Welcome to the MIBGC Athletics page. Throughout the year we offer a variety of programs including:
And many more fun activities! To find information about our programs for every season please click on the links to your right and they will direct you to each sport, or you can scroll down. Please contact us with any questions! 206.232.4548
| Becky Shaddle | Athletic Director | bshaddle@positiveplace.org |
| Beth Hogle | Administrative Assistant | ehogle@positiveplace.org |
| Matt Williams | Athletics Assistant | mnwilliams@positiveplace.org |
Baseball & Softball
The Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club is proud to begin the 2010 baseball and softball season! Below you will find descriptions of all levels of baseball and softball for ages 5-15. As always, we can’t make our programs successful without all of you, so please consider helping out by coaching, being a team parent, or helping us at our Opening Day Ceremony! We appreciate all the time you give to make every baseball and softball season a huge success!
Opening Day 2010
April 10th
More information about our 2010 season kickoff celebration please check back soon!
Colt 15U & Pony 13U 14U
Pony and Colt League baseball are select level baseball teams created through a tryouts process. Any athletes hoping to play on one of these teams MUST attend tryouts! The fee for Pony and Colt baseball is higher than the fee for Juniors 13U 14U and reflects traveling expenses. The fee for 2010 has not yet been set.
Juniors 13U 14U (Ages 13-15)
Juniors is a 13-14 year old recreational baseball league where players play on 80 foot base paths with 54 foot pitching distance and regular baseball rules apply.
Players will be given a jersey and baseball hat at the beginning of the season, but will need to provide their own pants, cleats and gloves. No metal spikes! Protective cups are HIGHLY recommended for ALL players at this level and are required for catchers.
Games will be held at Island Crest Park weeknights and Saturdays and practices will be held once a week at various fields on Mercer Island. Practice day and time will be determined by the coach who will be in contact with players on his or her team as soon as rosters are released. Games begin in March.
Refund Policy: A 10% processing fee will be charged for all refunds requested before February 22, 2010. NO refunds will be granted after this date! All refunds must be requested in writing (either email or letter) in order to be processed.
*Residency Note: Please note that if you are not a Mercer Island resident, per Little League regulations, you will not be able to participate in MIBGC’s Little League program. Waivers may be available. Inquire at MIAthletics@positiveplace.org.
Majors, AAA & AA Player Pitch (Ages 9-12)
Player Pitch Majors, AAA & AA Baseball is a league designed for children ages 9-12. Players will pitch from 46 feet and play on 60 foot base paths. Full baseball rules apply with called balls and strikes, except that stealing is permitted only after the ball has crossed the plate.
Player Pitch baseball is divided into three divisions:
- MAJORS is the most advanced level of Player Pitch, intended for 12 year olds, strong 11 year olds and outstanding 10 and 9 year olds.
- AAA is composed primarily of 10 and 11 year olds, but may include some outstanding 9 year olds.
- AA is entry level, intended for most 9 year olds and many 10 year olds. Coaches may assist with pitching the first part of the season.
*8-YEAR OLD ELIGIBILITY: 8 year olds interested in Player Pitch skills are strongly encouraged to play in our Rookies National League. With end-of-season playoffs and limited kid-pitch, it will provide a great level of play for even highly skilled 8 year olds. However, 8 year olds may register for player pitch, but they MUST come to Show Your Stuff Day and score in the top 50% of 9 year olds to be eligible (placement requires approval of the MI Little League board and is subject to availability). 8 year olds who are not selected for player pitch will be assigned to a Rookies Machine Pitch team.
All players will receive a jersey and hat at the beginning of the season, but will need to provide cleats, pants, belt and gloves. Protective cups are HIGHLY recommended for ALL male players and are REQUIRED for catchers. No metal spikes are allowed. Games will be held at Lid East and West and South Mercer Playfields. AA games will take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, AAA on Thursdays and Saturdays and Majors on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Practices will be held once a week at various fields on Mercer Island. Practice day and time will be determined by the coach who will be in contact with players on his or her team as soon as rosters are released. Games begin March 20, 2010.
*Residency Note: Please note that if you are not a Mercer Island resident, per Little League regulations, you will not be able to participate in MIBGC’s Little League program. Waivers may be available. Inquire at MIAthletics@positiveplace.org.
Islander Travel Team (ITT): Islander Travel Team tryout invitations will be distributed after Show Your Stuff Day. More information will be provided to those who are selected for the team.
Rookies Machine Pitch (Ages 7-9)
Rookies Machine Pitch is a team sport designed to develop baseball skills with a league emphasis on FUN! Players will hit a ball pitched from a machine and regular baseball rules will apply with limited modifications (no stealing, 3 ours retires the side, 6 pitch limit per batter, strikeouts allowed, 6 inning games). All players will bat and play a minimum of three innings in the field.
PARENTS OF 7 YEAR OLDS: Rookies is a big step up from Sluggers, both in skill and maturity. Before registering please make sure your child can hit a ball pitched from 40’ fairly consistently, as well as throw and catch from a distance of 50’. If not, then Sluggers would probably be a better choice this year.
There are two sub-leagues in which your child could play:
AMERICAN LEAGUE: This is an all machine pitch league intended for all players coming up from Sluggers and 8 year olds looking to improve their skills.
NATIONAL LEAGUE: This league is intended for 8 year olds with more advanced skills and 9 year olds who need a little more experience before moving up to Player Pitch. Kid pitch will be introduced the second half of season.
Please indicate which league your child would like to play in during registration!
Games will be held at Lid East and West and South Mercer Playfields on Mondays and Saturdays, and practices will be held once a week at various fields on Mercer Island. Practice day and time will be determined by the coach who will be in contact with players on his or her team as soon as rosters are released.
New teams are formed each year. Buddy requests will only be considered if you request ONE buddy and that SAME buddy requests your child back. Multiple requests WILL NOT be honored!
Sluggers (Ages 6 & 7)
Sluggers is an entry level machine pitch league for 6 year olds who have already participated in T-Ball and 7 year olds. It is a team sport designed to help build your child’s skills, self esteem and values. All kids will play in the field and bat each inning (no strikeouts – swing til you hit). League emphasis is on FUN!
Please note: Sluggers is a big step up from T-Ball and many children may have difficulty hitting a moving ball at first. Before registering, please make sure your child can consistently hit a ball pitched from a short distance as well as throw and catch from a distance of 30 feet. If not, T-Ball may be a better choice this year.
New teams are formed each year based on mutual buddy request and school assignment when possible. Your buddy request will only be considered if you request ONE buddy and that SAME buddy requests your child back. Requests for multiple buddies and specific coaches WILL NOT be honored! Matching buddy pairs and all other children will be assigned to school-based teams randomly.
Games will be held at South Mercer Playfields and Lakeridge Elementary on Saturdays and practices will be held once a week at various fields on Mercer Island. Practice day and time will be determined by the coach who will be in contact with players on his or her team as soon as rosters are released.
Players will be provided with a team jersey and a baseball hat at the beginning of the season, but will need to provide their own gloves, cleats and baseball pants.
Refund Policy: A 10% processing fee will be charged for all refunds requested before February 22, 2010. NO refunds will be granted after this date! All refunds must be requested in writing (either email or letter) in order to be processed.
*Residency Note: Please note that if you are not a Mercer Island resident, per Little League regulations, you will not be able to participate in MIBGC’s Little League program. Waivers may be available. Inquire at MIAthletics@positiveplace.org.
Co-ed T-Ball (Ages 5 & 6)
T-Ball is a team sport designed to teach players the fundamentals of baseball and softball while developing self-esteem, team camaraderie and skills. Players will hit the ball off a tee and all children will play in the field and bat each inning. League emphasis is on FUN!
New teams are formed each year based on mutual buddy request and school assignment when possible. Your buddy request will only be considered if you request ONE buddy and that SAME buddy requests your child back. Requests for multiple buddies and specific coaches WILL NOT be honored! Matching buddy pairs and all other children will be assigned to school-based teams randomly.
Players will be provided with a team jersey and a baseball hat at the beginning of the season, but will need to provide their own gloves, cleats and baseball pants.
Games will be held at Island Park Elementary on Saturdays and practices will be held once a week.
Refund Policy: A 10% processing fee will be charged for all refunds requested before February 22, 2010. NO refunds will be granted after this date! All refunds must be requested in writing (either email or letter) in order to be processed.
*Residency Note: Please note that if you are not a Mercer Island resident, per Little League regulations, you will not be able to participate in MIBGC’s Little League program. Waivers may be available. Inquire at MIAthletics@positiveplace.org.
Coast, Majors & Juniors Player Pitch Softball (Ages 10-14)
Coast, Majors and Juniors is a Player Pitch softball league and caters to the highest level of athletes in Mercer Island’s Little League. Players skills will be evaluated at Show Your Stuff day and then they will be placed in the correct division and with the appropriate team.
Juniors: This league is designed for 13 and 14 year old players with an emphasis on developing advanced skills. Juniors play with a 12 inch ball and pitch from a 40 foot distance.
Majors: designed for 12 year olds, but some 11 and 10 year olds may be placed at this level. Emphasis is on refining skills, and windmill fast pitch style is stressed. Players play with a 12 inch ball and pitching distance is 40 feet.
Coast: designed for 10 and 11 year olds, but some 9 year olds may try out at Show Your Stuff Day. Emphasis is on basic skills, playmaking decisions, teamwork and respect. The season begins briefly with coach pitch and then develops into player pitch with an 11 inch ball from 35 feet.
Players will be given a jersey and hat at the beginning of the season, but must provide all other equipment (cleats, pants and belt). No metal spikes are allowed.
Games will be held at the South Mercer playfields and Homestead Park, and practices will be held once a week at various fields on Mercer Island. Practice day and time will be determined by the coach who will be in contact with players on his or her team as soon as rosters are released.
SHOW YOUR STUFF DAY:
Sunday, February 21, 2010, 1:30-3pm
Makeup Session: TBA
Refund Policy: A 10% processing fee will be charged for all refunds requested before February 22, 2010. NO refunds will be granted after this date! All refunds must be requested in writing (either email or letter) in order to be processed.
*Residency Note: Please note that if you are not a Mercer Island resident, per Little League regulations, you will not be able to participate in MIBGC’s Little League program. Waivers may be available. Inquire at MIAthletics@positiveplace.org.
89ers Softball (Ages 8 & 9)
89ers is a softball league designed for 8 and 9 year olds at a more advanced level. This league is still focused on developing fundamental skills in the field while turning a heavier focus to pitching. Coaches will pitch the beginning of the season and the second half of the season will transition into to player pitch.
New teams are formed each year based on mutual buddy request and school assignment when possible. Your buddy request will only be considered if you request ONE buddy and that SAME buddy requests your child back. Requests for multiple buddies and specific coaches WILL NOT be honored! Matching buddy pairs and all other children will be assigned to school-based teams randomly.
Players will receive a jersey and hat at the beginning of the season, but participants must provide their own cleats and pants.
Games will be held at the South Mercer playfields and Homestead Park on a weeknight and on Saturdays, and practices will be held once a week at various fields on Mercer Island. Practice day and time will be determined by the coach who will be in contact with players on his or her team as soon as rosters are released.
Refund Policy: A 10% processing fee will be charged for all refunds requested before February 22, 2010. NO refunds will be granted after this date! All refunds must be requested in writing (either email or letter) in order to be processed.
*Residency Note: Please note that if you are not a Mercer Island resident, per Little League regulations, you will not be able to participate in MIBGC’s Little League program. Waivers may be available. Inquire at MIAthletics@positiveplace.org.
Minors Softball (Ages 7-9)
Minors is a softball league designed to teach fundamentals and improve skills all while maintaining a fun atmosphere. Its target audience is 6 year olds who have played at least one year of T-Ball and are looking for a more advanced program, as well as 7 and 8 year olds looking to continue to improve their skills.
New teams are formed each year based on mutual buddy request and school assignment when possible. Your buddy request will only be considered if you request ONE buddy and that SAME buddy requests your child back. Requests for multiple buddies and specific coaches WILL NOT be honored! Matching buddy pairs and all other children will be assigned to school-based teams randomly.
Players will receive a jersey and hat at the beginning of the season, but participants must provide their own cleats and pants.
Games will be held at the South Mercer playfields and Homestead Park on a weeknight and on Saturdays, and practices will be held once a week. Practice day and time will be determined by the coach who will be in contact with players on his or her team as soon as rosters are released.
Refund Policy: A 10% processing fee will be charged for all refunds requested before February 22, 2010. NO refunds will be granted after this date! All refunds must be requested in writing (either email or letter) in order to be processed.
*Residency Note: Please note that if you are not a Mercer Island resident, per Little League regulations, you will not be able to participate in MIBGC’s Little League program. Waivers may be available. Inquire at MIAthletics@positiveplace.org.
Girls’ T-Ball (Ages 5-6)
Girls T-Ball is a team sport designed to teach players the fundamentals of baseball and softball while developing self-esteem, team camaraderie and skills. Players will hit the ball off a tee and all children will play in the field and bat each inning. League emphasis is on FUN!
New teams are formed each year based on mutual buddy request and school assignment when possible. Your buddy request will only be considered if you request ONE buddy and that SAME buddy requests your child back. Requests for multiple buddies and specific coaches WILL NOT be honored! Matching buddy pairs and all other children will be assigned to school-based teams randomly.
Players will be provided with a team jersey and a baseball hat at the beginning of the season, but need to provide their own gloves, cleats and baseball pants.
Games will be held at Island Park Elementary on Saturdays and practices will be held once a week. Practice day and time will be determined by the coach who will be in contact with players on his or her team as soon as rosters are released.
Refund Policy: A 10% processing fee will be charged for all refunds requested before February 22, 2010. NO refunds will be granted after this date! All refunds must be requested in writing (either email or letter) in order to be processed.
*Residency Note: Please note that if you are not a Mercer Island resident, per Little League regulations, you will not be able to participate in MIBGC’s Little League program. Waivers may be available. Inquire at MIAthletics@positiveplace.org.
Fall Basketball (Grades K-2)
The Fall Basketball Season runs October through November. Look for more information on registration to come in June 2010!
Spring Basketball (Grades 6-12)
Spring Basketball League
Grades 6-12
March 16th – May 12th
Cost: $115
Winter Basketball (Grades 3-9)
The Winter Basketball season runs December through February. Look for more information on registration to come in June 2010!
Clinics and PDPs
Basketball Skills and Drills Clinic
Grades 1-4
February 22nd – March 22nd. 6-7pm on Mondays
Cost: $80
The clinic will be coached by Rukari Austin.
Basketball Skills and Drills Clinic
Grades 5-8
February 22nd – March 22nd. 7-8:30pm on Mondays
Cost: $120
The clinic will be coached by Rukari Austin.
Indoor Soccer Skills and Drills Clinic
Grades 1-4
February 22nd – March 22nd. 5-6pm on Mondays
Cost: $80
The clinic will be coached by Matt Williams.
Flag Football
March 14, 2010
Come join us for an afternoon of football fun as we begin the registration process for the next season amidst food and our special guest speaker! Time TBA.
Flag Football League
Grades 1-6
Cost: TBA
Tackle Football
Football Open House
March 14, 2010
Come join us for an afternoon of football fun as we begin the registration process for the next season amidst food and our special guest speaker! Time TBA.
8 years old -8th Grade*
Practices Begin in August, games begin in September
Cost: TBA
Registration for the 2010 tackle football season will open on March 15th at the Football Open House. More information will be available closer to that date.
*Eligibility is based on an age/weight ratio
Skyhawks Camp
Skyhawks Camps 2010 are just around the corner. Check back in March for more information regarding this summer’s camps!
Summer Athletic Camps
Information regarding summer athletic camps will be available starting mid-March so please check back soon!
Soccer
Girls Spring Soccer
Grades 2-9
March 15th – May 28th
Cost: $95 (Grades 2-3)/$110 (Grades 4-9)
Girls Spring Soccer is a recreational league designed to teach the fundamentals of soccer and FUN! Some divisions based on number of teams will play in a cooperative league with the Bellevue Boys & Girls Club. Practices begin in March and games will begin the first week after Spring Break (the week of April 5th). Buddy Requests are allowed at this level, but must be MUTUAL otherwise they will not be honored. To register, click your child’s grade below:
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th/5th Grade
6th/7th Grade
8th/9th Grade
Spring Break Camps
Spring Break Indoor Basketball & Soccer Camp
Grades 1-4
Monday, March 29th- Friday, April 2nd, 9am-12pm
Cost: $120
The Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club is hosting an indoor basketball and soccer skills and drills camp for first through fourth graders. Coaches Rukari and Matt will be coaching the clinic.
Track & Field
Track & Field Spring League
Ages 6-12
April 5th – June 3rd
Cost: $90
Run, throw and jump for fun…Race to the finish line! Athletes will learn the basics of track and field events, such as 100m, 200m and 400m dashes, relays and mile run, as well as the long jump and softball throw. Runners will compete against other Boys & Girls Clubs at track meets throughout the season. Practices will be held at Islander Middle School, beginning in April, and meet locations will be at various venues on the Eastside. Meets will begin in May.
Volleyball
Girls Spring Volleyball League
Grades 4-9
April 24th – June 12th
Cost: $115
Girls Spring Volleyball is designed to teach players the fundamentals of the game while developing self-esteem, values and skills. Players will have one game and one practice a week and may play in a cooperative league with the Bellevue Boys & Girls Club. Games will be Saturdays.
To register, please click on your child’s grade below:
4th/5th Grade
6th/7th Grade
8th/9th Grade
Volleyball Clinics
Session 1: Grades 4-6, 9-10:30am
Session 2: Grades 7-9, 10:30am-12pm
March 12th – April 17th, Saturdays
Cost: $75
Coached by Dino Annest: Co-Director of Island Thunder Volleyball Club and former Varsity Volleyball coach at Mercer Island High School
Clinic will focus on passing, serving, approach stepping and hitting skills and will not be held the first and last weekend of Spring Break (March 27th and April 3rd). To register, please click on the appropriate session below:
Session 1: Grades 4-6
“I could go to work and have no fears—I knew my child was in a safe and loving place. I’ll never let my kids forget about the Club because they taught them about so much more…they taught them about love and they taught them about integrity.”
– Club parent Nate Miles
