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 - 12 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.  

What division(s) is my child eligible for, based on their "league age"?

If your child has played at least one spring season and they are eligible for multiple divisions, we recommend your child move up in the fall season. 

Can I play with Starkey Little League?

Participation in Starkey LL is open to all youth of "league age" 4 to 12. 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 (1800 Lake Blanche Road, Odessa, FL 33556). We will be predominantly playing on fields 4 (a brand new softball field) and 5 (a brand new baseball field). We have extra practice space "field 6" behind field 4 and access to one of the new batting cages. This is where all baseball practices will be held and where we predominantly play games. Pasco County has scheduled several softball tournaments on the new fields, so our backup location is WH Jack Mitchell Jr Park (4825 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34655). There 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?

2023 Spring Season: Games will begin on Opening Day held on Feb 11 and continue through early May.
2023 Fall Season: Our fall season is focused on fundamentals and scrimmage games. Scrimmages are used as training opportunities. The goal is to build skill and develop as a team in preparation for the Spring Season. Scrimmages will run mid-September through early December

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

The AA Rookies, AAA Minors 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 these divisions they play other leagues and will need to travel for away games but this is usually on Saturdays.

The Majors division will have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one on Saturday.

All-Stars are in spring season only. Practices begin mid-May with games mid-June through July.  

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. All divisions (except Majors) typically meet twice per week (one weeknight and Saturday). Both days will be practices until scrimmages/games start. Majors typically meet 3 times per week.

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.

Evaluations are mandatory for ALL AA Rookies, AAA Minors and Majors players (new + experienced) every fall season. New joiners in spring also must be evaluated. Evaluations will ensure children are placed in the right division based on their skill set. AAA Minors and Majors will be drafted onto teams. All registered players are guaranteed a team spot. There are no evaluations for Tee Ball or A-Ball.

AAA Minors and Majors are formed based on player draft in the FALL season by the team managers, SLL coaching coordinator and SLL player agent. All registered players will be assigned to a team. Evaluations and drafts are intended to ensure teams are as balanced as possible. New players joining in the SPRING season will be individually evaluated and placed on a team.

What equipment/uniform items are needed?

Please refer to our Uniform Guidelines page. PLEASE label all of your child's gear with their name!