Who is West Fargo Baseball?
West Fargo Baseball is a youth baseball organization for ages 5-18. The mission of West Fargo Baseball is to organize, structure and maintain the highest quality baseball program possible. We seek to develop a fun and safe environment that affords each participant the opportunity to learn and play the game of baseball. In addition, we strive to develop fundamental baseball skills while instilling the core values of teamwork, sportsmanship, competition and citizenship into each of our participants.
When does registration begin?
Registration will open mid November each year. We will send out email reminders, post on the web page (www.westfargobaseball.com), Facebook, and WFPS/WF Parks programs. Once registration is open, simply click the link on the front page of the website and follow the instructions. Please contact the office with any issues or questions.
When does registration end?
Although registration never technically ends, we do ask that everyone registers PRIOR TO March 1st. Anyone registering AFTER this date risk being put on a waiting list if rosters are full. Again, we will accept registrations after March 1st as we never want to turn someone away, but just be aware that we cannot guarantee a roster spot.
**NOTE - if you are wanting to try out for a travel team, registration MUST be in no later than March 1st. No refunds will be given once tryouts have begun.
How much does it cost to register?
5U & 6U: $100
7U & 8U: $250
9U-12U: $330
13U-15U: $350
Legion: Patriots $600 Vets, Aces, & Rattlers $550
- Three or More athletes participating in West Fargo Baseball?
If you have three or more athletes in your family, we will provide free registration for summer programming for your third athlete and any additional athletes beyond that. This includes all our available summer programs. (Legion, Travel, RRVL) The coupon or reimbursement will be applied to your youngest athlete in the program. To receive this registration discount, please contact our office and let us know what age(s) and program(s) your athletes will be registering for.
Is there any way to lower the cost of Registration Fees?
Yes, if you are in need of financial assistance, please fill out this form. After filling out this form, a West Fargo Baseball representative will reach back out to you within 1-2 days.
Are we using the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken age chart or the Little League age chart? Can my ballplayer "play up" a level?
For Red River Valley League play we are accepting both Cal Ripken & Little League age charts. The player may choose which age group they want to compete at and can use either age chart.
West Fargo Baseball allows players to play a level 1 year older than their age based on the Little League Age Chart from ages 5-7 (example: in the last year this is allowed, a 7YO could play at the 8YO level). After age 8, the organizations with whom we're affiliated are more strict in their age rules so players will be required to play at the level determined by the age charts. Please understand, this means if they played up in the past, they will be required to play the 8YO level 2 years in a row to become compliant again.
If a player chooses to be in the all-star selection process for Little League, the player must sign up under the age listed on the Little League Age Chart.
If a player would like to sign up for travel baseball, the player must sign up under the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Age Chart.
Am I required to fundraise?
There is no fundraiser.
Do you take Credit/Debit Cards?
Yes, online for registration. Please be aware that there is an additional processing fee incurred by the payer.
How can I register?
Go to www.westfargobaseball.com to register online and click on the programs tab.
What if my son/daughter doesn’t want to play after signing up?
- NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER TEAMS ARE CREATED ON MARCH 31st. No refunds of registration fees will be made unless the family moves away from the area, or the player is medically incapable of playing. Under no circumstances will a refund be granted after team placements have taken place.
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Will my son/daughter be guaranteed a spot on a team?
Any player registered before March 1st will be guaranteed a spot on a team. Any player registered after the deadline will go on a waiting list and be placed on a team that needs additional players.
When does the season begin and end?
RRRVL League (5-6): The baseball season will begin the middle of May and end in late July.
RRVL League (7-15): The baseball season will begin the last week of April and end in late July.
Travel (9-15): The baseball season is scheduled by the travel coaches, but games typically start in late April/early May and end late July, unless they qualify for Regional/National tournaments.
How many games do teams play?
West Fargo Baseball league teams will play approximately a 20-game interlocking league schedule with Fargo/Moorhead and area teams.
What day(s) will teams practice?
Weekday practice days and times are provided to each team, but the final practice schedule is determined by the coach. You will be informed of the final practice schedule by your team's coach.
How do we know if a game is rained out or cancelled?
All cancellations will be e-mailed to you on the day of. Announcements are made by 4 PM. After 4 PM, decisions will be made by the umpires on site. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE OFFICE REGARDING RAINOUTS. If no announcement has been made, then assume games are still on.
What equipment do I need to provide for my player?
Players will need to provide their own glove, bats, cleats, Gray baseball pants, belt and baseball socks.
What equipment will be provided?
Each League player will receive a jersey with their teams sponsor on it and a WF baseball hat. Every player will have their own batting helmet. Team equipment bags are handed out to each team along with a bucket of practice balls and game balls. Inside the equipment bag there is catchers equipment, and a first aid kit.
What are the playing rules for each age group?
Playing rules differ for each age group. Rules can be found on our Rules Page on the website.
What if I have a complaint or concern about a coach, player, parent and/or official?
All complaints and concerns are always considered serious and should be reported to the West Fargo Baseball office. Please abide by the 24 hour rule. NEVER approach a coach/player/parent/league official or umpire during or shortly after the incident. Please contact the office via email ([email protected]) and/or phone. If the concern is over playing time, we ask that you first reach out to the coach. If after speaking with the coach the concern is still there, then contact the WFB office. Again, we ask that everyone wait 24 hours prior to submitting or lodging a complaint.
What if I lost my baseball hat?
Please contact our office at [email protected]
What are the levels of play offered by West Fargo Baseball?
Red River Valley League Baseball
The goal of the Board as it relates to Recreational League Baseball is to provide players the opportunity to play and develop at a recreational level. See the Red River Valley League Rules page on our website for more a more detailed list of rules related to game play.
5&6 YEAR OLDS
The schedule heavily emphasizes development, with at least 30 minutes of fun, productive skills drills the first 30 minutes & recreational game competition for up to 45 minutes at the end of each night. Games/practices will be on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings with a variable schedule that will either have you playing both nights or just 1 of them.
The rules provide a simplified version of baseball appropriate for players aged 5 & 6.
Teams are formed by volunteer, parent coaches who will pitch to players from a knee and serve as the umpires.
Parent groups are encouraged to identify a volunteer coach if they desire to have their ball players play together. Younger teams are typically formed primarily by school attended.
League management attempts to place teams in a division that provides them an appropriate competition level for its skills.
7-9YEAR OLDS
The schedule balances the opportunity for development, with 1 week-night practices, & competition, with 2 week-night games most weeks between early May and late July.
The rules are an adapted version of Little League rules and they prioritize the opportunity for young ball player to enjoy significant playing time in games.
Teams are formed by volunteer, parent coaches and they participate in the Red River Valley League with teams from local communities, requiring very little travel.
Pitching and umpiring is done by coaches. 8U will have kid pitch half way through the season.
Parent groups are encouraged to identify a volunteer coach if they desire to have their ball players play together. Younger teams are typically formed primarily by school attended.
League management attempts to place teams in a division that provides them an appropriate competition level for its skills.
10-15 YEAR OLDS
The schedule balances the opportunity for development, with 2 week-night practices, & competition, with 2 week-night games most weeks between early May and late July.
The rules are adapted from a combination of Little League, Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth rules and they prioritize the opportunity for young ball player to enjoy significant playing time in games.
Teams are formed by volunteer, parent coaches and they participate in the Red River Valley League with teams from local communities, requiring very little travel.
Parent groups are encouraged to identify a volunteer coach if they desire to have their ball players play together. Younger teams are typically formed primarily by school attended.
League management attempts to place teams in a division that provides them an appropriate competition level for its skills.
LITTLE LEAGUE ALL STAR
11-12 YEAR OLDS
The goal of the West Fargo Baseball Organization, as it relates to fielding a Little League All Star Team, is to foster an environment that allows players to enjoy playing regular league games at a more relaxed level with less time commitment than Travel Baseball, but also provides the opportunity to play and practice at a more competitive level with a much lighter commitment to weekend events than is required by Travel Baseball.
West Fargo Baseball fields one Little League All Star Team, playing at the 12-and-under level. The team will be selected from the 12 Year Old and 11 Year Old West Fargo recreational teams. West Fargo Baseball may adjust the plan if the composition of league teams at ages 9 through 12 cause adjustments to be considered. In order to be selected for the All Star Team, players must be eligible according to the Little League age chart and participate in the Red River Valley League for the upcoming season. The players who participate Red River Valley League team MUST attend at least 80% of all RRVL activities.
Little League coaches will email to ask about interest from all families with a player of eligible age and select the players during the Spring. No more than 4 players from the tournament team can play on the same RRVL team. All players selected for the All Star team ARE still eligible to play with their RRVL team for Fargo Youth Baseball’s End of Season NIT Tournament
The All Star Team will hold practices and a small number of tournaments & games, mostly on weekends as they cannot conflict with the league team’s practices and games.
TRAVEL BASEBALL
The goal of the Board as it relates to Travel Baseball is to foster an environment that allows players to develop and play at a more competitive level against other select teams. The format for each specific age group is aimed at accomplishing this goal.
The schedule balances the opportunity for development, with 2 week-night practices, & competition, with a regular season schedule against other select teams and weekend tournaments.
Travel Team rosters are determined through a tryout process and West Fargo Baseball will field up to 2 teams per level at ages 9-14 as the number of players and volunteer coaches allow. Only 1 team will be formed at 15 because some players will be placed on Legion teams.
Teams at age 9 are split as evenly as possible and 10-15. Teams at age 10-14 will be split in an A-B format.
Travel Teams play in North Dakota state tournaments and aim to qualify in the Gopher State tournament in Minnesota.
Players on Travel Teams can expect significant playing time at all games and regular season tournaments, but more skilled players can expect more playing time. Playing time during the post-season is at the coaches’ discretion for competing in the tournaments.
In order to be on a travel team you must live in West Fargo or within the West Fargo School District and/or your athlete must attend a West Fargo Public School.