Welcome to MNLL Information and
Frequently Asked Questions
We want to welcome new and returning parents to Murrieta National Little League. If you are a parent new to Little League baseball, you may not be familiar with how to register, what players need during the season, what equipment is required, or what is expected of parents. If you have any questions that are not covered here, please contact us at [email protected].
INFORMATION
Registration:
When you create an account, please make sure your email address and phone number is accurate. We will use your contact information to share important announcements and updates. In addition, to stay informed about upcoming events, make sure to follow us on social media. We post regularly on Facebook and Instagram. Please keep an eye out for emails regarding evaluations, team announcements, picture schedules and more.
When registering your player, choose a division based on their age and experience. For example, if you have a player league age 6, you can choose between T-ball and Coach Pitch. If your child has never played before, we would suggest registering for T-ball. If they have already successfully played a season in T-ball and feel comfortable moving up, you may choose Coach Pitch. Ultimately, the player agent will create teams based on age and experience of the players and the need to create balanced teams in each division. If you are unsure which division to register your child in, please reach out to us at [email protected], and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction. Player's must be at least league age 4 to register. Please verify your child's league age by visiting the League Age Calculator.
If you are interested in volunteering as a team manager, you will first register as a volunteer in your account. In addition, please fill out this MNLL Manager Interest form to be considered and interviewed for the position. Please note that additional volunteers opportunities (assistant coach, team parent, team volunteer) will be made available after team announcements. Scorekeepers do not need to register as a volunteer. Please let your manager know you are interested in assisting.
Equipment:
MNLL provides an equipment bag to each team that includes bats, helmets and catcher's gear. You are welcome to use the league's equipment or purchase your own. Here is a list of items you will need:
Bat - Little League Bat Rules
Helmet
Fielding glove
Batting gloves
Baseball/gear bag
Athletic cup
Baseball pants (manager will advise of color)
Cleats (metal for intermediate and seniors only)
Water bottle
Sunscreen
What to expect each season:
-The Spring season is between March - May and the Fall season is between September - November.
-Players in Double A and above will attend evaluations and go through a draft before being placed on a team.
-MNLL will host Hat Day where you will be introduced to the team manager and meet your teammates.
-There will be one fundraiser that all teams are required to participate in.
-Each team is required to have a sponsor.
-There are (2-3) snack bar shifts that will be assigned to each player for parent's to cover.
-Most teams will schedule a snack schedule for parents. Snacks typically include a beverage, a healthy snack (granola bar), fruit, a small treat, etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Registration:
Where do our registration fees go?
MNLL registration fees are used to help keep our league running. As a non-profit organization, we use all of the funds to support a fun and safe environment for our players and their families. Expenses include field lights, field and building maintenance, uniforms, pictures, trophies, equipment, insurance, city and district fees. We also use funds to provide fun and exciting events that benefit the entire MNLL community, which include Opening Day (including a free pancake breakfast, face painting, and other activities), Hat Day food and beverages, the Veteran’s Day parade float, and other special events that include the MNLL community.
Games and Practices:
How many practices and games will there be?
During preseason, there are typically 2 practices a week. After Opening Day, there will be 1 practice per week and 2 games per week (1 weekday game/1 Saturday game).
When will I know the practice and game schedule?
In order to create the schedules, we need to complete registration, evaluations, and the draft. Once these items are completed, the preseason practice schedule will be provided to your manager following team announcements ("Hat Day"). The official game and practice schedule will be provided to your manager and will be posted on our webpage under Posted Schedules prior to Opening Day.
Where are games played?
Games are played at Los Alamos Hills Sports Park and Hunt Park
When and where are practices scheduled?
The City of Murrieta allocates the fields for our league within the city limits. Team managers are given a pool of days and times to choose from for their team practices. Extra practices are held at the managers discretion and only if field space is available. Practice locations include: Los Alamos Hills Sports Park, Hunt Field, Torrey Pines Park, Rail Ranch Elementary, and Alta Murrieta Elementary. Los Alamos is typically only used for practice before games begin. After Opening Day, your team will receive a new practice schedule.
If it rains, how will I know if our practice or game has been cancelled?
The City of Murrieta determines when the fields will be closed due to the weather. They typically notify the league after 2 pm. Once MNLL has been notified of field closures, we will send an announcement to the team managers, update the MNLL website, and post it on our social media pages. Fields will remain closed until the city has reopened them. Once opened, we will send out a notification to the managers, update the MNLL website, and post it on our social media pages.
Team placement, Evaluations and the Draft:
How are teams decided?
Players league age 7 and under are placed on teams by the division player agents. Players league age 8 and above will attend evaluations and will be drafted to teams. Evaluations will typically take place at Los Alamos Hills Sports Park over two days. Players will have the option to evaluate on either day (not both). The schedule will be announced via email and will be posted on social media. Failure to attend evaluations will result in the player being a "Hat Pick" at the draft.
Can I request that my player be on the same team as their friend or with a certain manager?
We make every effort to accommodate team requests in the lower divisions (T-Ball, Coach Pitch, and Single A). However, requests are not guaranteed because we also need to ensure that the teams are balanced. No requests are considered in the drafted divisions (AA and above).
Volunteering:
What volunteer opportunities and requirements are there?
MNLL relies completely on volunteers to run the league. Volunteer opportunities for team staff positions include Manager, Assistant Coach, Team Parent, and Team Volunteer. These positions require a background check and online safety training. Those interested in being a team Manager can register as a volunteer in Sports Connect as soon as registration opens. They will also need to fill out this MNLL Manager Interest form to be considered for an interview. All other team staff opportunities will be made available after team announcements. Please let your team manager know what position you are interested in. The manager will need to approve team staff volunteers, assign positions and provide team staff volunteers with the required background check and online training links (certificates required). Once the requirements are met, you will be added to the team roster. Scorekeepers are not required to complete the background check or online training certificates. If you are interested in being an umpire, please contact our Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) at [email protected].
Snack Bar duty is assigned to each player for parents to cover. If you choose to forego your snack bar duty, you may purchase the Snack Bar Buyout (SBBO). SBBO is ONLY available during registration for a $125 fee, and it is non-refundable. Alternatively, you may have a family member or friend, 14 and older, cover your shift. If assigned shifts are not covered, the player’s game is subject to delay or forfeit.
What is the minimum age to volunteer in the snack bar?
Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. There must be an adult present to cover the cash register and the grill. Children under 14 are not permitted inside the snack bar.