What is Sprague Little League?
Sprague Little League (SLL) is a nonprofit organization entirely run by volunteers and chartered by Little League® International. Our primary goal is to offer a safe and enjoyable experience while teaching the fundamentals of America's favorite pastime. We offer a Spring and Fall Baseball Program for children ranging from 4 to 16 years of age. Depending on the level of interest within each division, offerings will vary between these programs.
When do practices begin?
Pre-season practice begins mid-March for all levels. Practice days, times and frequency differ by division and team. Historically, teams practice one to two times a week for approximately 60-90 minutes. Weekday practice times are generally between 5:00pm-7:30pm. Each individual coach sets the practice schedule at their discretion and based on their availability, field accessibility and team needs.
When do games start?
Games begin in early April and the season runs approximately 10 weeks. Upper divisions (AAA, Majors and above) are eligible for All-Star tournament play at the conclusion of the regular season.
How are teams assigned?
Teams in the lower divisions (T-Ball, Single A, and AA) are generally formed by and under the oversight of the Division's Player Agent. Teams in the AAA and Majors Division utilize a tryout and draft process for selection.
Do you offer a softball program?
Sprague Little League offers co-ed baseball for all divisions of play, but we do not currently offer a softball program. If you live or attend school in the Sprague Little League boundary and are interested in a program we do not offer, we can refer you to one of our neighboring Little Leagues who offer the program you desire, or we will do our best to help you find a solution.
Can my child play on the same team as their friends or with a specific coach?
You may submit a "buddy & coach request" during the registration process only. We will try to honor requests in the non-competitive Divisions (i.e. Tee Ball, Single A and AA) but we cannot make ANY guarantees. Requests are sometimes challenging to honor because our goal in team formation is to have balance among the teams in these Divisions.
*For competitive Divisions (i.e. AAA and Majors) requests are not applicable as these Divisions utilize a tryout and draft process for selection.
Why must my child attend a tryout to play in Majors and AAA Divisions?
In Little League, the term “ tryout” is synonymous with evaluation, but it sounds a lot scarier to a child. During these required league functions, the skills of the children are reviewed by the adult volunteers that the league’s Board of Directors has approved to be team managers during the regular season. The adults are evaluating the skills and abilities of the players; and planning for who to select in that year’s player draft.
Your child does have to be evaluated but has nothing to worry about. No player gets cut from a team and the league will provide all registered players with a place to participate.
How are players selected to Majors and AAA Divisions?
Teams in the AAA and Majors Division utilize a tryout and draft process for selection. The draft is typically under the oversight of the League President and the Division Player Agent. Players in the draft pool are selected by the Majors Division then AAA Division. The pool of players who previously played in the Majors Division with Sprague are required to attend tryouts and are drafted prior to the pool of non-returning Major players. This means the Majors Division drafts first, then all players not assigned to a Majors team are in the pool for the AAA Division draft. All players left unassigned in the draft pool at the end of the AAA draft are assigned to other level division teams based on the recommendation of the Division Player Agent.
My child played in the Majors Division last year. Will he be able to play Majors this year?
Yes, the pool of players who previously played in the Majors Division with Sprague are required to attend tryouts and are drafted to a Majors team prior to the pool of non-returning Major players.
Who attends the Drafts?
All drafts are closed meetings of the Board of Directors, and attendance is strictly limited to control the confidentiality of the selection process. Attendance is limited to approved managers and coaches of the division drafting, Board members, Player Agent and other appropriate parties as determined by the Player Agent. Draft order will be determined prior to the draft, and player selection order will not be revealed. All players will be notified after all divisions have been drafted as to which team selected them.
I’m interested in Umpiring, how can I get involved?
SLL is always looking for adults and teens to get involved with umpiring games. Training is provided prior to the start of the season. Protective gear is available for volunteer umpires to borrow. Umpires are scheduled throughout the season to umpire games at the AA, AAA and Majors level. Please email SLL at [email protected] to inquire about umpiring.
My child has no experience with baseball, should I register them for a division below their age group?
No. Our system will only offer age appropriate divisions during the online process. SLL has formed divisions by age groupings pursuant to guidelines set forth by Little League International. If there are multiple divisions available for your child’s age, and you are unsure of which division is the right fit, please make a selection to complete your registration and visit our in-person informational event. This will be held at Crossler Commons on January 31, from 6pm to 8pm; date/time/location subject to change. This event will be staffed by Player Agents, Board Members and experienced league volunteers to assist in determining the appropriate division for your child.
Can I switch teams after my child has been placed on a team?
Historically, no. Switching teams after players have been allocated and rosters have been set creates a number of administrative and logistical tasks. If a serious situation arises, please contact your Player Agent or another Board Member.
What equipment does SLL provide?
SLL Team Managers receive an equipment bag that includes, but it is not limited to: catchers gear, practice and game balls, first aid kit, lineup cards and other equipment specific to their respective division (i.e. tees for Tee Ball and a pitching machine for AA). In addition, each team will receive three coaching shirts and hats. Jerseys and hats are also provided to all players.
What equipment do I need to buy?
It is the parent's responsibility to purchase pants, belt and socks - your team manager will communicate what color you will need for your team. Additionally, players will require a baseball glove, bat, helmet, cleats, and an athletic cup for boys. SLL no longer provides bats and helmets to limit sharing of equipment.
Is there a list of approved Little League bats?
Little League International has assembled an online resource page dedicated to baseball bat information. Click HERE to find the latest bat information, including the current Little League Baseball rules and regulations governing bats, definition of terms, the moratorium on the use of composite bats, and a series of frequently asked questions, with answers and licensed bat lists.
As of January 1, 2018, USABat Standard bats must be used in the Little League Major Baseball Division and below. For more information on the USABat standard and a complete list of bats approved through the USABat Standard, visit usabat.com. Batting Helmets must meet NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) standards. Look for a NOCSAE stamp embossed on the helmet.
Can I be a Manager, Coach or Assistant Coach?
Absolutely, this is what we need to make the League run. Any manager, coach, assistant coach or other person interested in volunteering for the league must fill out a Little League Volunteer Application and must pass a routine background check. Managers and coaches automatically have their children assigned to their team, except for the Baseball Majors Division. All managers and coaches must be approved by the Board of Directors.