Thanks to all who participate as volunteers in making our league a success. Without your help it would not be possible.
(T-Ball)
Information Sheet
T-Ball may be the first "team activity" experience many children/parents have and our goal is to make that experience a great one. Our primary focus is to have fun while introducing the sport as a game to enjoy. Our focus will be on teaching listening skills, running the bases, learning how to properly throw, catch and hit. At this level, “if wiling” the parents are heavily involved in both practices / games. Volunteers can be full or part time – Coaches and Team Mom / dugout helpers.
Baseball rules - we are flexible, i.e., you may see 5 Outfielders, 3 Pitchers and a parent helping 1-2 players in the field. The goal is to keep the players active and involved.
Coaches’ clinic - the commissioner will run a mandatory coach's clinic for all head coaches and assistants. I will share “lessons learned & best practices;” I will cover the key fundamentals of the game and how to make practice fun and engaging for all levels of players. I will show you how to create a practice & game schedule and keep parents updated. Parents can expect no more than two baseball practices/games each week lasting an hour. Our schedule will be front loaded with practices before we play games.
How to prepare for T-ball? Use a tennis ball and introduce a “game” of bouncing the ball against a wall (without a glove). This simple repetitive action will support our efforts moving forward. The more you work with your child, the better their experience will be! You can also use the soft T-balls as well.
T-Ball FAQs and Dates:
Boy/Girl ages 4 & 5 as of 4/30/2023 – This includes Hat & Shirt, T-balls, trophies and use of field. NOTE: If you do not see T-ball as an option, this means your child is league age 6 and must sign up for AA. It will be determined by coaches at assessments if your child can play down in T-ball. It is recommended that those who are league age 6 attend the next generation camp if parents are on the fence about whether their child should play T-ball or AA.
Glove (soft, but not too small) Bat (don’t spend a lot); Gym Shoes/Rubber Spikes; Helmet, Baseball Pants. Wal-Mart or Dicks usually have what you need.
Registration is open - Don’t wait, teams fill up fast.
Coaches will call/email parents week of February 20th. NOTE** Coaches will provide game schedules and practice schedules once teams are made. Once teams are finalized, the coaches will reach out to parents via email a few days after registration has closed.
Start of season – February 18th. More than likely practice for T-ball; usually one night a week M-F - start at 6pm- 7pm practices (time may vary depending on your coach); and games on Saturdays usually sometime between 9-1pm and weekday evenings between 5-8pm (Location - Arthur Goodman Park, 1200 S. Trade St.)
T-Ball Plays all games and practices on T-ball fields #5 / #6
Refund Policy: Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA) incurs various league, medical, security, uniform, insurance, and administrative fees which are not refundable to the organization. Therefore, if you withdraw your player fifteen (15) days or more before the stated registration period closes for a sport/program, we will provide a refund of the total registration fee, LESS A $50 Processing Fee. Otherwise, we do not provide any refunds for a player withdrawing from the program.