IMPORTANT: ALL TOURNAMENT/COMPETITIVE FAMILIES PLEASE READ: In order to attract and retain visiting teams for our home tournaments and competitive league programs, we have made the following adjustments to our bat policy. This is ONLY for our 9u-12u Competitive and Tournament teams playing games/tournaments at home. Our bat rules may be different than other away tournaments, if you are purchasing new bat this year, please make a decision that works best for your player. We will now allow the following bats:
• 2 ¼” barrel non-wood bats marked BPF 1.15
• All USABat approved/stamped bats (any barrel size)
• USSSA marked BPF 1.15 (any barrel size)
Q. We are new to Pulaski Baseball, we’ve registered…now what?
A. Each year, we provide an inclusive and instructional league for all ages and skill levels. Our “league” programs play games on Tuesdays and Thursday nights beginning in mid-May. Your child’s coach will contact you in early April to introduce themselves and communicate practice and game schedules. The first few practices are pre-scheduled by the organization, and any additional practices will be scheduled by the coach. Depending on the league, you can expect a game or practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from mid-May to mid-July. Some weeks there may be two games, some weeks one, and some weeks none.
Q. What’s the difference between “league,” “tournament” and “competitive” teams?
A. Our leagues are designed to allow all kids the chance to learn and play baseball in a competitive, yet accessible (less intense) format than tournament teams. Conversely, our tournament teams are for players that want to take their game to the next level. There are additional skill requirements, practice commitments and local/regional travel on four to five weekends per summer. (We try to offer each age group one “destination” tournament every other year. This would be the only tournament that would require a hotel stay.) In addition to playing with and against the area’s best talent, your son will receive additional training, exposure to highly competitive play and will grow as a player. We have tournament teams at the following levels:
(There are no tryouts for the 7u and 8 u tournament teams, indicate your interest at registration. An additional fee and concession commitment will apply.)
Tryouts for 9u-14u are held each fall after the current season, and teams are formed for the following year. When players get to this level, and play on tournament teams, they are sometimes referred to as “competitive” teams. At tryouts, 10 players are selected, with an additional two “coaches picks” determined in the spring after spring workouts. In order to be eligible for a “coaches pick” spot, you must have participated in the previous fall tryout. If you are new to our district, and missed the fall cutoff, please contact general@pulaskibaseball.com for tryout information. Additional fees and concession commitments will apply for all tournament/competitive families.
White Tournament Team Information:
White tournament teams will be offered for age levels 9u-14u, pending interest/numbers. The White tournament teams will be formed based on Spring tryout scores. (Top 10 go to White team) Please note, there will be some movement based on the two coaches picks for the Red team. The white team will also have two coaches picks. The White tournament team players will play in both league games and local/regional tournaments. (Three tournaments per summer). Please note, if your son accepts a roster spot, an additional concessions/field work shift will be required.
Q. There is rain in the forecast, how will we know if games are cancelled?
A. We closely monitor the weather all season, and when rain is in the forecast, the Board is likely checking their phone for updates as much as you are. You can expect a weather notification/cancellation update by 3:00 PM. We will post cancellations to our Facebook page and our website. Unfortunately, we will no longer be using RainedOut to notify our families as they wanted to charge each family $15 per account.
Q. When do we get our uniforms? What is included and what do we need to provide?
A. Every year, we offer a uniform pick up day during our opening day celebration! That date is typically in early May each year, check our Calendar for the exact date.
All players are required to wear the Pulaski issued jersey and hat during games. In addition, white baseball pants, (preferably with the red piping down the sides) a baseball belt, non-metal cleats (Tee Ball thru Little League), and protective cups are required for machine pitch and up. In addition, each player must have their own gloves. Some bats and helmets are provided to each Coach and are not required, but most kids have their own.
Q. What if I can’t make it to the uniform pick up date?
A. Alternate pick up date/arrangements will be announced after the primary Uniform Pickup.
Q. How do I know when/where my child’s games are played?
A. All games along with the first few practices (individual coaches will set up subsequent practice times/days on their own) will always be loaded into Sports Engine. It is imperative that your account is active and up to date so you don’t miss any dates! For more information on using SportsEngine and downloading the mobile App, please visit the Using SportsEngine page.
Q. Where can I get Pulaski Baseball spirit wear gear?
A. Typically we offer a sale around the holidays and then again before each season. Items purchased during the pre-season sale will be available at uniform pick up day. We also offer a limited amount of items in our concession stand on a first come basis (these sell out fast) So, to be sure you get the sizes and styles you want, the pre-season sale is the way to go!
Q. Why do we have to work concession/field work shifts?
A. As a true volunteer run organization, everything we do, all the equipment we have, fields that we play on and gear that is provided to teams is made possible primarily from the revenue we bring in from the concession stand, registration fees, and due to the generosity of many local businesses and sponsors. Our concession stand is open for your convenience on game day, but also so we can fund raise and continue to improve our fields and Memorial Park. We require each family to work two, 2-hour shifts so that we can ensure our boys and girls have a program to call home year after year, and to ensure that they are playing on safe, quality fields. We are asking for a few hours of your time, and hope that you see the value and importance in this too. Concession Stand obligations and policies can be found on the Concession Stand informational page.
Q. What if I can’t make it for my scheduled concession/field work shift?
A. It is your responsibility to cover your shift. Typically, people have switched with a friend/ another parent on the team or you can hire a student (ages 18 and up only) to cover your shift. Any changes must be emailed to pbsconcessions@gmail.com in advance. Please include the person whom you are switching with/hiring to work your shift in the email so that the Concessions manager can confirm with all parties on the switch. Failure to work your shift or make appropriate alternative plans will result in your $200 concessions/field work deposit check being cashed.
Q. Are rained out games rescheduled?
A. No, Makeup games will not be scheduled.
Q. When are playoff games? And, what age groups have playoff games?
A. There will be league playoffs for Machine Pitch Majors, Pee Wee, and Little League. The playoffs typically start the 3rd week in July and will be completed by Aug 1st. All teams will participate in the playoffs.
Q. I am upset with something that happened during a game/practice. Who do I call?
A. First and foremost, remember that the coaches are all volunteer parents and community members that have committed to providing your son/daughter the chance to play baseball. On average, our coaches put in over a hundred hours of their own time each season to make sure our youth have the chance to learn and play the game. They are giving their best and have volunteered to do what many will not. If you have a concern regarding playing time, practice/game issues, etc, please contact the coach directly and have a discussion with him or her first. Ideally, we’d ask that you wait until the next day and communicate face to face or with a phone call. Our children are watching us and learn how to handle situations based in part, on what they see us model. Our coaches are expected to show respect and fairness, and we ask that you do the same.
If after speaking to your coach, you still feel there is not a satisfactory answer/resolution, please contact the Pulaski Baseball Board at general@pulaskibaseball.com regarding next steps.