Boys 2025 Shellsburg Little League for 3rd, 4th, & 5th Graders
Coaches:
Kyle Heineman 319-899-6929
Zach Mann 319-560-2122
Playing Time
All players will get playing time in games. All athletes will have an opportunity to learn any position they choose, during practice. However not every boy will get to play every position. At this level, there becomes a safety issue if an athlete is not able to do the fundamentals properly. These are things that will be worked on at practice, and if a coach feels they are ready for a certain position, they will have them play that position.
Contacts/Communication
There will be a group text message created by your designated coach where information and reminders will be sent in regards to practice. Some coaches will also send e-mail reminders if they choose, in addition to text messages. Coaches have the choice to use the Stack Team App to create a group chat for their team.
Practice Times
Practice days and times will be communicated with you by your coach. Little league will practice two times per week, for 1.5 hours each day. Coaches try their best to make a consistent schedule for practices, but this is not always possible due to limited field space and work schedules. The schedule can be found on the Stack Team App.
Games
Games will always be played on Mondays and Thursdays starting the middle of May, until the end of June at 5:30 pm (with the exception of Memorial Day). Locations are located in towns in Benton county (as well as Fairfax). A game schedule will come out a week or two after practice starts. Games have a 70 minute time limit.
Uniforms
Every athlete should have a blue and white Shellsburg shirt to wear for games. If you ordered a new one, we will get it to you as soon as they come in. Athletes need to wear black pants and black socks with their shirts for games. Shirts should be tucked in for games. Tennis shoes or rubber cleats are also a requirement. It is recommended that athletes bring their own helmet that is clearly labeled with their name, but it is not required. Athletes may also bring their own bat, with the agreement that it may be shared amongst other kids. This is not a requirement. Prior to purchasing a new bat, please touch base with your coach on specific requirements for each level.
Pictures
We will have individual and team pictures at the beginning of the season, with a date and time TBD. Order forms will be handed out at a practice prior. Picture day may or may not land on a day when your athlete has practice.
Weather/Cancellations
If there needs to be a change in the schedule due to weather or other unforeseen events, coaches will send a text message with the change.
Concession Stand
It is the responsibility of each parent to sign up to work the concession stand for 1-2 shifts during the season. You may choose to sign up for a shift where your child is playing a game or a time when they are not. A sign up will be sent out via e-mail and a reminder will be sent the day before you are scheduled to work. If there are any questions about your shift in the concession stand, please contact Katie Steele at (319) 361-6901.
Umpires
All umpires give their time because they enjoy kids and enjoy the game. Please make sure that you are respectful to the umpires of the game. They are not perfect and will not make all of the calls you’d like them to. Please be a role model to your child and all children in attendance and show them how to act appropriately even if the calls aren’t going in your favor. Umpires have the right to ask anyone to leave the premises if they are a disruption to the game.
Purpose
The purpose of having your child participate in a team sport as a child is to develop life-long skills that will help them be successful not only in the sport chosen, but in many areas. It is our goal as coaches to help kids develop a team-focused mindset, a love for the game, and to introduce them to the fundamental skills of the sport in hopes that they want to continue playing in the future. Little league is the level in which games begin to become a little more competitive, but the purpose is still the same. Please help your child to know that competition can be fun and a good way to push ourselves. Do not get down on your child for poor performance at this level, instead encourage them and help them to improve on their skills. It’s okay for your child to be frustrated at times, with the attitude that this is still a team and we’re all in this together. At the Little league level, athletes will learn the fundamentals of:
. Throwing - to a target accurately
2. Catching - two hand grasp
3. Fielding properly (ground ball & fly ball) and knowing where to throw it
4. Hitting - from live pitchers
5. Running and stealing bases.
6. Understanding where the “plays” are and making plays
7. Understanding the batter count (4 balls, 3 strikes)
8. Cheering on teammates
We are excited for a fun season! If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to reach out to any of the coaches.
Shellsburg Rec Dept
Email: [email protected]
Website: shellsburgrec.com