Skokie offers House League Baseball for players of all levels interested in learning and playing the game. In the spring, leagues are offered for players from Pre-K through 8th grade.
| PreK-K* | Enrolled in Pre-K/K in current school year |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Enrolled in 1st/2nd grade in current school year |
| 3-4 | Enrolled in 3rd/4th grade in current school year |
| 5-6 | Enrolled in 5th/6th grade in current school year |
| 7-8 | Enrolled in 7th/8th grade in current school year |
| 9-10 | Enrolled in 9th/10th grade in current school year |
*Depending on interest, a pick-up Summer League may be offered for PreK-2nd level players.
Skokie offers Fall League Baseball Leagues as well. In this league, kids play at the level they will enroll in the following spring.
Skokie 3-4 and 5-6 house league teams play against other teams in the Chicago Shore Youth Baseball Association (CSYBA) league and other Little League teams. See bat rules.
Grade Specific Rules and Information:
The PreK through K level consists of kids currently enrolled in Kindergarten or younger. This level is for an introduction to baseball. We offer Spring and Summer Leagues for PreK-K players.
PreK K Rules
Players hit from a tee until ready for coach pitch. All players will bat each inning; all players will stay on base even if out, and the last batter in the order runs all bases. There is a focus on the fundamentals of the game, including learning the ready position, as well as learning good sportsmanship.
Summer Pickup League
In July, we offer a Pickup League for PreK through 2nd level players. This is an informal, low commitment league that offers a chance for kids to continue playing and developing skills and friendships, without as much structure as our spring league. We provide a time and a field for players to show up, and equipment, then divide those in attendance into teams to play that day. We may also offer one or more skills training sessions. Come when you can; no worries if you can’t. This program has been successful and has grown due to parent involvement–volunteers shape and run the league.
Please note that at all levels of baseball we are enforcing bat safety rules, and at this level we introduce these rules to players:
- Only the at-bat and on-deck (up next) hitters will be permitted to hold and swing a bat.
- On-deck hitters will only take swings in the foul area of the field, away from players on the bench, or in fenced-off on-deck areas.
- The at-bat and on-deck hitters must wear a helmet.
Please help us enforce these important safety rules by instructing your child as needed.
The 1st and 2nd grade level consists of kids currently enrolled in 1st-2nd grade. We offer Spring, Summer and Fall leagues for 1st and 2nd players. At this age level, in Spring and Fall, players are assigned to teams and play against other teams in Skokie at Skokie baseball fields. Games are coach-pitch. Toward the end of the season, players that are ready may be given the opportunity to try pitching.
1st/2nd Rules
The coach will pitch 5-7 pitches, then the tee will be brought out. There will be 3 outs per half inning, with a maximum of 5 runs scored. There is a continued focus on the fundamentals of the game, including the ready position, learning good sportsmanship and basic throwing, fielding and batting skills. There is no base stealing at this level.
Summer Pickup League
In July, we offer a Pickup League for PreK through 2nd grade level players. This is an informal, low commitment league that offers a chance for kids to continue playing and developing skills and friendships, without as much structure as our spring league. We provide a time and a field for players to show up, and equipment, then divide those in attendance into teams to play that day. We may also offer one or more skills training sessions. Come when you can; no worries if you can’t. This program has been successful and has grown due to parent involvement–volunteers shape and run the league.
Please note that at all levels of baseball we are enforcing bat safety rules–please help us by monitoring your child and other players during practices and games:
- Only the at-bat and on-deck (up next) hitters will be permitted to hold and swing a bat.
- On-deck hitters will only take swings in the foul area of the field, away from players on the bench, or in fenced-off on-deck areas.
- The at-bat and on-deck hitters must wear a helmet.
The 3rd and 4th Grade level consists of kids currently enrolled in 3rd-4th grade. At this age level, players pitch. Skokie plays games against teams from neighboring communities in Niles, Morton Grove, and Skokie Youth.
We offer Spring, Summer and Fall leagues at the 3rd and 4th grade level.
The 5th and 6th grade level consists of kids currently enrolled in 5th-6th grade. At this age level, Skokie plays games against teams from neighboring communities in Niles, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, and Skokie Youth.
We offer Spring, Summer and Fall leagues at the 5th through 6th grade level.
The 7th and 8th grade level consists of kids currently enrolled in 7th and 8th grade. At this age level, Skokie plays games against teams from neighboring communities in Niles, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Skokie Youth, Norwood Park, Edgebrook-Sauganash, Warren Park, and Wilmette.
League Rules, Field Locations, Schedule, Standings, and Game Reports can be found at the CSYBA Website.
We offer Spring, Summer and Fall leagues at the 7th-8th grade level.
9th and 10th Grade Summer League
This league is for players that have just finished 9th/10th grade. It consists of a mix of players, some of which are high school baseball players and others who just transitioned from 7-8 baseball. The league consists of teams from all over the Chicago area and is broken down into geographic divisions: North, Central, and South. These divisions include teams from Deerfield, Northbrook, Glenview, Kenilworth-Winnetka, Wilmette, Glenview, Skokie, Warren Park, Niles, Park Ridge, Norwood Park, Oriole Park, Dunham Park, Shabbona Park, Elmwood Park, Oak Park and other surrounding communities.
9th and 10th Grade Fall League
This league is intended for players who are entering 9th/10th grade in the upcoming school year.
House League
Skokie spring, summer and fall house league teams play against other teams in the Chicago Suburban Youth Baseball Association (CSYBA) league.
The CSYBA has fully implemented the USA Baseball recommended bat changes for 2019:
Little League, Pony League, Babe Ruth Baseball, and many of the other national Baseball organizations have all implemented these standards and the CSYBA has followed suit. This will provide a much safer experience for all players.
- For Spring, Summer, and Fall – all bats for 3rd and 4th Grade teams as well as 5th and 6th Grade teams must have a USA Baseball stamp on them.
- For 7th and 8th Grade teams, bats must have either a USA Baseball stamp or a BBCOR stamp.
- For 9th and 10th Grade teams all bats must have a BBCOR stamp on them.
- All Wooden Bats are fine for all age groups. There are no other rules regarding bats. As long as bats have the proper stamp on them, the length, weight, or drop difference is no longer important.
Travel Baseball
Skokie spring travel baseball teams participate in the Lake Shore Feeder Baseball League.
The LSFBL Board has discussed and approved the 2019 Bat Rules, as follows:
- Bat Rules for 8U remain unchanged and allow a maximum of 2 1/4 inch diameter bats with a drop of minus 13.
- Bat Rules for 9U to 14U have changed. At ALL age levels the maximum bat diameter will now be 2 3/4 inches. Bats may have a USA Baseball or USSSA stamp, or have a BPF of 1.15. Maximum drop for ages 9U though 12U will remain at minus 12. Maximum drop for 13U will remain at minus 8, and maximum drop at 14U will remain at minus 5. If you have any questions, please contact your Community Representative or the League Rules Committee at Rules@lsfbl.com.
FAQ:
When will I hear from my coach?
Registration for the Spring season ends in March and teams are formed during April. Players will be contacted around the 2nd-3rd week in April.
When do practices and games begin?
For the 7-8, 5-6 and 3-4 levels, practices begin in mid April, with games beginning the last few days of April. PreK through 2nd practices begin in late April, with games beginning during early May.
When does the season end?
The regular season runs into the second week of June. 7-8, 5-6, and 3-4 leagues all have league playoffs that end in mid/late June.
Is there Baseball beyond the Spring season?
Skokie Little League offers Summer Baseball. This is more recreational Baseball for players that want to keep playing Baseball in July. This is an opportunity for kids who may miss time due to summer vacation or camp, as well as for players who do not play travel Baseball, but still have interest in playing beyond the Spring season.
Skokie also offers Fall Baseball.
Can my son or daughter play up a level, or play down a level?
Rarely do we allow a player to play up an age group, but it is dependent on the circumstance. For players that are not quite ready to move up to the next level, there is an option to play one more year at a lower age group to work on skills. Players that would like to play up or down are handled on a case by case basis.
Are discounts available if I sign up 3 or more of my children?
Yes. We offer discounts for families with 3 or more children. The first two players are full price and there is a discount for the 3rd child and beyond. Contact skokiebaseballandsoftball@gmail.com or pespinoza645@gmail.com for more information.
Does Skokie provide opportunities for those going through hardships to play Baseball?
Skokie does provide sponsorship for those in financial need. To inquire, please contact Pancho Espinoza at pespinoza645@gmail.com and cc skokiebaseballandsoftball@gmail.com
Skokie holds tryouts for its travel baseball teams from 8U through 14U levels at the conclusion of the fall season.
Travel baseball entails a meaningful commitment to the game of baseball. Players practice in the winter and spring to prepare for formidable competition.
Skokie travel baseball teams participate in the Lake Shore Feeder Baseball League. Teams compete against other travel teams from Glenview, Wilmette, Evanston, Lake Forest, Park Ridge, and other north suburban communities. Teams also participate in tournaments. See bat rules.
Skokie travel baseball teams also may participate in a community league in the fall.
To determine your child’s travel baseball level, see the Little League Age Calculator.