Summer Travel Baseball and Softball

 

The Summer Travel program is a more competitive level of play for players ages 8-15 for baseball and 8-18 for softball. Teams play against towns around the South Shore from late June through early August. There are typically 2 games per week although that can vary among specific leagues. Games are typically scheduled for Monday-Friday. Most age groups also play in a weekend tournament. Practices are at least once a week and are scheduled at the discretion of the coaching staff. 

Summer Travel team construction is much different than during our spring season.  In the spring every player is guaranteed a spot on a team. We also strive to balance the teams for a more competitive season by conducting a draft in Minors, Majors, and Juniors. For softball the teams are balanced in all three spring softball divisions. SLL will work follow a given Summer League's age and eligibility rules when entering a team. SLL's goal is to find a Summer Travel team for every interested player. However, given registration numbers, it is not always possible.

The Summer Travel teams require a higher degree of commitment and teams place a greater emphasis on winning (relative to spring). To that end, playing time can be uneven. By signing up for Summer Travel, you agree to that understanding.

 

Overall, when both practices and games are included, summer travel baseball is a relatively intensive program. Recognizing that this is the vacation season, we do make modest allowances for family vacations without jeopardizing a player’s roster spot.  However, the commitment to the team is a significant one. Longer vacations should be reserved for later in August when the season has ended. Parents and players are asked to be realistic about the significance of this commitment. This is especially important for Little League International baseball tournaments that have strict roster requirements. 

 

Any questions regarding the commitment level can be directed to president@scituatelittleleague.org. 

 

Summer Travel Baseball Information

 

Little League International Tournaments

Little League International Tournament Eligibility 

 

After the spring regular season Little League International conducts 6 baseball tournaments. 

 

• 8- to 10-Year-Old Division Tournament (SLL 10 year old players are typically selected)
• 9- to 11-Year-Old Division Tournament (SLL 11 year old players are typically selected)
• Little League Baseball Tournament (SLL 12 year old players are typically selected)
• Intermediate (50-70) Division (SLL 13 year old players are typically selected) 
• Junior League Tournament (typically 13 and 14 year old players are typically selected)
• Senior League Tournaments (typically 15 year old players are typically selected)

 

District 8 could start as early as June 20th depending on the number of teams participating at each level of play.  Games will be scheduled for July 5th, 6th, and 7th.

 

Eight year old baseball players

 

Scituate Little League eight year old players participate in the Friendship League. Depending on the level of interest one team or two equal teams will be formed. 

 

The Friendship League is a long established Eastern Massachusetts summer travel baseball league specially designed for eight year old baseball players to help them develop their baseball skills and to introduce young players, their managers, coaches and families to Summer Travel Baseball in a competitive, but friendly, environment. Over 60 teams (between the East Conference based out of Braintree and West Conference based out of Foxboro) participated in the League. 

 

Team rosters must consist of 12-15 players. Teams play 8 regular season games against surrounding towns starting June 21st or June 22nd.  Scituate will have 4 home games and 4 away games.  Scituate is in the East Conference and plays against teams from the South Shore.  

 

• Divisions will be organized on a M/W or Tu/Th schedule. A weekend game my be necessary to avoid scheduling games on or around July 4th.
• Semi-finals are the typically the last full week of July and the championship is the week after.
• Make-up games may need to be held on a weekend.
• Practices will be once or twice a week. If games are M/W then practice will be T/Th and vice versa.

 

All teams qualify for the playoffs. The format will be single elimination: (subject to change based upon the number of teams and divisions.) Playoff games may be played on a weekend based on the number of teams. 

 

Nine to twelve year old baseball players

 

There are three summer baseball leagues on the South Shore, Suburban Youth Baseball League, District 8 Summer Baseball League, and South River Baseball League. Depending on the level of interest one or two teams will be formed per age group. If there are enough players who register in a particular age group to form a third team SLL will evaluate combining two age groups to form a team third team for a particular age group. 

 

Leagues typically schedule 10 regular season games and conduct a playoff. Leagues make every attempt to avoid games on Saturday and Sunday, however make ups due to weather may require some games to be played on the weekend. 

 

Suburban Youth Baseball League 

 

Consists of teams from the South Shore and is the highest level of competition during the summer baseball season. There are 4 age groups (9, 10, 11, and 12) and two leagues (A & B). The A league uses Cal Ripken age and Little League age depending on a towns affiliation. The B league will go by Little League age. Both program affiliations may play against each other during the regular season. The two programs will each have their own playoff tournament.

 

Important Dates

June 24--’A’ 10 and 9 and ‘B’ League 12-11-10-9 season starts
July 11--’A’ League 12 and 11 will start season.
July 27 thru August 2--’A’ League10-9 and ‘B’ League 12-11-10-9 playoffs
July 29 thru August 2--’A’ League 12-11 Playoffs

 

 

District 8 Summer Baseball League

 

The District 8 summer baseball league is administered by volunteer representatives from our Little League District. Only Little League chartered towns (14) in District 8 can play in the summer league. There are four age groups, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Teams play 10 regular season games plus playoffs.  

 

Important dates

Games are scheduled around the Little League tournament schedule for 10, 11, and 12.  

Playoffs week of July 31st

 

South River Baseball League

Important Dates

The season will begin July 8th and end on August 4. Each team makes the playoffs, which will be the week of August 5-11. 

 

Weekend tournament

SLL has one team entered in the Sandwich Summer Blast tournament during the following dates.

• 9A June 27- 30 
• 10A July 11- 14 
• 11A July 18- 21
• 12A July 25- 28
• 11B August 1- 4

 

Sandwich Summer Blast Tournaments are open to town teams from programs with Little League or Cal Ripken affiliations only. 

 

SLL will work with the coaching staff of each summer team not entered into the Sandwich Summer Blast to try to find another weekend tournament.

 

13 to 15 year old baseball players

There are two summer baseball leagues for 13, 14, and 15 year old players.  If there are enough players who register in a particular age group to form a team SLL will evaluate combining two age groups to form a team for a particular age group. 

Metro South Baseball

Consists of divisions for 13, 14, and 15 year old teams. Each team plays 12 regular season games. Each team makes the playoffs. The 13 and 14 year old divisions have an A and B league.

Important Dates

Summer A Division tentatively scheduled to start on Week of July 7th, 2024

Summer B Division tentatively scheduled to start on Week of June 23rd, 2024

 

 

South River Baseball League

 

Typically, South River consists of the following two divisions, but it will ultimately depend on interest and enrollment. Teams play on 60/90 diamonds.

 

Important Dates

The season will begin July 8th and end on August 4. Each team makes the playoffs, which will be the week of August 5-11. 

 

Summer Travel Softball Information

 

Scituate participates in the South Shore Softball League for 10-18U, as well as in the South Shore Coastal Girls Softball League for 8-10 year olds (rising 3rd and 4th graders). For SSSL, teams play 10 regular season games (2 games a week) and must qualify for the playoffs.  

The SSSL consists of 4 age groups, (as determined by USA Softball age determination. Age is however old your daughter was on August 31, 2023):

• 10u – Players that are Softball ages 8-9-10 (mostly girls currently in 3rd-5th grades)
• 12u – Players that are Softball ages 11 & 12 (mostly girls currently in 6th-7th grades)
• 14u – Players that are Softball ages 13 & 14 (mostly girls currently in 8th-9th grades)
• 18u – Players that are Softball ages 15-16-17-18** (10th grade+)

** College players are NOT eligible

NOTE Re: 10u: Depending on numbers, we will have three teams: A/B comprised primarily of current 4th/5th graders, will play in 100% kid-pitch divisions. Current 3rd graders can enroll a team in the C division, which is a hybrid of kid and coach-pitch. This level is suggested for kids who are comfortable with the basic rules of softball and are looking to play in a more competitive league (e.g., umpires, called strikeouts, etc.). For current 2nd/3rd graders who are looking for a less competitive summer experience, we will continue to play in the same league we play in during the Spring. Games are typically 1x/ week and have more relaxed rules.

The number and composition of teams that Scituate enters at each age and skill level will depend on registration numbers.

Evaluations will be held Saturday, May 18th at SHS. 

Evaluations will be conducted by coaches outside of that specific division (eg A d3 coach will conduct the 10U evaluations, a D2 coach will conduct the 18U evaluations, etc). In addition to in person evaluations, Spring coaches will be providing mid-season evaluations.

• 9:00am - 10:30am: 10u
• 10:30am - 12noon: 12u
• 3:00pm - 4:30pm: 14u
• 4:30pm - 6:00pm: 18U

Important Dates 

• SSSL Teams will play 10 games, 2 per week. The exception being when July 3rd and/or July 4th falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. 
• SSSL Playoffs will be held at the conclusion of the regular season, usually the last week of July/early August.
• 10u & 14u Divisions will play on Tuesday & Thursday Nights.
• 12u & 18u Divisions will play on Mondays & Wednesday Nights.
• Game times are 6:00pm, unless mutually agreed upon by both teams to start earlier or play under lights.

Weekend Tournament

SLL 10u, 12u, and 14u softball teams enter the Marshfield Beach Blast tournament the weekend of July 14-16. 

 

D1  Summer softball 

D1 players (current 2nd and 3rd grade) who are not part of the 10u team are eligible to play in the D1 Summer Softball League. Games are once a week, and typically play Cohasset, Hingham, and Norwell. It is a continuation of the spring league structure. 

 

Summer Town Baseball and Softball

 

The Summer Town program allows players to continue to develop skills and play games versus their peers in a relaxed atmosphere. The program is entirely volunteer run and we will need multiple volunteers per age group to maximize skill development and oversee the games.

 

Last summer SLL had separate summer programs for 5u, 6u, 7u, and 8u during the week for 90 minutes. Each age typically had one event per week.  The 9u-12u players combined to have a practice/game once a week.

 

With the creation of K-1st grade softball this season we are hoping to separate the K and 1st graders in the summer.  This will allow 1st graders to learn what playing in D1 (2nd-3rd grade Spring program) is like and play games.  For girls finishing K they will continue to develop skills and play games.  One event per week is the plan for these age groups. 

If you are interested in volunteering to coach Summer Town Baseball please email president@scituatelittleleague.org.

Baseball

 

Baseball at Greenbush Field 5:45-7:15pm Starting Sept 11 through Oct 26th $50 a player 

Monday: Rising 9 year old (birthday 9/1/14-8/31/15)

Tuesday: Rising 6  &  Rising 7 year old (birthday 9/1/18-8/31/17)

Wednesday: Rising 8 year old (birthday 9/1/15-8/31/16)

Thursday:  Rising 10-12 year old (birthday 9/1/11-8/31/14)

 

 

Softball

 

Softball at Cudworth Fields Sunday morning Starting Sept 10 through Oct 29th. $50 a player.

Clinics are organized by 2023-2024 school year grade. These are the same groups they will play with during the Spring of 2024. 

 

K-1st Grade

2nd-3rd Grade

4th-5th Grade 

 

Clinics will be 75 minutes 

10:00-11:15-   Either K-1st or 2nd-3rd and 4th-5th grade

 

 

Sunday Winter Clinics start in January at Starland’s turf field in Hanover from 3:30-5:00 pm

Scituate Little League has rented the turf field at Starland this winter to conduct winter baseball and softball clinics. Using the turf will allow more kids to participate in clinics and more diverse instruction to be conducted  Each program will use half of the field. Each area is large enough to run a full infield practice while simultaneously conducting other skill stations such as hitting, throwing, fielding, and agility. The clinics will be taught by SLL volunteer coaches. If you are interested in helping please indicate that on your child's registration.

 

For questions contact Brad Littrell (bradlittrell1@gmail.com) for girls in 1st-4th grade, Joe Achille (jachille1@yahoo.com) for girls in 5th-8th grade, and Matt Goehlert (mgoehlert@scituatelittleleague.org) for players entering Jr. Farm, Farm, Minors, and Majors in 2024.   

Players will need to bring a glove, a helmet, and a bat. Sneakers, turf shoes, or cleats are permitted (no metal spikes). If you need any assistance with equipment please reach out to president@scituatelittleleague.org. 

 

Two registration types are available: Season pass and pay-per-clinic

Season Pass:

• Softball 5th-8th grade 12 weeks is $180
• Softball 1st-4th grade 8 weeks is $120
• Baseball: Jr Farm, Farm, Minors, Majors 8 weeks is $120

Pay-per-clinic is $25

During registration please decline the regSaver insurance.

For players registered under the Season Pass SLL will work with parents on a partial refund if an injury or sickness causes extended absence from clinics. SLL will not be able to refund a Day Pass if a player misses a given session. If a player is signed up for multiple Day Passes and injury or sickness will cause absence from clinics SLL can cancel registration to clinics not yet attended. Please reach out to president@scituatelittleleague.org.

 

Clinic Structure 

 

Baseball

Jr Farm, Farm, Minors, and Majors

Sunday Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar  3, 10, 17, 24

Baseball will split into 3 groups: Jr. Farm/Farm, Minors, and Majors and rotate through stations that will focus on the following areas of baseball

• Infield: position knowledge, fielding ground balls and throwing to the right base
• Outfield: catching fly balls, throwing to the proper base
• Understanding cut offs and when to use them
• Hitting: fundamentals of hitting and advanced instruction using a combination of tees, soft toss, and front toss
• Advanced Situational Teaching: focus on game awareness, base running, situational play, communication, and teamwork
• Pitching and catching:dedicated time each week to improving individual skills
• Controlled scrimmages

 

Softball 

5th to 8th grade

Sunday Jan 7, 14, 21, Saturday Jan 27, Sunday Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar  3, 10, 17, 24

5th-8th Grade girls will focus on the following areas of softball through a variety of drills, teaching and competitive play: 

• Infield: fielding and throwing
• Outfield: catching fly balls, throwing to the proper base
• Catching: Dedicated time each week to improving individual catcher skills
• Hitting: advanced hitting Instruction using a combination of tees, soft toss, and coach-pitch batting practice
• Advanced Situational Teaching: focus on game awareness, base running, situational play, communication, and teamwork
• Individual pitching instruction from a professional pitching instructor & former college pitcher 
• Controlled scrimmages

 

1st to 4th grade - Starland turf field in Hanover 3:30-5:00pm

Sunday Jan 7, 14, 21, Saturday Jan 27, Sunday Feb 4, 18, Mar  3, 17

1st-4th Grade girls will form smaller groups based on age/ability and rotate through stations that will focus on the following areas of softball:

• Infield: position knowledge, fielding ground balls and throwing to the right base
• Batting stance and technical mechanics using tees, soft toss, and front toss
• Throwing mechanics
• Base running
• Various agility, communication games/drills

 

 

 

The spring season for both baseball and softball will start in late March or early April and run through mid/late June. Specific start dates and end dates will differ based on division.

Baseball

NOTE: Ages below refer to "Little League Age", which is defined as the age a player will turn on or before August 31st. E.g., a child who is 6 but turns 7 on August 15th is a "Little League 7YO" and eligible for Jr. Farm. Little League International provides an Age Calculator you may use to determine your child's little league age. If you want to request that your child play in a different division (up or down) than their Little League Age please add that in your registration and/or email president@scituatelittleleague.org. The only age who cannot move down a division is a 12 year old player.  All requests will be reviewed by the SLL Board or Directors.

Tee Ball

Tee Ball is often a family's introduction to baseball/softball.  The program combines practices and games to introduce 5-year old children to the fundamentals of baseball/softball.  SLL uses an adjusted version of the Little League Tee Ball curriculum to ensure all players will be taught basic skills (throwing, hitting off a tee, base running, and fielding) and have fun. Practice is once a week for 60 minutes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with Friday used for make-up. The practice night will be consistent throughout the Spring at either Jenkins Elementary or Inly School and usually start at 5:30, 5:45 or 6:00. Use the Additional Notes field in registration to indicate preferred practice night(s). Preference is not guaranteed.  Games are 60 minutes on Saturday morning at Purple Dinosaur, Cudworth, St. Mary's, or Recreation Field.  Games typically start around 8:15, 9:45, or 11:15.

Rookie 

Rookie picks up where tee ball leaves off by introducing coach pitch. The program combines practices and games to introduce 6-year old children to the fundamentals of baseball.  SLL uses an adjusted version of the Little League Tee Ball and Coach Pitch curriculum to ensure all players will be taught basic skills (throwing, hitting, base running, and fielding) and have fun. Practice is once a week for 75 minutes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with Friday used for make-up. The practice night will be consistent throughout the Spring at either Jenkins Elementary or Inly School and and usually start at 5:30, 5:45 or 6:00. Use the Additional Notes field in registration to indicate preferred practice night(s). Preference is not guaranteed. Games are 75 minutes on Saturday morning at Purple Dinosaur, Cudworth, St. Mary's, or Recreation Field. Games typically start around 8:15, 9:45, or 11:15.

Jr. Farm

The Junior Farm division is a coach-pitch format for 7-year-olds, designed to develop more fundamentals and understanding of baseball, and to continue to foster a love and enjoyment of the game. Players will be introduced to playing catcher, making three outs in an inning, and understanding situational fielding and base running. There will typically be practice and games on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. A mix of practice and games will occur during the Spring with more emphasis on practice earlier in the Spring and more games later in the Spring. Practice and games will last 90 minutes and are held at Cudworth and Purple Dinosaur.  Practice and games times typically start around 5:30, 5:45, or 6:00.

Farm

The Farm division is a player pitch format for 8-year-olds designed to instill more appreciation for the rules of the game and challenge their ability to understand different situations when fielding and running the bases. Strikes and balls are called during games. Players will be instructed on learning the strike zone as a pitcher and batter and play catcher. There will typically be practice and games on Tuesday and Thursday. There may be some games on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.  Farm 8-year-old players are eligible to play in the summer travel Friendship League. Practice and games will last between 90 minutes to 1 3/4 hours and are held at Cudworth, Purple Dinosaur, and St. Mary's. Practice and games times typically start around 5:30, 5:45, or 6:00.

Minors

The Minors division is the player-pitch baseball, generally for 9- and 10-year-olds, although some 8s and 11s may be allowed depending on ability. Players will be chosen by draft based on evaluations of past coaches and the spring player evaluation. The evaluation dates are either March 16th or March 23rd at the Scituate High School gym.  Please enter your child's availability  in your registration form.

Minors plays 12 games, which generally consists of 1-3 games per week on weeknights or Saturdays, as well as practices scheduled by each team's individual coaching staff. Practices and games may be played at Greenbush, Roach, St. Mary's and Recreation fields. Games are typically 2 hours long. Practice and games times typically start around 5:30, 5:45, or 6:00..

Majors

The Majors division is the prime of Little League baseball, generally for 11- and 12-year-olds, although some 10s may be allowed depending on ability (unfortunately, anyone who turns 13 years old on or before August 31st is ineligible per Little League International rules). Players will be chosen by draft based on evaluations of past coaches and the spring player evaluation. The evaluation dates are either March 16th or March 23rd at the Scituate High School gym.  Please enter your child's availability  in your registration form.

Majors players 12 games, which generally consists of 1-3 games per week on weeknights or Saturdays, as well as practices scheduled by each team's individual coaching staff. Practices and games may be played at Greenbush or Roach fields. Games are typically 2 hours long. Practice and games times typically start around 5:30, 5:45, or 6:00. Some my be played under the lights at Greenbush.

Juniors

The Juniors division is a combined format accommodating ages 13-15 interested in continuing to develop their skills and love of the game. Teams will be chosen by draft. 1-2 games a week will be played on a full-size 60/90 diamond at the High School Baseball Field at the High School and Central Baseball Field. Games may be any day of the week except Sundays (other than the occasional make up game if absolutely necessary), and practices will be at the discretion of each team's coaching staff.  Games are typically 2 to 2 1/4 hours long. Practice and games times typically start around 5:30, 5:45, or 6:00.  Some are played under the lights at the high school and have a later start time.

Softball

Scituate Softball Spring Season consists of four divisions, K-1, Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. K-1 plays in town against each other.  D1, D2, and D3 play in a travel league that includes teams from Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell, and Hull.  Practices/Games are held at Central North and the High School Softball Field. Girls who register for D1, D2, or D3 will be placed on a team with the goal of forming evenly skilled teams.

K-1

K-1 Softball picks up where tee ball leaves off by introducing coach pitch. The program combines practices and games to introduce girls in K and 1st Grade to the fundamentals of softball.  SLL uses an adjusted version of the Little League Tee Ball and Coach Pitch curriculum to ensure all players will be taught basic skills (throwing, hitting, base running, and fielding) and have fun. Practice is once a week for 75 minutes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with Friday used for make-up. The practice night will be consistent throughout the Spring at either Jenkins Elementary or Inly School and usually start at 5:30, 5:45 or 6:00. Use the Additional Notes field in registration to indicate preferred practice night(s). Preference is not guaranteed. Games are 75 minutes on Saturday in the morning or afternoon at Purple Dinosaur, Cudworth, or Central North. We will do our best to work around morning soccer for 1st grade and early afternoon for Kindergarten. Games typically start around 11:45.

Division 1

The purpose of Division 1 is to build upon the fundamentals learned in K-1 Softball and introduce softball specific rules and skills with an emphasis on fun. Division 1 is for 2nd and 3rd graders.  Games are played on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Scituate at Central North or Scituate High School Softball field and surrounding towns and use modified coach pitch. The fundamentals of pitching are introduced, but game remain largely coach pitch.  Practice times will be announced once the number of teams is known. Games typically start around 6pm.

Division 2

Division 2 emphasizes the balance between skill development, strategy, and fun by building upon the fundamentals learned in Division 1.  Division 2 is for 4th and 5th graders and is exclusively kid pitch.  Games are played on Mondays and Wednesdays in Scituate at Central North or Scituate High School Softball field. Practice times will be announced once the number of teams is known. Games typically start around 6pm.

Division 3

Division 3 is the highest level of softball. The focus is enacting skills learned in Divisions 1 and 2, introducing advanced skills, and maintaining a fun and instructional atmosphere. Division 3 is for 6th-8th graders. Games are played on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Scituate at Central North or Scituate High School Softball field. Some games may be played under the lights at the high school. Practice times will be announced once the number of teams is known. Games typically start around 6pm.