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Practices begin in mid- to late April, and the season ends with season-ending tournaments in mid-July. (There is also a national tournament the last weekend of July, which is optional – and a lot of fun!). League games are generally played against teams from nearby communities, such as Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata, to name a few.
Age group is determined by the players age on August 31, 2023. Use this calculator to determine age eligibility for the 2024 season.
6U, coach pitch (girls born after 8/31/2016): $100
This is where girls get introduced to the game of fastpitch softball. They learn to hit a pitched ball (the coach pitches), how to throw properly, how to field, and how to run the bases. There is one game a week, for which score is not kept. Teams can play up to 10 girls in the field on defense, and everyone bats. Teams are formed by elementary school so the girls can have fun playing with their friends, while also making new friends from other schools. (Note: There is no season-ending tournament.)
Equipment needed: glove , fielder's mask (cleats are recommended but not required)
8U, machine pitch (girls born after 8/31/2014): $200
Teams are formed by elementary school so girls can play with their friends. The girls will bat against a pitching machine, and there are usually two games a week. Here, too, 10 girls can play on defense, and everyone bats. Emphasis continues to be placed on the girls having fun and developing their skills – everyone plays equally, and girls get to try any position they want. Scores are kept, and game concepts are introduced.
Equipment needed: glove, fielder's mask, softball pants and cleats (bat and batting helmet are recommended but not required)
Tournaments: Orioles Opener, State Qualifier, State Tournament, 1 in season tournament
10U, girl pitch (girls born after 8/31/2012): $400
Teams are formed taking into consideration the girl's talent level and experience (evaluations are conducted, usually in the spring). Girls can request to be on the same team as a friend when registering. The girls will bat against another girl for the first time, and there are usually two nights of games a week. This division continues to emphasize the balance between skills development and fun – everyone plays equally, and girls can try any position they want. Scores, statistics and team records are kept, and concepts about pitching, catching, and base-stealing are taught.
Equipment needed: glove, fielder's mask, bat, batting helmet, softball pants, sliding shorts and cleats
Tournaments: Orioles Opener, State Qualifier, State Tournament, 1 in season tournament. National tournament bids if qualified.
12U (girls born after 8/31/2010): $450
Tournaments: Orioles Opener, State Qualifier, State Tournament, 2 in season tournaments. National tournament bids if qualified.
14U (girls born after 8/31/2008): $450
Tournaments: Orioles Opener, State Qualifier, State Tournament, 2 in season tournaments. National tournament bids if qualified.
HS (girls born after 8/31/2006): $450
Travel softball is more competitive and time-consuming. Teams are formed based on age and ability. Tryouts and evaluations for the travel teams are conducted based on skills in hitting, infield, outfield, pitching, and catching.
Playing at a certain level or for a certain team one season does not guarantee a spot at that level/team in subsequent seasons. Each season girls will be given the opportunity to move up or down based on their tryout/evaluation. In travel softball, the emphasis is on skills development and teamwork in a positive environment.
A travel team has one or two practices and one or two doubleheaders per week, and a handful of one- or two-day tournaments, depending on age: our local Orioles Opener tournament, one or two other local tournaments (the two-day Hopkins Royal Rampage, to name one), state qualifying, and state tournament. There also are two national tournaments at the end of July, for which teams must qualify.
Softball in the fall begins with practices in mid-August, and games starting in late August and running through to the end of September (skipping Labor Day weekend). Doubleheaders are played on Saturday (8U and 10U) or Sunday afternoons (all other ages). There are a total of four doubleheaders, and then a state tournament on the last weekend of September.
Fall ball is the time for girls new to fastpitch; it is more laid-back, and the season is shorter. Emphasis is placed on skills development. Fall is also great for girls who will transition to a new level the next summer.
Registration is conducted the month of July.
Fall ball dates for 2023 are
The age groups change for next season. Starting in fall 2023
The age of the player on August 31, 2023 is their playing age for the 2024 season. Click the link below for the mnsoftball age calculator.
https://mnsoftball.com/pages/cms/age-calculator