Rookie is a developmental league that builds upon what was learned in Coach Pitch. At this level, games are held on a baseball diamond, and a pitching machine is used in lieu of a coach or player. The Regular Season ends with an in-house tournament between all Hamel Rookie teams as part of the Hamel Jamboree in late June. The season is considered a success if kids have fun and are excited to sign up for baseball next season. 

• Hamel Jamboree  / Rookie tournament in late June
• Plymouth/New Hope Rookie Day in May or June (not Memorial Day Weekend). 
  • This two-game "round- robin" is typically at Zachary Playfields in Plymouth against other local Little League teams.  If Rookie Day is affected by inclement weather, games will not be rescheduled.

In the case of inclement weather, the league will continue as of the date listed on the schedule. The league may choose to make up games after the last week of the season if there are a higher than normal number of canceled games during the season.

Games and practices will be held at the Hamel Legion Park "Quad Fields".

See the Fields page for more information on these locations.

Season fees may vary year-to-year and will be listed in registration.

Age Requirements:
Rookie is for 8-year-olds as of August 31 of the current year.

We do also accept 7-year-olds who are ready to hit off a pitching machine.  Parents are responsible for determining if their 7-year-old is ready for this level.  Regular baseballs are used in play at this level.

We may accept 9-year-olds to further their skill development and provide for equally matched competition.  If interested, please contact the registrar.

Team Formation:
Teams will be formed using 1) elementary school, 2) a single "friend request", and 3) an equal distribution of available coaches.

Player "Play with" requests must be mutual (i.e., Player A must request Player B and Player B must request Player A on their individual registrations).  Due to the size of the league, we can only attempt to honor one "play with" request per player.

• Rookie players will bat against a pitching machine set at a constant speed (35-40 mph).
• There are no walks in Rookie, and strikeouts will only count when batters have seen a predetermined number of “good” pitches (as determined by the Board and League Coordinator)
• A pitch that is not in the strike zone is not considered a good pitch regardless if a player swings.
• Teams will use a continuous batting lineup (all players bat) and players will play both infield and outfield equally throughout the season.
• Coaches also serve as umpires at this level.
• Emphasis will be placed on teaching kids the basic rules, learning proper fundamentals (playing catch, hitting, fielding, catching and throwing) and exhibiting a high level of sportsmanship.
• Teams will play 10 players in the field, with 4 outfielders. If teams have less than 3 outfielders for a game¸ a coach may stop the batted ball in the outfield in order for both the offense and defense to learn proper fundamentals and to help speed up the game.
• Coaches may be in the outfield while their team is playing defense to instruct kids and ensure they are engaged in the game.
• The ½ inning is over after 3 outs (strikeouts do count as outs) or 5 runs scored.
• This is a “hitter’s” league with the purpose of putting the ball in play so that the offensive team can learn proper hitting and base running skills ,and the defense can learn situational defense.
• Any batted ball that hits the pitching machine is deemed live.
• Games will be 4-5 innings based on time available. Little
• League approved baseballs will be used.

This is not a “run at your own risk” league. Players will stop advancing once the ball is returned to the infield and will be allowed one extra base on an over-throw. Proper baseball habits will be taught (i.e. players should not keep running simply because they could “make it” at this level as poor habits will more than likely lead to outs as the defensive abilities of players increase).

The batting team’s coach will serve as umpire for the ½ inning. Other coaches should not try to influence the call on the field unless the umpire asks for help, and there should not be any arguing of the calls. Scores may be kept, but there will be no standings. The Rookie league adheres to Little League Machine Pitch rules (no bunting, no stealing).

Regardless of outcome, coaches will focus on the things that players can control—showing up on time, running hard on the base paths, hustling onto and off the field, taking quality at-bats and giving their best effort.
 

At the Rookie League level, Hamel Baseball provides:

• Baseballs (practice balls are also used for games)
• Catcher’s equipment
• Medical Kit
• Team Jersey
• Team Hat
• Coach's Hat (rostered coaches only)
• Coach's Shirt (rostered coaches only)

Players are required to supply their own:

• Batting Helmet
• Glove
• Baseball bat (USA Baseball approved - "USAbat")
• Baseball pants (white or gray preferred)
• Athletic Supporter and protective cup
• Rubber cleated baseball shoes
• Baseball socks and belt (to match jersey if possible)

NOTE: Please write your child’s name on all personal equipment.