Frequently Asked Questions
What is the structure of MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL?
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL is comprised of one League offering five levels of play: T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Minor, Major, and Junior. Depending upon the level, the playing fields are slightly different in terms of length of base paths, distance from pitching mound, and distance to the outfield fences from home plate.
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL has established age cutoffs to ensure players develop appropriately in terms of skills, knowledge, and sportsmanship. MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL has established age brackets that players need to participate in, however, there are situations where some players may play down due to safety risks upon approval of the Player Agent.
Pitching distances are scaled to the ability of the players in proportion to the size of the diamonds. The scaled down diamonds in the lower divisions allow the players to make the same plays made by the upper division players on larger diamonds.
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL is managed by an elected Board of Directors that administer the League in line with established bylaws. The League is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization.
When does the season begin?
Please check the MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL Home page on the MYB web site for exact League dates and events. Typically, the season begins on the first or second Saturday in April and extends. An Opening Day event kicks off the first games of the season.
How long will the season last?
The MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL regular game season usually lasts from 10-12 weeks from April through June, and including division playoff games. The season is extended for players that are selected to the District 14 All-Star tournament teams.
Where are MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL games played?
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL utilizes the baseball complex on Barrett Ave in Magnolia for Home games. A shortage of available parking space makes for a prime Police situation. Juniors, Majors, and Minors are part of the traveling leagues and therefore travel to their opponents town to play. Please see the appropriate league's posted schedule for details.
What days and times are the games played?
All teams in MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL are scheduled for one to two games a week, and in some divisions teams are scheduled for games three a week. Game days are typically Monday through Saturday, however, Sunday afternoons are also scheduled. T-ball games are only scheduled for weekdays, and no more than one per week. Saturday games will generally start at 9am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7:00pm. Weekday games generally will begin at 5:00pm and 7:30pm for weekday games. Games may begin earlier prior to Day Light Savings time. It is MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL'S desire to have games be completed by 9pm on weekdays. Based on the League's population, and possible rainouts, games may be scheduled on Sunday afternoons. It is recommended that players arrive at the field an 45-60 minutes prior to game time so they can properly warm up, and managers can get the line-up cards ready prior to the start of the game.
Who umpires MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL games?
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL uses a combination of parent volunteers and paid umpires. In the lower divisions (Coach Pitch), the volunteers are parents of MYB players in those divisions. In the upper divisions (Minors and Majors), the volunteers are both parents, certified umpires, and trained students. All umpires are required to attend training clinics. A plate umpire and a field umpire are used in all games, unless a scheduling issue arises causing a shortage of available umpires. In the T-Ball division, coaches manage the flow of the game.
When will the practices begin?
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL targets the beginning of March for all teams to start practicing. The goal is for teams to be in a position to begin practices at least 2-3 weeks before Opening Day, which is the April 2nd. For Minors and Majors, practices typically being the week after draft night. Actual first practices will depend upon weather and formation of teams.
How often and long will my child practice?
Practice frequency and duration are up to the team manager. Generally, it is recommended that T-ball teams practice no more than one time per week for no more than one hour. Coach Pitch teams practice an average of two times a week for anywhere from 60-90 minutes. Minors and Majors teams may practice 3-4 times a week prior to the season and 2-3 times per week after the season starts. Minors and Majors teams generally practice for two hours a session.
Where will my child practice?
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL schedules field practice times at the Little League complex, however, some manager's take their teams to a baseball specialty complex like Sports Central to conduct practice. Depending on the manager, there may be a small fee to cover the cost of the session. It is not required to participate in these sessions. You will know where your child will practice once your child is placed on a team and your manager contacts you.
What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game?
Players should arrive at their first practice with a glove, hat, baseball pants, and rubber molded cleats. A baseball bag is recommended to transport bats, batting gloves, water bottles, hats, and other items. If you are the market for a glove or a bat, we suggest that consult the equipment guide to determine the correct equipment for your child.
Are there any uniform supplies my child needs?
A uniform consists of a pair of baseball pants, belt, a baseball jersey, a hat, and a pair of all-in-one baseball socks. MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL will provide each player a team jersey and a team hat. The jersey and hat are the player's to keep. The jerseys don't provide much warmth, so it is a good idea to purchase a long-sleeve baseball shirt to match the color of your child's team. Your manager will provide more specifics as for the color. Rubber cleats are highly recommended, and steel spikes are not allowed. A quality leather glove is a must. it is recommended to stay away from vinyl and simulated leather gloves that may be cheaper, but tend to cause the player a great deal of frustration. It is impossible to form a pocket in gloves made of vinyl or simulated leather. Therefore, the ball tends to pop out when the player attempts to catch it. All players should bring a windbreaker, jacket, or sweatshirt to every game and practice, especially early in the season.
When will I find out what team my child will play on?
All teams should be formed by the beginning of March. Your child's manager will notify you of the team's first meeting. If you don't hear from a team manager by mid-March, please contact a League official.
Can my child be placed on a team with one of their friends?
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL allows friends to request to be placed on the same team together only in the T-ball and Coach Pitch Divisions. In the Minors and Majors divisions, there are absolutely no requests due to the player selection process of the draft. The upper division teams are created using a balanced draft process that helps to promote even and competitive Leagues.
If my child is unhappy with the team they are placed on, can they switch teams?
Only in extreme cases does the League allow children to switch teams after the teams have been formed. Such requests must be made in writing to MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL's player agent for consideration by the Board. Approval requires extenuating circumstances, so any request is highly unlikely to be approved, and in most cases we will ask the player remains with their team. Team balance is established early on, and changes of this type are difficult if not impossible to implement without upsetting the balance that has been established.
If my child decides to quit, is it possible to get a refund?
A refund is available upon request prior to the close of registration. A refund of 50% is available if a request is received prior to Opening Day. After Opening Day, NO REFUNDS are allowed.
Can I keep my child down in a lower division or bring him/her up a division a year early?
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL strongly supports age appropriate competition and development. MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL does not allow players to move up a division early or to play down a division to develop additional skills without approval from the Board. The only time an adjustment may be made is when there is a safety risk to a player playing in their age appropriate division. At that time, a parent request needs to be made to the Board. A decision will be made to allow the player to play down.
What are draft "options"?
Options are picks that each manager has available prior to the upper division Minors and Major drafts. The options pertain to the manager's own child and/or their coach's child. Managers must request an option, and options are granted upon approval from the Board. Refer to the MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL draft rules document.
Are there any rules around minimum playing time?
Rules will vary per division regarding playing time. In the T-ball division, all players play in the field and all player bat in a continuous batting order. Continuous batting orders are used for the other divisions, however, fielders may be limited to 9 or 10 players. There are minimums for innings played in all divisions. Refer to the local rules posted on the MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL web site.
Are there Time Limits on games?
T-ball games are limited to 1-hour. Coach Pitch games are limited to 1 hour 30 minutes. Minor and Major division games are limited, in most cases, to 2-hours.
How many managers/coaches can be on a team?
Every team has a manager approved by the Board of Directors. Each team's manager can have as many assistants as they can find for practices, but only two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. Any manager or coach that comes into contact with players MUST submit an application to the League.
What are the responsibilities of a manager and a coach?
The team manager oversees the management of the team throughout the season. They are responsible for setting a practice schedule, developing a practice format, creating a lineup card for every game, and ensuring kids get their minimum playing time in each game. Managers are the focal point of the team and must be committed to following through with managing the team from mid-March to the start of June. Time commitment is usually around 8-10 hours a week depending upon division. Managers need to be able to commit to be at all practices and games. It is recommended that they schedule and conduct a parent meeting prior to the first practice of the season. Managers are assisted by a volunteer team parent that helps with things like scheduling, fundraising events, uniform distribution, and picture day.
Two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. However, a manager may elect to use more than two coaches during practice. Coaches provide support during practice to ensure kids get enough attention while developing their skills. Coaches are under the guidance and direction of the manager. Typically, a manager will design a practice format and have assistants take care of coaching small groups of players, assisting with batting practice, hitting fungos, or other assistant duties. Assistant coaches should commit to be at all practices and games, generally about 6-8 hours a week depending upon division. Coaches need to be approved by the Board. All actions of an assistant coach during games are the ultimate responsibility of the manager.
Are there conduct rules that apply during games?
Absolutely. MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL does not tolerate foul language or taunting at any level by the players, parents, managers, or coaches. Any spectator, player, manager or coach that is warned is subject to being ejected from the premises and banned from the complex for additional games.
Who is responsible for staffing the Snack Bar at the MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL complex?
Upon registering a player for participation in MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL, the player's parent(s) may agree to serve a shift in the snack bar when asked by the concessions manager. Their shift will be scheduled by the Concessions manager. Each parent typically has 3 shifts to fulfill at some point during the season to be eligible for the return of bond monies held from registration. The MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL's Auxiliary is responsible for stocking, opening, and setting up the concessions stand prior to the first game each day. Please do your part in support of operating the concessions stand.
Do I have to participate in any fundraising?
MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL relies on fundraising to help support the operations of the League. Player registration fees only account for 65% of the needed operating capital required for equipment, facilities maintenance and repairs, uniforms, etc. MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL supplements player registration fees with League sponsors and fundraising. Each team is expected to participate in the League's annual fundraising activity.
Who do I contact if I have a problem that needs to be resolved by the League?
If at any time you have a problem or just want information, you can e-mail the League at any time. However, please first discuss any concerns with your child's manager, then with the division's player representative (who is a Board Member assigned to oversee that Division). Contact information is on the MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL web site under the "Organization" link. You are also welcome to attend a Board meeting and express your concerns directly to the Board with prior approval from the President. The MAGNOLIA YOUTH BASEBALL Board meets every Tuesday during the season, then the first Tuesday of each month throughout the year.
What is available on the website?
The League's web site is at www.magnoliayouthbaseball.org. The site offers all the information you need to stay informed about events, schedules, rules, board member contacts, sponsorship information, baseball clinics, umpire training, etc. If you have a question that is still unanswered, please contact the Board.