WELCOME!
WE ARE ALWAYS GLAD TO WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING PLAYERS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO THE SBL COMMUNITY. ON THIS PAGE YOU WILL FIND INFORMATION FOR THE PERSON WHO KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT SMYRNA BASEBALL LEAGUE.
Located in Smyrna, Tennessee, Smyrna Baseball League is a program that utilizes baseball as a way for players (and coaches) to learn valuable life skills. Our program is designed to be both instructional and fun. The objective is to teach fundamental skills and promote good sportsmanship and fair play.
We encourage all family members to get involved if they are able. It is our volunteers that make the season successful for your kids. The league has several opportunities for parents to get involved, both on and off the field. If you have any interest in helping out this season, please sign up on volunteer registration page to get started. You can always help your respective coaches once teams are assigned as well.
Our league operates as an all-volunteer program, and therefore relies on the support of our network of families, local businesses, corporate and community sponsors. Through this outpouring of support, Smyrna Baseball League continues this tradition and mission so that over 1000 boys and girls can participate in seven different divisions of baseball each year.
BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR NEW WEBSITE!
SMYRNA BASEBALL LEAGUE WOULD LIKE TO ASK ALL OF OUR PARENTS TO SIGN UP AND BECOME MEMBERS OF OUR NEW WEBSITE PROVIDED BY PLAYMETRICS.
Signing up is quick and easy. Go to the top right of the home page and click on "Register/Login". It shoud take less than 1 minute to complete.
Why do I need an account?
This is best way to receive all communications from the League. You will also be able to receive team email messages, track your team's game schedules, view standings and player's stats. You will also need an account to get the most from our free mobile app.
Thank you for your support,
SBL Board
WHAT IS SMYRNA BASEBALL LEAGUE?
Smyrna Baseball League (SBL) is a non-profit baseball organization that utilizes baseball as a way for players (and coaches) to learn valuable skills.
WHO RUNS SBL?
SBL depends entirely on the time and effort of volunteers. The league is managed by a Board of Directors that is elected annually. Parents, grandparents and friends serve on the Board and in all the other roles that are needed to make the League work. The quality of product the League provides is entirely dependent on the input of its volunteers, and everybody has something to contribute.
HOW IS SBL FUNDED?
SBL is a non-profit and relies on registration fees, sponsorships, and concession profits to pay expenses. Like all things in life, costs keep going up, and the SBL Board tries its best to keep registration fee increases to a minimum.
Smyrna Baseball League's primary areas of expense - uniforms, equipment, concession workers and umpires. The Board is always watching for ways to control expenses without compromising the programs offered.
WHAT PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED?
04U T-Ball (3.5 & 4 y/o)
04U T-Ball is the entry level to the game of baseball for young players. Members of two teams take turns hitting a ball off a batting tee set on home plate. Batters try to get on base and advance to home. Fielders try to prevent that from happening. The elimination of pitching allows children to participate without the fear of being hit by a pitched ball. Tee ball develops the primary baseball skills of hitting, running, fielding and throwing. The players gain an understanding of the fundamental rules of baseball.
05U Coach Pitch
05U Coach Pitch is a transitional division between T-ball and Coach Pitch, designed as an introduction to baseball for young players. In this division, players from two teams take turns hitting, either from a coach’s pitch or a batting tee, with an emphasis on trying to hit the pitched ball. Each batter receives up to three pitches, followed by two swings from the tee, if needed. Players learn to score runs and prevent the opposing team from scoring. 5U Coach Pitch introduces the basic rules of baseball, and coaches may be present on the field of play.
06U Coach Pitch
06U Coach Pitch builds on the skills developed in 05U, providing an essential next step in each player’s growth. In this division, batters receive up to four coach pitches, followed by one swing from the tee, if needed, allowing for more opportunities to hit pitched balls. This progression helps players gain confidence. Coaches may be on the field of play.
07U Coach Pitch
07u Coach Pitch is played at a much faster pace. Players must learn to implement fundamentals of baseball with less time to receive instruction from the coaches. They learn to hit a farther pitched ball where coaches are required to throw from the pitchers’ circle. Batters get receive up to 5 coach pitches; however, three strikes are an out. Coaches are only allowed in foul territory in the outfield.
08U Coach Pitch
08U Coach Pitch is the final stage of coach-pitch play before players advance to our kid-pitch divisions. While following the same rules as 07U, 08U introduces a greater challenge by having coaches pitch from the middle of the pitcher’s circle, simulating the distance players will experience in kid-pitch. Additionally, outfield coaches are no longer allowed on the field, placing a stronger emphasis on player communication and teamwork.
09U Player Pitch
09U Player Pitch introduces players to standard baseball rules and prepares them for more advanced levels of play. Emphasis is placed on building fundamental skills, including both offensive and defensive positioning. Players begin learning the basics of pitching and catching, along with situational awareness and base-stealing techniques. Stealing is allowed on wild pitches and passed balls, but players cannot lead off.
10U Player Pitch
10U Player Pitch builds on the pitching, catching, base running, and situational play introduced in 09U. With players now familiar with kid-pitch dynamics, this division introduces more advanced aspects of the game. Players can steal once the ball crosses home plate, and the dropped third strike rule allows batters to attempt to advance if the catcher does not catch the third strike cleanly. These elements encourage deeper understanding of baseball strategy and sharpen players' situational awareness.
12U Player Pitch (11 & 12 y/o)
12U Player Pitch serves as a step up in competition. The focus is on the continuation of learning the fundamentals of the game, including offensive and defensive positioning. Player pitching is refined with a continued emphasis on learning the fundamentals of pitching and catching. 12U Player Pitch players are able to lead off and steal bases.
14U Player Pitch (13 & 14 y/o)
14U Player Pitch is similar to 12U Player Pitch, at an older age level. Games are played on a larger field.
18U Player Pitch (15-18 y/o)
The 18U Player Pitch is similar to 14U Player Pitch, at an older age level. Games are played on a larger field.
WHEN IS THE SEASON?
SBL's has two seasons: Spring and Fall.
SPRING
Registration for the Spring season usually starts end of October first of November and runs until late February. 04U through 12U division will start practicing in March with games starting in April. The season ends in late May, but there are postseason opportunities that could go into June. 14U and 18U divisions will begin their season mid-May and end late-June, with postseason opportunities.
FALL
Registration for the Fall season usually starts in June and runs until late July, late signups in August space permitting. The season will start in August for all levels. The season ends at the end of October with the postseason tournaments.
REGISTRATION COSTS
04U T-Ball Division = $110
05U Division = $145.00
06U Division = $145.00
07U Division = $145.00
08U Division = $145.00
09U Division = $165.00
010U Division = $165.00
12U Division = $165.00
14U Division = $165.00
18U Division = $165.00
The $5 embroidery fee to have the player number added to the back of the hat is now added to the registration fee for 04U through 12U.
REFUNDS
SBL Refund Policy
Refunds requested prior to opening day (dependent on division) will be paid out in full, minus the cost of the player’s uniform ($55) and a processing fee of ($5).
Refunds requested after opening day will be not be granted.
Emergency Cancellation Refund Policy
In the event that the season must be cancelled due to Covid-19 or any other emergency, refunds will be given as follows:
- If the season is cancelled prior to opening day (dependent on division), refunds will be paid out in full minus the cost of the player’s uniform ($55) and a processing fee of ($5).
- If the season is canceled earlier than two weeks after SBL opening day (depending on division), refunds will be paid out at 25% of the total registration fee minus the cost of the player’s uniform ($55) and a processing fee ($5).
- If the season is canceled two weeks after opening day, no refunds will be granted.
If the season is delayed, then the refund pay out timeline will be revised.
Please E-mail the league for refund request.
OTHER FAQS
Where will 04U T-Ball, 05U, 06U, 07U, and 08U divisions play games?
At Cedar Stone Park
Where will 09U, 10U, 12U, 14U and 18U divisions play games?
At Todd Lane Park
What time do games start Monday thru Friday?
Games begin on weeknights at 5:30pm. Wednesday games will only be played as rainout games are rescheduled.
Will my team play games on Wednesdays or Sundays?
Wednesdays and Sundays are set aside for families and are only used to reschedule rain outs as needed.
What days will my team practice?
Practice dates are given to coaches at the player draft. Practices times are 5:00pm to ending as late as 8:00pm depending on your Head Coach's discretion. Days – Monday through Saturday.
Where will my team practice?
Practice locations are given to coaches at the player draft. Practices locations are located in multiple locations within the town of Smyrna. Each team will be assigned a field to practice according to age group and availability. SBL also offers dirt field practice times before the season starts but, due to the size of our league, will only be able to schedule two before the season starts.
Do I have to work the Concession Stand?
No, Part of registration covers the cost of paid employees to work concessions.
Do I need to fill out a new volunteer application each season?
Yes, Smyrna Baseball League requires a new application each season.
If I volunteer to coach, manage or be a team mom, do I need a background check?
Yes. Anyone on the fields at any time with the kids must have completed a background check and have a valid NAYS certification.
Can I pick my Coach or Team I want to play on?
During the registration process, there is a spot to mark whether your child is being protected by a specific Head Coach. Stating a coach's name here does NOT guarantee placement on that team, however, only the head coach can reserve the place on the team. If you have not been contacted by a head coach to confirm that your child is being protect, please leave this field blank. If you have a team preference, please state this in the Additional Notes field on the next page. This does not guarantee a place on that specific but does let us know that you have a preference.
What should I do if my coach and I have serious differences?
At SBL, we strive to foster a positive and supportive environment for all. However, we understand that challenges may sometimes arise. If you encounter significant differences with your coach, we recommend the following steps:
1. Talk to the coach: When possible, have an open and respectful conversation to address the issue directly.
2. Contact the commissioner: If the matter remains unresolved, contact the appropriate commissioner for assistance.
3. Escalate if necessary: Should the issue persist, escalate the concern through the appropriate channels for further resolution.
We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. If you have a question or concern, please contact us and we will do our best to get a quick answer for you.