REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY, JANUARY 5TH

For the Love of the Game… ⚾🥎

Battle Creek Area Little League (B.A.L.L.) proudly serves our community by offering Tee Ball, Baseball, and Softball programs designed to help young athletes learn the game, build confidence, and have fun in a supportive environment.

🏟️ Season Overview

Our programs are open to players across multiple age divisions, ensuring every athlete has a place to play and grow.

Special Events & Important Dates

• See dates in the registration section above
• Home Run Derby for select age groups (tentatively scheduled for Mid/Late-May)
• All Star Tournament: district dates are still pending, but the LL National Tournament Schedule provides date ranges.
  

Games & Locations
Home games are played on Battle Creek fields, with some away games within Little League District 2 (all within approximately 25 miles).

Game & Practice Commitment
Teams typically play two games per week
Practices are held 1–2 times per week during the season

All-Star Season
Following league play, eligible players may participate in All-Stars, running from late June through early August. All-Star teams are established through tryouts.

📅 Typical Schedule

Before the Season Starts
2–3 practices per week

During the Season
1–2 practices per week
2 weekday games per week

🧒 Age & Eligibility

Little League age divisions are determined using the official Little League Age Calculator:
Baseball (2026):Baseball Age Chart
Softball (2026):Softball Age Chart

To confirm eligibility, families can:
Review the Boundary Map below, or
Use the Little League "League Finder" by entering their home address

When registering your player, certain forms are required by Little League and Michigan state law. Please be prepared to provide:
Upload during online registration:
 —Medical Release Form 
 —School Enrollment Form
Printed copy at player evaluations:
 —Player birth certificate (for new players only)

If you sign up your player and they are “waitlisted,” don’t worry.

Just because your player is waitlisted doesn't automatically mean they won't be on a team. In Little League, we use a "waitlist" system to manage team registrations efficiently. Instead of closing registration immediately when a team reaches capacity or falsely advertising that we have a team with "spots available," our electronic registration system automatically places additional players on a "waitlist" until enough sign up to form another team.

Here’s how it works:
—Teams have a set number of players (for example, a team needs 12-15 players).
—If an age group reaches the maximum capacity for a team (example, 15 players), new registrants are "waitlisted."
—Once enough players are waitlisted to create another team (example, 9 more players sign up to now make two teams of 12), they are moved from the "waitlist" to active registration.
—This process repeats throughout registration, often many times over.

Important Notes:
—Being on the waitlist does not mean your child won’t play. New teams are often created as more players register.
—Registration remains first-come, first-served, even though teams are formed through a draft following player evaluations.
—Registration closes on March 10th.
—Even after March 10th, openings for anyone remaining on the "waitlist" may still occur if a player drops out.
—Plan to attend player evaluations, even if your status shows as “waitlisted.”

If your player is waitlisted, please be patient, and feel free to reach out with any questions to [email protected].

Our Little League programs are NOT just for Lakeview students. Our league boundaries cover most of Calhoun County; including Battle Creek, Springfield, Bedford, Marshall, Pennfield, & Harper Creek areas. If you are enrolled in a school (by 10/1/25) or reside (by 2/1/26) in the area shown in yellow below, you are eligible to join.
Use this link to check if your home or school address falls within our league boundaries (yellow area on map).
LL League Finder

🧤 Equipment Information

Provided by the League vs. Families

• See the registration details above for more information on this season's equipment supply.

Bat Requirements

All bats must be USA Baseball certified.
For more information on bats:

•  Little League Bat Rules
•  Dick’s Sporting Goods Bat Buying Guide

💙 Grants & Scholarships

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to play.

T-Mobile Little League® Call Up Grant
Financial assistance is available through the T-Mobile Call Up Grant Program. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis.

League Scholarships
A limited number of league scholarships are available for registered players. Families needing assistance should contact the Battle Creek Area Little League Baseball Director.

👨‍🏫 Coaching Opportunities

Little League is powered by volunteers—and coaches play one of the most important roles in shaping a positive experience for our players.

Why Coach?

• Teach fundamentals and sportsmanship
• Build confidence and teamwork
• Make a lasting impact on young athletes

No Experience Required

•  Little League provides training, resources, and ongoing support for all coaches.

How to Get Involved

• Select Coach or Assistant Coach during registration
• Interested coaches without an enrolled child should email: [email protected]

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Little League thrives because of the time, talent, and heart of our volunteers. Whether you help weekly or just a few times a season, your support matters.

Volunteer Roles

• Team Parent
  Support coaches with communication, scheduling, snacks, and team activities.
• Field Maintenance
  Assist with light field prep, upkeep, and special workdays to keep fields safe and game-ready.
• Sponsorship Support
  Help connect local businesses with the league and recognize sponsors throughout the season.

Fundraising

At , we believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, regardless of financial circumstances. We take pride in managing our funds responsibly while keeping participation costs as affordable as possible. To continue offering a quality program and maintain our fields, equipment, and operations, league-wide fundraising is essential.

In past seasons, our families have supported the league through a variety of successful fundraising efforts, including spirit wear sales, car washes, Coffee Day, and 50/50 raffles. Families are expected to participate in and support fundraising efforts as part of our shared commitment to the league. Participation does not require monetary contribution but may be supported through the commitment of time and energy.

🛡️ Safety & Rules

Player safety is our top priority. BALL follows comprehensive Little League safety standards to ensure a positive experience for all.

Our Commitment Includes:

• Volunteer Screening: Background checks and required safety training
• Coach Education: Injury prevention, concussion awareness, and age-appropriate instruction
• Player Protection: Mandatory abuse awareness training and zero-tolerance safety policies
• Equipment & Field Safety: Routine inspections of fields and gear
• Emergency Preparedness: Established injury, weather, and emergency response protocols
• Concussion Policies: Strict return-to-play guidelines

Together, league leadership, volunteers, parents, and players create a culture of safety, respect, and responsibility.

📞 Contact & FAQs

Jose Acevedo
Director, Battle Creek Area Little League
📧 [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the official Little League FAQ page for answers to common family questions.

⚾ Join us and be part of a tradition built on teamwork, sportsmanship, and the love of the game.