Frequently Asked Question
KEY DATES: SPRING 2025 SEASON
- Nov. 29 Registration opens, Black Friday $20 off this day only
- Nov. 30-Jan. 11 Regular registration. (age groups will close regardless of date once they reach capacity)
- Jan. 25 Player assessments. 3/4 T-Ball does not assess. (no makeup day unless it gets rained out)
- Jan. 27-Jan. 30 Team drafts (only head coaches attend) Players will be contacted by Jan. 31 by coach
- Feb.1 Practices begin (all teams will have 1 weekday & 1 weekend practice each week before opening day)
- Feb. 14-23 February Break. Teams may still practice during the break.
- Mar. 8 Opening Day! Games begin for all age groups. Teams in age groups with odd numbers may receive a bye.
- Mar. 29-Apr. 6 Spring Break. No games/practices. ALL FIELDS CLOSED
- Apr. 26 Battle of the Ballfield/Pictures by SMAX (mandatory event for all players/teams to be eligible for post season play)
- May 17 Latest date for spring season to end.
- ALL STAR TRYOUT DATES TBD
REGISTRATION
Q. How do I register my child?
A. All registration is done online. Registration may close prior to listed end date if an age group reaches capacity.
Q. In what age group will my child play?
A. A player’s age group is determined by birthdate. The age of the player prior to May 1st would be their correct age group. Whatever you would play in the spring would be the same for fall.
Q. My child has no experience playing baseball. What level of skill is expected of the players?
Canton Baseball welcomes players of all skill levels, and we enjoy introducing the game to those without any playing experience. We see many new players in all age groups each season.
Q. I think my child is better suited for a different division. How do I request to "play up"?
Canton Baseball does allow players to "play up" one age group. Our system will only allow you to register in the correct age group, if you are interested in your player moving up one age group, please contact the league to have player manually moved up.
Q. My player has many obligations. Can I request a specific game/practice night?
A. Unfortunately with the number of players in the organization we cannot guarantee specific game/practice nights.
Q. Can I make a teammate request?
A. Requests can only be made in our T-Ball age group. In all other age groups, it is up to the coaches to assess and draft teams with the hopes of creating a more even and competitive league.
Q. Can I request a specific manager?
A. No. Only the children of the team's manager and assistant coach are guaranteed to be on that team.
Q. Can girls play at Canton Baseball?
A. Absolutely! Every season we have a handful of girls playing on our fields and we'd love to see more!
Q. Do you offer refunds?
A. Registration refunds -- minus a $25 processing fee -- will be available until midnight the date registration closes. After said date there will be no refunds.
Q. How does the Wait List work? When will I know if my child will be added?
A. It is common for all of our divisions to reach capacity before the end of our registration period. Because several factors are a moving target -- the final number of teams, availability of qualified managers, available field space, etc. -- we preliminarily set our cap at 10-12 players per team depending on age group. Once the division's preliminary cap is reached, all additional interested players may be registered and placed on our Wait List. Via this process, your child's details are timestamped, a critical component as we open up additional roster spots. Generally speaking, players are activated based on timestamp (so don't delay!), but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. We work diligently to slide the scale and find ways to accept all players. Once accepted off the waitlist you will receive email stating enrollment has been accepted. If declined, you will receive an email stating full refund has been issued.
Q. I missed the registration deadline. Can I still sign up my child?
A. Possibly. Please contact our League.
PRACTICES/GAMES/SCHEDULES
Q. When does the season begin and end?
Typically Fall begins early August through mid-November. Spring is late January through mid-May
Q. When are practices?
A. After assessments teams typically get 4 weeks of practices. One weeknight and one weekend spot. Once games begin the practice schedule is wiped clear. Coaches then have the ability to book a maximum of one practice spot each week.
Q. What can expect schedule wise each week?
A. You should expect to have baseball twice a week. That can equate to 2 practices, 2 games, or a game and a practice. After assessments we average 4-5 weeks of just practices. Each team will have a scheduled weeknight and weekend practice spot. We work our schedule to create the opportunity to play as many regular season games followed by post season play for each team as possible. Our game schedule will place most teams playing twice a week throughout the season with the exception of bye weeks due to odd number of teams in an age group. Pre-season practice schedule can fall on any day of the days during the week to accommodate all teams to have two practices. Games are played Monday-Thursday as well as on Saturday. We do not play games on Fridays or Sundays.
Q. Can I request certain days to not have practice or games?
A. Unfortunately, with the number of participants in our program we cannot accept schedule requests at this time.
ASSESSMENTS
Q. When are assessments?
A. Dates for Spring and Fall to be announced in Key Dates. (T-BALL DOES NOT ASSESS)
Q. My kid is really busy. Must we show up at our designated time?
A. We ask that you please try to show up in your assigned window so as not to create a backlog of players. However, if you are unable to be evaluated at your designated time, please reach out to our league for instructions.
Q. Will there be makeup evaluations?
A. We do not offer makeup days. In an effort to maintain balance throughout the divisions, we encourage you to attend your evaluation. If your child is unable to attend, they will still be drafted to a team. However, they will just become a hat pick in the draft.
Q. What equipment should my child bring?
A. At a minimum, your player will need a mitt. Ideally, they’ll also have a bat, a hat, a helmet, and molded cleats (metal spikes are prohibited in all age groups). If you don't have these things, the league will assist in ensuring a player has them for assessments. If you are missing any item, please see gate worker prior to taking the field.
Q. How long should we expect to be at evaluations?
A. Once your player's name is called, the evaluation will take about five minutes. It includes hitting, running, fielding ground balls/pop-ups and throwing. The length of time you’re at the field will depend on how many participants show up at their appropriate times. Just in case, we suggest you plan to be at the park for at least 1 hour.
Q. What happens after evaluations?
A. Player drafts will be held Monday-Thursday the week following assessments. (only head coaches will attend drafts) From there, managers will directly contact the families No later than 8pm the Friday of Draft week of those players they drafted.
Q. Can I request a trade after the draft?
A. No trades after the draft will be allowed.
UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT
Q. What is included with my registration?
A. Aside from practices, games, and umpire fees. Each player will receive a jersey, hat, belt, socks. T-ball does not receive belts as most of their pants do not allow for belts. Pants are not included as we have found most people prefer to purchase their own brand/style/cut/color. We recommend having pants for practice but waiting to see what team you are drafted to before purchasing a game pair. This allows for teams to select a color based off team selection.
Q. What equipment is needed for the season?
A. Every player at a minimum will need their own baseball mitt and helmet. Age groups 5u-8u it is required for helmets to have a facemask. Cleats, turf shoes, or tennis shoes are acceptable across all age groups. NO METAL SPIKES ALLOWED IN ANY AGE GROUP Bats. Most players will have their own bats. If you are new to baseball or just trying it out, we recommend borrowing a bat to start with. See what size/brand your child prefers and fits them best. T-Ball can use bats stamped with tball, USSSA, or USA certifications. Ages 5u-12u bats must be stamped USSSA, or USA in any weight/length/drop. Ages 13u and up bats must be stamped BBCOR -3. Players in coach pitch that play pitcher, or catcher is required to wear their batting helmet with a facemask. Catchers in kid pitch (9u-15u) are required to wear a protective cup; full catchers gear and use a catcher's mitt. Bat bags/packs are not required but make things easier to transport.
Q. Why are metal spikes not allowed?
A. We do not allow metal spikes due to utilizing artificial turf mounds and hitting surfaces in our cages. The use of metal spikes wears the turf of these areas and cause damage.
FUNDRAISING
I paid my registration fee, why are we asked to help in park fundraisers?
A. Canton Baseball is a 501c3 non-profit organization that receives no government funding relying on our registration fees and fundraisers to operate, maintain, and improve. Registration fees cover uniforms, umpires, baseballs, and a portion of the operating cost. We are responsible for all operating costs that include electric, water, garbage disposal, fertilizer, maintenance, and equipment upkeep. With managing and maintaining facilities adds costs to keep the facilities up and safe for play. We strive to give you a place to play in which you are proud to call your baseball home. Aside from upkeep our goal is to continue to make additions and improvements that benefit each family as well as the overall aesthetic of the facility. Our fundraisers are what allows us to provide quality facilities and improvements while keeping registration fees as low as possible. In all of our fundraisers we try to create value for all. We greatly appreciate your support throughout each of these events.