CWBL FAQ

Q: Is this going to be fun?
A: Of course. It's baseball!

Q: I've never played organized baseball before. Can I still come to practices and try out for the league?
Yes! Previous baseball or fastpitch softball experience is helpful but not necessary. We offer many practices and training opportunities. Many of the women in our league have never played in a baseball league before, which is why we’re here. So, please come out. We want to meet you.

Q: How many teams are in the league?
A: There are four teams in the 2009 league.

Q: What is the cost?
A: The 2009 league fee is $175 per player, plus the cost of your uniform, which is reasonably low. The league fees pay for fields, umpires, game balls, practice facilities, some team equipment, and insurance. If you’re committed to playing, but the cost is prohibitive, please see the League Treasurer to discuss options, as we wouldn’t want a financial burden to be the only reason you cannot play.

Q: When is the league fee due?
A: The league fee is due by Saturday, April 25, unless you’ve spoken to the Treasurer to make arrangements.

Q: What are the age limits?
A: 14-and-up. Minors will need their parents' permission. On the upper side, no woman is ever too old to play baseball.

Q: When does the season begin and end?
A: We play games beginning the second week of June through mid-September. Practices have already begun, so see our homepage for locations and times.

Q: How many games will there be?
A: 14, 12 regular season games + playoffs.

Q: When will the games be?
A: Saturday or Sunday of each week.

Q: Will we play every weekend?
A: We will be playing most weekends. We're off 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.

Q: Where will the games be?
A: Bedford Park.

Q: But I live in middle-of-nowhere!
A: Players in the league come from all over the Chicago area and suburbs, and northwest Indiana. Please contact the League Committee and we can help you find someone to carpool with.

Q: When and where do you practice?
A: We practice whenever and wherever we can! Many practice opportunities are available that are conveniently located for any player. There will be league indoor and outdoor practices, individual teams will hold their own practices, and players organize informal practices on their own. See our homepage regularly for practice information.

Q: I don't have a car. Is this a problem?
A: No. There are plenty of people who have a car, so carpooling with someone should not be a problem.

Q: Will there be playoffs?
A: Yes.

Q: What type of commitment is expected?
A: We play for about three and a half months throughout the summer, and we play most weekends, except for holiday weekends, and we play either Saturday or Sunday each weekend. We understand that players will have obligations that may cause them to miss a game now and then, but it’s best for your skill growth, your managers, and team camaraderie if players participate in most, preferably all of their games.

Q: What size fields do you play on?
A: We play on full-sized baseball fields. Bases are 90 feet apart and the pitching mound is 60 feet 6 inches from home plate.

Q: What rules do you use?
A: We play with pretty much the same rules as Major League Baseball, with some exceptions. There is a mercy rule, you can use a metal bat, and we allow free substitution on defense. Our games are seven innings. Please see our rulebook for official rules.

Q: Are metal cleats allowed?
A: Yes.

Q: How do I get assigned to a team?
A: All new players must attend one of our two tryouts, which are Sunday, April 19, and Saturday, April 25. If you cannot attend one of these events, other arrangements can be made. Everyone who attends a tryout and then declares for the draft will be put into a player pool. On draft day, team managers will select the players for their teams.

Q: Can I request to play on the same team as my friend?
A: New players may request to play on a particular team and we will try to honor it. But the primary focus of the draft to create/restock teams so that each has a good chance of winning each week. We want to have competitive games, because those are the most fun to play and watch.

Q: What will happen at the tryout?
A: Players will be asked to field (infield, outfield or both, depending on what positions you want to play, you are encouraged to do everything), throw to bases, and hit. Pitchers and catchers will be evaluated as well. The team coaches will evaluate each player on her fielding, throwing and hitting skills and record his/her findings. The purposes of the tryout are to give all teams a chance to draft all of the players and to get an idea of an individual player's skills.

Q: Will there be cuts?
A: No. Our goal is to leave no woman behind who wants to play. The main purpose of the tryout is to get an idea of players' skills to the team managers and coaches can make informed choices on draft day.

Q: Can I come to both tryouts?
A: Yes, please do! Coming to practices is another way to show off your skills, since coaches and managers will also be attending these. Believe us, we'll notice your improvement. If you do attend both tryouts, you'll only pay the tryout fee once.

Q: What does the tryout fee cover?
A: The cost of renting the facility, and a t-shirt.

Q: I am out of the Chicago area right now but I will be in the summer. Can I still play even though I cannot make the tryout?
Q: It’s past the tryout date and I missed it, can I still play this year?
A: We are 99% certain the answer is yes. We anticipate teams will be adding to their rosters throughout the season. Late registrants will be placed on a team via continuation of the draft process.