Frequently Asked Questions

The following information is designed as a primer for parents and players involved in Taconic Little League. The correct information and a more complete understanding of the League, its goals and its responsibilities are essential to smooth operation and continuation of the service to the players involved. It is a continuing process and requires adaptation and effort on a constant basis.

Is Taconic Little League a local organization? We are a chapter of Little League Baseball, a national non-profit organization founded in 1939 and headquartered in Williamsport, PA. Taconic Little League's charter was established in 1981 with a board of 5 members. Each local chapter is governed by a national framework of rules and regulations, and elects a Board of volunteers to carry out its business. Taconic Little League has local rules that are specific to our league but must not conflict with the national rules and regulations.

What is the benefit of joining Little League? Little League's primary objective is to "implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well-adjusted, strong and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens." Participation is open to everyone and baseball/softball is the vehicle through which the objectives above are achieved.

What ages of children can play Little League and how are they divided? Children can start out in T-Ball at league age 4 and can progress through the program up to age 18 for baseball and age 16 for softball. League age is determined as of April 30th of the current year for baseball and December 31st of prior year for softball. When determining age appropriate play consideration should always be given to the safety and emotional factors of the individual player. The primary reason for the young age divisions is safety and the social aspects of playing with friends and other players of the same age. At the older levels, the competitive level increases and teams are based upon a draft system to foster parity at the start of every season.

When should I switch my daughter from baseball to softball? Modified softball begins at age. By age 7-8 very few girls are still playing baseball (but they are certainly welcome to play baseball), by age 9 the players begin pitching and will not learn the fast pitch windmill style pitch in baseball. If the player plans to continue in organized sports, fast pitch softball will be the sport offered in High School athletics. If you would like more information about this transition feel free to discuss this issue with the Little League registration helpers or contact one of the Taconic Little League Board members.

What are the different levels of play? You can get a complete description of all available ground rules the different levels follow by clicking on the Our Teams Button at the top of the page

What is the League's usual operating schedule? Registration - December - January; Skills evaluations and Draft - end of February, early March: Practices being - early March; Season games - middle of April through the middle of June (Completed before school is out). Every possible opportunity to schedule around major calendar conflicts, such as school vacations, is observed.

What is the cost? We strive to keep our programs as affordable as possible while covering the costs of running the league. A full fee schedule is available upon Registration.

What is the typical time commitment? Generally for t-ball and modified divisions there is one practice per week and one game usually on Saturday. For Minor League and higher divisions the number of practices per week are at the discretion of the team coaches and there are usually two games per week.

How can I get more information or make suggestions? You may want to first talk directly to parents or Board members who already are involved in Little League. Additionally, you may want to attend a Taconic Little League meeting which are held every month. A schedule is available on the website for your reference. At this meeting, not only can you meet volunteers who are committed to the success of the Taconic program, but you also may want to offer suggestions or even volunteer your own services.