CWBL FAQ

Q: I've never played baseball before. Can I still come to practice/try out?
A:Yes. Previous baseball experience is helpful, but not necessary. If you have played softball, particularly fastpitch, you should do fine, and we can teach you the differences between softball and baseball. Even if you've never played before, but want to give it a try, come out. You never know if you'll be good at something until you try and we can guarantee you won't get any better if you just sit on your couch and don't play. The Gems are dedicated to providing all women the opportunity to play baseball. In addition to our league, we also offer club baseball for women who want to play more baseball, to learn how to play and to help others to learn. What we're saying is, we want YOU to play baseball, so come to one of our practices. Don't bench yourself. Our current players have a variety of playing experiences, including starting as adults.

Q: How many teams will there be?
A: Four this year.

Q: How much is this going to cost?
A: League fees for this year will be $175, plus the cost of your uniform if you're a new player. These costs pay for fields, umpires, practice facilities, and some team equipment. Please know that we're aware of everyone's budgets and will plan uniforms accordingly. Furthermore, we don't want the cost to be prohibitive for anyone, so if you're committed to playing but need some financial assistance please let us know.

Q: When is the league fee due?
A: May 4. After this date, the fee will increase to $200. Payment plans can be arranged, but you must do so by May 4.

Q: What are the age limits?
A: 14-and-up. Minors will need their parents' permission. On the upper side, you're never too old to play baseball, so come on out.

Q: When does the season begin/end?
A: We play games from June 1 until September 21. Light indoor workouts and recruiting events are held in February and March, then we head outdoors in April and May for practice.

Q: How many games will there be?
A: Fourteen - 12 regular season games + playoffs.

Q: When will the games be?
A: Saturday or Sunday of each week.

Q: Will we play every weekend?
A: We will be playing most weekends. We're off 4^th of July and Labor Day weekends, but otherwise we are playing every weekend between June 1 and September 14.

Q: Where will the games be?
A: Bedford Park.

Q: But I live in middleofnowhere!
A: Where there's a will, there's a way. If you want to make the drive, we won't turn you away just because you live more than X miles from the field.

Q: When/where will you practice?
A: Whenever and wherever we can. Over the winter, the Chicago Gems hold practices for their members throughout the Chicago area. Members of the Gems often get together in small groups to practice on their own with people who live nearby. Once the teams are formed, they will be getting together to practice at locations that are most convenient for them. There will also be League-sponsored practices during the spring.

Q: I don't have a car. Is this a problem?
A: No. There are plenty of people who have them, so you should be able to carpool with someone. The players with cars tend to carpool already, since it's more fun going in a group, not to mention cheaper and better for the environment.

Q: Will there be playoffs?
A: Yes.

Q: Is there a big time commitment involved?
A: We hope you can make it to as many games as possible, but we understand that you're busy. Hey, we have lives too! (Failing that, we've learned to pretend like we sometimes have a life.) If you know that you will be missing a good portion of the game (for example, you can't make any Saturday games, but will make all Sundays), please indicate it on your player info form at the tryouts so the teams are aware of your availability. Perhaps there will be someone else who has the opposite availability (for example, can't play on Sunday, but will make all the Saturday games) and together you make one full-time player.

Q: What size fields do you play on?
A: We play on full-sized fields. Bases are 90 feet apart and the pitching mound is 60 feet 6 inches from home plate.

Q: What rules do you use?
A: We pretty much play with the same rules as Major League Baseball does, with some exceptions, like there is a mercy rule, you can use a metal bat and we allow free substitution on defense. Our games are seven innings.

Q: Are metal cleats allowed?
A: Yes.

Q: How do I get assigned to a team?
A: All new players must attend one of our two tryouts, which are on April 5 and 20. If you cannot attend one of these events, other arrangements can be made. Everyone who attends a tryout and then declares for the draft will be put into a player pool. On draft day, team managers will select the players for their teams.

Q: Can I request to play on the same team as person X?
Q: I played on Team Y last year. Can my friend join our team?
A: New players may request to play on a particular team and we will try to honor it, but the primary focus of the draft to create/restock teams so that each has a good chance of winning each week. We want to have competitive games, because those are the most fun to play and watch. Although the league does have a mercy rule, we would prefer that it never or rarely be used.<

Q: What will happen at the tryout?
A: Players will be asked to field (infield, outfield or both, depending on what positions you want to play, you are encouraged to do everything), throw to bases and hit. Pitchers and catchers will be evaluated as well. The team coaches will evaluate each player on her fielding, throwing and hitting skills and record his/her findings. The purposes of the tryout are to give all teams a chance to draft all of the players and to get an idea of an individual player's skills.

Q: Will there be cuts?
A: Our goal is to leave no woman behind who wants to play. The main purpose of the tryout is to get an idea of players' skills to the team managers and coaches can make informed choices on draft day.

Q: Can I come to both tryouts?
A: Yes, please do! Coming to practices is another way to show off your skills, since coaches and managers will also be attending these. Believe us, we'll notice your improvement. If you do attend both tryouts, you'll only pay the fee once.

Q: What does the tryout fee cover?
A: The cost of renting the facility. You'll also get a nifty t-shirt.

Q: I am out of the Chicago area right now for school/work/whatever but will be back in April/May/June/July. Is there any way I can play, since I cannot make it to the spring tryouts?
Q: I just heard about you gals. I missed the tryouts. Can I still play this year?
A: We are 99% certain the answer is yes. We anticipate teams will be adding to their rosters throughout the season. Late registrants will be placed on a team via continuation of the draft process.

Q: Are you guys Sox people or Cubs people?
A: Collectively, we cheer for both teams.Individually, let's just say we have our allegiances.Some people don't give two hoots about either the Cubs or the Sox. We're all baseball fans, and that's what matters.

Q: What are the team names?
A: Comets, Skyline, Turtle Rocks and Riveters.

Q: Who came up with those names?
A: Each team manager got to name her team.

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Last updated 16 Apr 08