FAQs for Starkey Little League 

Table of Contents

How do I determine my child's league age?

Starkey Little League is open to boys and girls ages 4 - 14 according to Little League birthdate/age rules. Visit https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/determine-league-age/ to use the Little League age calculator to determine your child's league age for the current season.  For our fall seasons, we use the Little League age requirements for the FOLLOWING spring season (so the age division your child will play in during the spring season, they will play in that same division the preceding fall.)  All children are REQUIRED to play in their age appropriate division, unless they desire to play in an older division.  

Can I play with Starkey Little League?

Participation in Starkey LL is open to all youth of ages 3.5 to 16. Players must live in our boundary or attend an elementary/middle/high school that is in our boundary. Before signing up, please verify to make sure a player is eligible to participate by going to the Little League Finder to identify the league’s boundary that the player resides or attends school. The Starkey LL boundary is between Starkey Blvd and Suncoast Parkway, North of Rt 54. It includes the 3 communities: The Preserve, Asturia and Starkey Ranch. Students of Starkey Ranch K-8 are also eligible to participate with Starkey LL regardless of where they live.

Where are your fields located?

BASEBALL
Our home field is Starkey Ranch District Park. We will be predominantly playing on fields 4 and 5. We have extra practice space "field 6" and access to one of the new batting cages. This is where all baseball practices will be held and where co-ed Tee Ball, A-Ball and AA Rookies will predominantly play games. Pasco County has scheduled many softball tournaments on the new fields, so our backup location (and where Minors+ games will be held) is WH Jack Mitchell Jr Park (4825 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34655). There we have access to 3 diamonds.

SOFTBALL
Due to restrictions by Pasco County Parks & Rec, all Little League softball divisions AA+ will be at our WH Mitchell Jr softball complex where we have access to 3 diamonds.

• Starkey Ranch District Park - 1800 Lake Blanche Road, Odessa, FL 33556
• WH Mitchell Jr - 4825 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34655
• [See the GENERAL INFO > FIELD LOCATIONS for maps & field #'s]

When and where are games usually held?

Games for the spring season will begin on Opening Day held on Feb 11 and continue through early May.  Games for the fall season will typically run from the beginning of September through the end of November.

The Tee Ball and A-Ball (6U) teams will play the majority of their games on Saturday mornings at Starkey Ranch District Park. However, there may be some instances where the Tee Ball teams will need to play on a weeknight due to schedule and weather related issues.  

The 8U - 12U baseball divisions will typically have 1 game played on Saturdays. Times may vary by division (AM / Afternoon / Evening).  Games can be at either Starkey Ranch District Park or WH Mitchell. In this division they play other leagues and will need to travel for away games but this is usually on Saturdays.

The 8U - 14U softball games will be at Mitchell or away at a local league. In this division they play other leagues and will need to travel for away games. They play 2 games per week - one weeknight and one on Saturday. 

All-Star practices begin in April with games starting in mid/late May.  

There are many variables that can affect the game schedule throughout the season including weather, number of teams, field conditions, etc. The Starkey Little League Board greatly appreciate your understanding as the schedule may need be adjusted throughout the season due to weather and other adverse conditions.

What is the typical practice schedule during the season?

Days and times for practice vary by season and are set by the Board in partnership with team managers once teams and rosters are established. Tee Ball and A-Ball (6U) teams typically practice one hour, twice a week (one weeknight and Saturday) until games start. Once games begin, tee ball and A-ball practice is only held one weeknight with games on Saturday mornings. Teams in the 8U division and up typically practice 90 minutes twice a week until games start (one weeknight and one Saturday practice). Once games begin, teams will usually hold only one practice on a weeknight and play games on Saturdays.

How are teams formed in SLL?

Tee Ball, A-Ball and AA Rookie teams are formed by the board.  At these levels, Starkey LL does try to honor requests for coach/teammate if possible. Teams for the AAA Minors (10U) and up divisions are formed based on player evaluations and player draft by the team managers.

What equipment/uniform items are needed?

• Jerseys and hats will be provided. Everything else can be as cheap as you can find it at the younger ages. We encourage you check Play It Again Sports for gently used equipment or Dicks / Walmart / Amazon for new gear. 
• Socks will be provided in matching team color. All players will receive tall socks.
• Belts will be provided in matching team color. All players in division AA Rookies (8U) and older will receive a belt. Tee Ball and A-Ball will not receive belts, as their pants often do not have belt loops. Belts are optional for these 6U divisions.
• GLOVES: 10 inch for tee ball / A-ball, 11-12 inch LEATHER glove for 8U. Refer to this link for helpful grids
• BATS: Must have the USA STAMP
  • Tee Ball:  25 or 26 inch
  • A-ball/AA Rookies: 27 or 28 inch
  • Tee ball bats are not made to hit real baseballs. No tee ball bats are permitted for divisions A-Ball+.
• CLEATS: Not required, but STRONGLY recommended for 8U+. Soccer cleats are better than no cleats. 
• PANTS: Have to be GRAY  
• HELMET: Everyone needs to have their own NOCSAE approved batting helmet.
  • Tee Ball, A-Ball and AA Rookies:  SLL will be enforcing a regulation that all players must have an attached full metal facemask. Players missing appropriate helmet protection will not be permitted to bat.
  • AAA Minors+: While not required, SLL strongly recommends using a jaw guard or full facemask for player protection.
  • Facemasks can be purchased separately and attached to a used helmet.
• FIELDERS MASK: All softball players are required to wear a fielders mask while on the field. Fielders masks are optional but recommended for girls playing AA Rookies baseball.
• PROTECTIVE CUP: All boys A-Ball+ are required to wear a cup.
• BATTING GLOVES: Not required.
• WATER JUG: Our practices can get hot and tiring - bring lots of water!
• A baseball/softball bag for all of it!