion.
- Majors Baseball
*Every season, the draft method will be readdressed near the close of registrations by the Board of Directors due to growth and fairness in team selection. Though we do try to draft property players for Majors Baseball, per the rule book, it may not always work out that way.
- For 2023... Under review as we may be in an expansion year.
- Seniors Baseball
- Random draw to decide team pick order
- Coaches will go in a “Snake” order when selecting players. Example; 1,2 and then 2,1 and then 1,2 continual order until all players have been selected.
- Per the rule book, there are NO PROPERTY PLAYERS in Seniors.
- Softball will have an assessment and with coaches and Player Agent will determine teams.
How many players are on each team?
SLL aims to have 7-8 player per T-Ball and 12 players on each roster for the older divisions.
Does SLL offer financial assistance or need based scholarships?
Yes. SLL does offer financial assistance and wants to make sure that every child that has a desire to play baseball/softball is able to. Please email [email protected] for any questions.
Select Fee Assistance above for more details.
How do I volunteer to help out?
SLL is a volunteer run organization and welcomes all areas of volunteers! Please just email [email protected] or reach out to any of the Board Members to talk about it.
Can we play Little League / Legions / High School during the Little League season?
In the past, our Seniors Baseball has suffered player loss and compromised teams due to other obligations players have to other organizations. We do encourage all players to play Little League, we ask that the family have a discussion about this before registering. We ask that you reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Is there a Lost and Found?
The Lost and Found is at the concession stand. Hours are 5pm-8pm nightly and 10am-4pm Saturdays.
This is my first year in Tee Ball. What do I need to know?
Spring regular season games will start in Mid-May and will conclude in late June. Weather permitting, practices start a couple of weeks prior to the first games. Tee Ball teams play two game per week, either Mon/Wed or Tues./Thurs and T-Ball Clinics on Saturdays. Games are subject to a one hour time limit. Each player will need to bring a glove and closed toe shoes. The Fall season typically starts the first Monday of August to the end of October and only focuses on fundamentals.
What happens now that we've registered?
Once registration closes and tryouts have concluded, we ask coaches to contact parents immediately to introduce themselves and inform you of your practice time and location.
Can you tell me what day my child will practice?
We allow our coaches to indicate their preference for practice days/times. The coach will contact you at the beginning of the season to tell you when practices begin and where. Some practices will take place at local area parks as well at Soldotna Little League Park located on Home Run Rd.
Can you tell me where and when my child's games will be?
All SLL home games are located at our Soldotna Little League Park. Games are played Monday through Friday after 6:30p and Saturdays either at 11am or 2pm. Double headers will only be played on Saturdays. Any games played outside the surrounding area will be on Saturday.
• T-Ball and Machine Pitch do not travel.
• Minors Player Pitch will travel as far as Kenai.
• Majors will travel between Kenai and Homer.
• Majors and Juniors Softball travel between Kenai, Anchorage, and Palmer.
• Seniors Baseball travels between Kenai, Anchorage, Palmer, and Eagle River.
Does Soldotna Little League send teams to play in the District 1 All-Star Tournament?
Yes. SLL will send teams to compete in baseball/softball Minors, Majors, and Senior/Junior divisions as long as a coach and enough players sign up. To be a coach for All-Stars it is required you coach a team in the Spring Season. Little League International offers some great information here. Also visit Alaska District 1 for our State Tournament details. For our League All Star details, visit here.
How are the All-Star teams selected?
Teams are selected based on an draft and feedback received from SLL coaches, Player Agents, and Board Members.
How long does the All-Star experience run?
Typically in early to mid-July. Pool play lasts three days and may be held in Seward or Anchorage. The All-Star Tournament is held in Anchorage and is a guaranteed 2 game play.
If my child decides they don’t want to play, is there a refund policy?
If the player has participated in any league activities for that season, then no, there are no refunds. If an injury occurs, then a decision will be made by the individual case.