As we anticipate that Illinois will move to Phase 4 late next week, we will be moving ahead with our LGLL season!  This outlines the anticipated schedule, return-to-play guidelines, and critical information about the season.  

• Practices and Games: We will offer a Little League program at all levels, including T-ball. Practices will begin in early- to mid-July, and games will begin August 1.  Playoffs will occur (A, B, C leagues, majors and minors softball) during the last week of September.
• For our T-ball and Coach Pitch players: We will hold a six-week season beginning on or around August 1. Our season will consist of tightly-controlled practice sessions followed by intra-squad games to minimize the number of players in one area. To ensure a successful and safe season, we will need the assistance of additional parents to help at practices. In the upcoming weeks, we will send our T-ball families additional guidance on how we will conduct our sessions.
• Challenger division: Challenger division will begin on Saturday, August 22 and run through Saturday, September 26.  Division VP John Walsh will send out more details shortly.
• Return-to-play guidelines: The health and safety of our players, families and coaches are our top priority. LGLL will adhere to CDC, State of Illinois and Little League International guidelines as we resume play. Our return-to-play guidelines can be found here. Please take a moment to review these guidelines. Parents, players, and coaches will be expected to follow these guidelines to maximize a safe environment for everyone. Those who do not follow our return-to-play guidelines will not be allowed to participate in any LGLL activities.
• Zoom meeting with parents: We will hold a virtual meeting with LGLL parents on July 7 at 7:00 p.m., at which time we will cover our return-to-play guidelines, explain our field set ups, and answer questions you have about the upcoming season. Please be on the lookout for the zoom link that will be sent in early July.

We need your commitment now:  Beginning the June 27-28 weekend, we will be finalizing teams for the 2020 season. We hope you will stay with us for our 2020 season. However, we recognize that we’re getting off to a late start that may not work for all families.  We are committed to minimizing conflicts with fall sports, but we know we can’t avoid every conflict.  Player pools will be utilized so that we can account for player conflicts. 

We ask that you decide by June 25 whether you will play this year so that we can finalize teams and begin practice.  Because of some fluctuation in numbers, some divisions may have to re-draft; however, we will keep you updated.

For those who will play

If you are committed to play, please do the following:

1. Please access and sign the return-to-play waiver here. Every player will need to submit a waiver before they are allowed to practice or attend a game, so please complete the waiver now for every player so you don't have to worry about it later.
2. Keep an eye out for an email from your team manager in early July. We will have game schedules ready by mid-July. Please have patience with us as we’ll need some time to coordinate park availability with the park district.

For those who do not intend to play

If you plan to sit this season out, please do the following:

1. Please complete a refund request form.You will be given the option to elect a full or partial refund. Please consider supporting our league. Your donation will help to cover a number of preseason expenses we’ve incurred to date and revenue lost from the closing of the concession stand this season.
2. Please submit this refund request form by June 25, 2020.  

While we know that this 2020 Little League season will be unlike any other in our history, we are grateful for the patience and flexibility shown by our parents, players, and sponsors. 

We are a community that believes in youth baseball and softball and can't wait for that first pitch!  Together we can make this happen. For those of you cannot play this season, we hope to see you in 2021.

If you have questions, please let me know.

Jeff Nowak
President, La Grange Little League