Q: Can anyone register to play with Memorial Park Little League, regardless of where they live?
A: Unfortunately, no. Per Little League International rules, only players who reside in Santa Ana may play for Memorial Park Little League, and only those who live within the MPLL boundaries are eligible to participate in the All-Star tournament.
Q: What are Memorial Park Little League’s boundaries?
A: Link to boundaries
Q: What does the term "League Age" mean? How does Little League determine a child’s “League Age”?
A: A player’s “League Age” is not necessarily the same as their current age. You can determine your child’s League Age by using the Little League International age calculator. The player’s league age is critical in determining division assignment and All-Star eligibility.
Q: When is registration for the Spring season?
A: Registration typically opens in the fall and closes at the end of January.
Q: Why does registration open so far in advance of the season?
A: Registration opens early as the league needs to identify the number of potential players as early as possible in order to schedule enough fields, recruit and train enough managers and coaches, purchase insurance, etc. In addition, we are required to charter team counts and player registration data with Little League International prior to the start of the Season.
Q: When is registration for the Fall season?
A: Registration typically opens at the start of summer and closes on or around the first week of August.
Q: What is included in the registration fee?
A: Depending on the season, each player's registration fee may include: a hat, jersey, picture package, and a participation trophy or medal. Registration fees are also used to cover additional costs, such as: administrative costs to run the league (insurance, field permits, maintenance, equipment, etc.) and umpire fees.
Q: What levels of play are provided in Memorial Park Little League?
A: We offer T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Machine Pitch, AA, AAA, Majors, Intermediate, Junior and Senior Leagues. For more information on our divisions, see our Divisions page.
Q: Why are there tryouts and when will they be held? Does my child need to try out?
A: All registered players will be assigned to a team regardless of ability. With the exception of our T-Ball, Coach Pitch and Machine Pitch divisions, all players must tryout. Tryouts give managers an opportunity to evaluate and assess each player's skill level; this helps evenly distribute the talent pool and helps make sure we place our players in the correct division of play. Tryouts will test the basic hitting/fielding/throwing/running abilities of each player.
Q: What should we bring to tryouts?
A: Come prepared to play baseball. Players will need to bring their own glove and wear plastic/rubber cleats. Players are also encouraged to bring their helmet and bat (only USA Baseball bats are permitted). Helmets and bats will be available for those players that do not bring them. A baseball hat and pants are recommended.
Q: What happens in the draft?
A: The draft is where the managers of the competitive divisions (AA, AAA, Majors) pick their teams for the season. Managers make their player selections based off of tryout notes and past seasons watching the players in the league. The draft is done to help maintain an even playing field among the various teams.
Q: Can I play with specific friends or for a specific manager/coach?
A: Friend and manager/coach requests can be made in the non-competitive and undrafted divisions (T-Ball, Single A). For the competitive and drafted divisions (AA, AAA, Majors) friend and manager/coach requests cannot be made in order to maintain a competitive balance of teams.
When requested, Memorial Park Little League makes every effort to arrange non-competitive teams (T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Machine Pitch) based on friend and manager/coach requests, however based on the number of registered players for a division of play, it may not be possible in all situations. For the competitive divisions (AA, AAA, Majors, Intermediate), manager/coaches may "freeze" their kids to their team with Player Agent approval. Most requests are approved provided the competitive balance of all teams is maintained. Requests must be made prior to the close of registration and before teams are formed.
Q: I have two or more kids - can they play on the same team?
A: We make all reasonable efforts to ensure siblings are kept on the same team. Due to varying age/skill levels and the use of a draft to create teams, there is no guarantee the request will be accommodated but every effort is made. We cannot guarantee or place other familial relationships on the same team. Our primary mission is to have evenly matched teams determined by a fair draft process. Sibling requests can be sent to [email protected]. Requests must be made prior to the close of registration and before teams are formed.
Q: Can my child play up a division?
A: Yes, but players must attend tryouts/evaluations and be drafted for upper divisions (AA, AAA, Majors).
Q: Can my child play down a division?
A: Yes, players can play down a division as long as there are no safety concerns.
Q: My child has never played before? Will they be ok?
A: Yes. At Memorial Park Little League we pride ourselves in affording each child, no matter what their experience level or lack thereof, the chance to learn the game of baseball by our league appointed Managers and approved volunteers. We believe the best way to learn the game is to play!
Q: What equipment / apparel does the league provide?
A: A hat and jersey will be provided by the league. Each team will have a set of catcher's gear that the players can use. Managers/Coaches are provided a team bag with all of the equipment they will need for games/practices during the season.
Q: Who manages/coaches the teams?
A: Managers and Coaches are volunteers and are typically parents of existing players. All Managers, Coaches and Volunteers that have regular contact with players are required to complete a volunteer application and pass a background check.
Q: What kinds of bats are allowed?
A: Little League rules require that all non-wood and laminated baseball bats that are used in Little League Majors and below. Visit USABAT.com for the full and up to date approved bat list.
Q: When does the season start?
A: Practices for the spring season may officially begin around mid February to late February with Opening Day taking place in late February/early March each year.
Q: When does the season end?
A: The Spring season typically ends early to mid-may. The Machine Pitch tournament and All-Stars tournament (league age 9-12) generally starts immediately after the regular season ends and finishes in July.
Q: How many times/week are games & practices?
A: For most divisions, there will be about 2 - 3 team meetings per week (Example: 2 practices with 1 game, or 1 practice and 2 games). This can be increased in our older divisions and decreased in our lower divisions. For upper divisions, tournament time at the end of the season may have more practices and games. Practices/games may vary, depending on the season being played.
Q: Where will practices be held?
A: Practices will be held at Memorial Park, but may be subject to change, depending on field availability. Practice days and times are determined by each team's manager, who will share the information with families.
Q: Where are the games played?
A: Games are typically played at Memorial Park, El Salvador Park, Orange LL fields and North East Santa Ana LL fields. Locations may change, depending on the cities/leagues participating each season. Click here for field addresses.
Q: Where can I find the rules for Little League baseball?
A: Little League Rules & Regulations can be found here. The rule set is updated each year before the spring season.
Q: Are parents expected to volunteer?
A: Yes, as a 100% volunteer-based league, we depend on volunteers to assist at every level including managers, coaches, board members, event organizers, schedulers, field maintenance, etc. If you do not have time to volunteer, you can pay $75 to buy-out per registered child.
Q: Are there any volunteer opportunities?
A: We have a ton of volunteer opportunities at Memorial Park Little League; whether it be Board members, managers, coaches, field duty, snack bar, team moms, scorekeepers, or umpires, we are always on the lookout for great new volunteers to add to our team. Please email us at [email protected] for information on current volunteer opportunities.
Q: What do I do if I want to be manager or coach? What if I've never managed or coached before?
A: Complete baseball knowledge is not required to help coach Little League; we will provide you with resources such as clinics, rulebooks, and website links to help make you a great coach. Email us for more information.
Q:What if I have additional questions?
A: Please email us at [email protected]