Find Answers To The Most Commonly Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Who can play for KBSL?	KBSL is open to boys age 4-1/2 to 14 and girls age 4-1/2 to 15 (playing age is determined as of August 1 of the playing year.) While many of our players reside in Kentwood, there are no resident requirements and we welcome players from any of the surrounding areas as well!
When does the season begin and end?	Practices typically begin right after spring break. The exact dates for the 2026 season will be published soon! The game season typically begins in early May and ends with closing day in late June. Following Closing Day, Divisions A, B & C play a short tournament, ending in the first week of July.
What days are the practices and games on?	Most teams practice twice a week, typically with one practice on a weeknight at 5:30 or 7:00 and one practice on Saturday. Practices are selected by the Coach after teams have been formed and are on the same days each week. The practice season ends when games begin. Other than Opening Saturday and Closing Saturday, all games take place on weeknights at either 5:30 or 7:30pm. Each team will typically play 2 games per week (just one per week in t-ball), and game nights will vary each week.
Where are the practices and games held?	All games take place at the KBSL complex behind St. Mary Magdalen Church on 52nd St. Some teams will have practices at other locations around Kentwood.
How much does it cost to play?	Fees for the 2026 season are $95 for a single player ($65 for t-ball) with discounts for each additional sibling in the same household. Registration fees cover a jersey, hat and shared team equipment. If signing up before February 1, you can split your registration fee into two payments if you wish. The first payment will be due at the time of registration, and the second payment will be automatically charged to the card you use on February 1. Just select "payment plan" while registering.
What equipment do I need to provide for my child?	Players should have their own baseball/softball mitt and baseball/softball pants. Some players choose to wear cleats or bring their own bat or helmet, but they are not required. *If your player will be wearing cleats, they MUST be non metal.
How do I register? When will registration close?	You can register by selecting “Registration” from the top menu on our website and following the prompts. Registration for the 2026 season will end on March 1!
Is KBSL part of Little League?	KBSL is an independent, not for profit organization. We are not affiliated with Little League, or any other governing body.
What if my child has never played baseball or softball?	KBSL is a recreational league, with an emphasis on fun, learning and community. Every player is welcome, regardless of skill or experience, and our rules require all players to get the chance to bat and play multiple defensive innings in every game. Our teams are made up of players with a wide range of skill and experience, and we encourage kids of any age to give baseball/softball a try, even if they've never played before!
Are there tryouts?	Every player who registers is placed on a team, so KBSL does not have tryouts. However, we do conduct player evaluations prior to forming teams so we can eectively balance teams. Evaluations are low pressure and can be thought of as a pre-season skills clinic. Players will be assigned a number during evaluations and when teams are being formed, coaches will blindly draw from the numbers. Coaches are not aware of how each player scored in evaluations.
Can I request for my child to play on the same team as their friend?	In levels D and E (ages 8 and under), players who are new to KBSL may choose one other player to be "buddied" with. In all other divisions, we are unable to honor buddy requests.
Can I request a certain Coach?	We are not able to honor requests to be placed on a certain team, or with a certain coach unless the player was on that team in the previous season. A coach's own child will always be placed on their team
Can I request for my child to play up or down a division?	Players are placed in divisions based on age with no exceptions.
Who runs KBSL?	KBSL is an independent, not for profit organization run entirely by volunteers. It takes many hands to make the league run, so we'd love it if you'd consider giving a little of your time! Visit the “Volunteer” tab on our website for more information.
Who are the Team Sponsors?	All of our teams are sponsored by local businesses. The generosity of our sponsors helps to keep registration fees as low as possible. If you know of a business that is interested in sponsoring a team, please visit the "Sponsor A Team" tab on our website.
Does KBSL offer andy paid positions?	Yes! Our Umpires and Concession Workers are paid - visit our "employment opportunities" tab to learn more about these positions