Softball
Welcome to the Oak Park Youth Softball Program! Since the early 1980’s, we have provided girls, ages 5 through 14, the opportunity to learn and love the game of Softball in and around Oak Park, IL. We serve approximately 500 girls every season and provide them with unparalleled instruction and fun!
Our critical partnerships with nearby Concordia University Chicago, Fenwick High School, Oak Park River Forest High School and the Park District of Oak Park have elevated the level and quality of play in each of our House League programs.
Our army of volunteer coaches, fundraisers, and administrative personnel, lead the way as we strive for transparency and fairness in all we do. We seek positive experiences for all of our players which may mean striving for excellence in skills development; understanding the game we love at a greater level; or simply forming new friendships.
Softball League Summary
OPYBS Softball is a birthyear based league, thus all leagues are organized based upon the players league age (players age as as January 1) and not school grade. OPYBS Softball offers the following Leagues and Programs:
- T-Ball (5 – 6 years old)
- 8 and Under Softball
- 10 and Under Softball
- 12 and Under Softball
- 14 and Under Softball
- Oak Park Falcons Travel Program
| League | T-Ball | 8U | 10U | 12U | 14U |
| Pitching Distance | NA | 30’ | 35’ | 40’ | 43’ |
| Ball Size | 11” (Soft) | 11” | 11” | 12” | 12” |
| Base Spacing | 50’ | 60’ | 60’ | 60’ | 60’ |
| Number of Outfielders | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Number of innings | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Max Runs per Inning | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Walks | NA | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coach Pitch after 4 Balls | NA | Yes | No | No | No |
| Pitcher Inning Limit | NA | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Stealing | No | No | Yes * | Yes | Yes |
| Drop 3rd Strike | NA | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Infield Participation Rule | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Spring 2024 Season Birth Years/(League Age) |
2017 (6) 2018 (5) |
2015 (8) 2016 (7) |
2013 (10) 2014 (9) |
2011 (12) 2012 (11) |
2009 (14) 2010 (13) |
Note (*): Stealing in 10U is after the ball crosses the plate and only one base at a time with no stealing home.
T-BALL
Players born in 2017 and 2018; must be in kindergarten at minimum.
Overview
Softball T-Ball is approximately 12 regular season games, followed by a single elimination tournament. The teams are formed in mid-late March with the season typically lasting from late March through mid June. On average, one game on a weeknight and one game on the weekend (primarily on Saturdays). The focus at this level is on learning the basics - hitting, catching, fielding, throwing, and running the bases.
Gameplay
Games are five innings with 5-run limits per inning. Games typically last between 90 and 120 minutes. Oak Park is a large community, so the skill level will be wide ranging, but coaches will focus on teaching fundamentals. We use RIF (Reduced Injury Factor) softballs.
Time Commitment
Time commitment is approximately 4 to 6 hours/week between games and practices.
How Teams are Made
While we can’t promise honoring teammate requests, we try to do our best at this age level. Please don’t hesitate during registration to request a teammate or two as we make teams that have a competitive balance of kindergarten and first graders. We typically are able to honor over 80 percent of requests.
Rules
Select the document below to view league rules.
8U
Players born in 2015 and 2016.
Overview
8U Softball is a hybrid kid/coach pitch league, consisting of 14 regular season games followed by a single elimination tournament. Transitioning a player from t-ball to kid pitch can be very challenging. This league aims to make that challenge easier by gradually transitioning kids from hitting a softball off a coach to full kid pitch softball. As the season progresses, we will add in more kid-pitching in the hopes to be playing full kid pitch softball by the end of the season. Teams will be formed mid-late March with the season approximately lasting from early April to the mid-June.
Gameplay
Games are five innings with 4-run limits per inning. Games typically last between 90 and 120 minutes. Oak Park is a large community, so the skill level will be wide ranging, but coaches will focus on teaching fundamentals. The 8U league will use an 11-inch softball, bases at 60 feet, and the pitchers mound set at 30 feet.
Time Commitment
Time commitment is approximately 4 to 6 hours/week between games and practices.
How Teams are Made
While we can’t promise honoring teammate requests, we try to do our best at this age level. Please don’t hesitate during registration to request a teammate or two as we make teams that have a competitive balance of kindergarten and first graders. We typically are able to honor over 80 percent of requests. This is the last softball league teammate requests are honored.
Rules
Select the document below to view league rules.
10U
Players born in 2013 and 2014.
Overview
10U Softball is a kid-pitch softball league. This league is appropriate for all skill levels. The season is approximately 14 regular season games, followed by a single elimination tournament. In an effort to create balanced teams, a mandatory player evaluation will be used to evaluate players on the basic skills of the game: catching, fielding, throwing, hitting and pitching (for players interested in pitching). These evaluations will be held at the end of February, followed by a draft where teams will be formed by mid-March. Games will start in April and end mid June. Teammate requests are not accepted in 10U.
Gameplay
Games are six innings with 4-run limits per inning. Games typically last between 90 and 120 minutes. Stealing of 2nd and 3rd bases is allowed, with a wall at 3rd (player must be hit or forced in - no stealing of home on a passed ball or wild pitch). This league uses an 11-inch softball, bases at 60 feet and pitching distance at 35 feet.
Time Commitment
Time commitment is approximately 4 to 6 hours/week between games and practices.
How Teams are Made
Teams are made after evaluations. At this age, weno longer honor player requests and try to make the teams as balanced as possible to create a competitive balance and give each player the best opportunity to develop and grow as a player. Evaluations will be held on two different dates. Your player must attend one evaluation where they will be evaluated on their skill level in catching, fielding, throwing, hitting and pitching (if they are interested in being a pitcher).
Rules
Select the document below to view league rules.
12U
Players born in 2011 and 2012.
Overview
12U Softball is a kid-pitch softball league. This league is appropriate for all skill levels. The season is approximately 14 regular season games, followed by a single elimination tournament. The teams are formed approximately mid-March, with games starting in April and the season ending in mid-late June. To try and create balanced teams, there is a mandatory player evaluation for this age group where players will be evaluated on the basic skills of the game: fielding, throwing, hitting, pitching (for players interested in pitching) and catchers (for players interested in catching). Teammate requests are not accepted in 12U.
Gameplay
Games are six innings with 4-run limits per inning. Games typically last between 90 and 120 minutes. At this age level, we are playing full softball rules. Games use a 12” inch softball, bases at 60 feet, and a pitching distance of 40 feet.
Time Commitment
Time commitment is approximately 4 to 6 hours/week between games and practices.
How Teams are Made
Teams are made after evaluations. At this age, we no longer honor player requests and try to make the teams as balanced as possible to create a competitive balance and give each player the best opportunity to develop and grow as a player. Evaluations will be held on two different dates. Your player must attend one evaluation where they will be evaluated on their skill level in catching, fielding, throwing, hitting and pitching (if they are interested in being a pitcher).
The Price Award
This award is given to a 12U player annually. View a list of past winners.
Rules
Select the document below to view league rules.
14U
Players born in 2009 and 2010.
Overview
14U Softball is a kid-pitch softball league. This league is appropriate for all skill levels. The season consists of approximately 12 regular season games, followed by a single elimination tournament. The teams are formed approximately mid-March, with games starting in April and the season ending in mid-late June. To try and create balanced teams, there is a mandatory player evaluation for this age group where players will be evaluated on the basic skills of the game: fielding, throwing, hitting, pitching (for players interested in pitching) and catching (for players interested in catching).
**This league is combined with River Forest and needs at least 40 players to register to be able to hold a season.**
Gameplay
Games are seven innings with 4-run limits per inning. Games typically last between 90 and 120 minutes. At this age level, we are playing full softball rules. Games use a 12” inch softball, bases at 60 feet, and a pitching distance of 43 feet.
Time Commitment
Time commitment is approximately 4 to 6 hours/week between games and practices.
How Teams are Made
Teams are made after evaluations. At this age, we no longer honor player requests and try to make the teams as balanced as possible to create a competitive balance and give each player the best opportunity to develop and grow as a player. Evaluations will be held on two different dates. Your player must attend one evaluation where they will be evaluated on their skill level in catching, fielding, throwing, hitting and pitching (if they are interested in being a pitcher).
Rules
Select the document below to view league rules.
Coaches - Please Volunteer
Our entire baseball and softball organization is composed of volunteers. Last year, our organization had over 300 volunteer coaches. The skill level of our coaches ranges from “former professional player” to “never played.” All of our volunteer coaches must pass a background check and take a Safe Sport Certification. We offer help and guidance for all of our volunteer coaches through coaching clinics held in the spring, along with online resources. We support all coaches who understand what it means to be a leader and make a fun and rewarding experience for their players. Contact the VP of Softball for more information.
2024 Spring
VP of Softball
League Presidents
T-Ball: Mark Hodges
8U: Krissy Nickas & Ryan Gallante
10U: Nick Nichols & Bryan Summers
12U: Michael Swaine
14U: Zach Browder
Use the button below to register for the 2024 Spring season!
Register