Dear CLLLB Families,
The Crystal Lake Little League Board is working hard to finalize details to kick off the 2021 Spring Baseball season. CLLLB is an all-volunteer organization and we are excited to be entering into our 69th consecutive season of baseball. We know there are many questions regarding player evaluations, team assignments, practice and game schedules so here is a pre-season update to lay the framework of what to expect the next few weeks.
Registration is still open through March 31th. Families are still signing up for the season, and we are still actively looking for volunteers to lead the teams. We are especially looking for volunteers at our Rookie level/T-ball & A-Ball. Smaller team rosters create a much more interactive & fun experience for our players, and we need coaches to create smaller teams. Coaching is one of the most rewarding experiences that you can share with your child. No previous experience is required and CLLLB will provide you with the tools to be successful. Parents willing to offer their leadership services, passion for the game and deliver a fun experience to our players should contact us at [email protected].
Player Equipment: Please plan on purchasing baseball glove, bat, and helmet for your player. (Cleats are not necessary at the Rookie and A levels). In addition, a protective cup is required for male players.
Due to Covid-19 guidelines, the league is not able to provide shared equipment. We are recommending that if you are able, you supply a helmet for your child. We will not be allowed to share helmets this year. If you are not able to purchase a helmet, your coach will assign one to your player for this season only. If your child has a bat, please have them bring it to each practice. It is best if each player has their own, but if that is not possible, we will do our best to sanitize bats as often as possible. Play it again Sports in Crystal Lake does trade-ins for old equipment and offers a 15% everyday discount to CLLLB families.
Team Assignments: Once registration closes, the Division Vice President will create teams. We strive to form teams by school zone and player request at this level. Team assignment announcements will be made April 7th. In addition, we will host a virtual parent’s night on April 7th at 7PM. During this meeting we will introduce the league, discuss season expectations, announce picture day and other key dates.
Practices: Shortly after the team announcements, families should expect an introduction email from your players Head Coach. The team’s coaching staff will determine the practice schedule based on the coach’s availability. Teams typically practice two days a week with possible weekend practices before they start playing games. Practices are generally held in the evenings and may be 30 to 60 minutes long. Most teams will start practice the week of April 15th.
Games: The game schedule will be published by April 17th and our opening day will be Saturday, May 1st. As we had to last season, due to Covid, we will not be able to host our opening day player parade so teams will jump right into playing games on May 1st. The regular season will run May 1st to June 26th. Games will mostly be played on Saturday mornings with a couple weekday games after school lets out for the year. Weekday games will generally start at 5:30pm. Families wanting to plan a summer vacation around baseball can safely do so after the July 4th weekend as our season will wrap up on June 26th.
Covid-19 Guidelines: Crystal Lake Little League is using the CDC and Mchenry County Health Department guidelines as well as Little League suggestions to provide a safe and fun environment for your player. We need to work together to help make this a safe successful season. We ask that you take the time to review and abide by the guidelines. Please encourage your child to do the same. The CLLLB Covid-19 guidelines can be viewed on our website at: https://www.clllb.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1346086
Thank you again for supporting Crystal Lake Little League & we look forward to seeing everyone back to baseball this year!
Sincerely,
Crystal Lake Little League Board
