There Could Still Be Roster Spots — Contact Jim Nason Today.
Jim Nason’s Valley Wheel Baseball is looking to have new and interested over-28 lovers of baseball join the league. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, contact League Commissioner Jim Nason by phone at 413-433-4308 or by email at wheel12@comcast.net.
Meanwhile, learn more about the League Charter and League Goals on the About VWB page, including what sets us apart — that is, team parity (no one team is wildly better or more competitive than another) and for each team to enjoy the experience of playing 2–3 games under the lights each season.
Frequently Asked Questions about Valley Wheel Baseball
AM I GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY? WHAT’S THE COMPETITION LIKE? AM I TOO OLD?
Valley Wheel Baseball League is made up of a wide range of talents and abilities. We have players that played college baseball, and we have some that never played baseball until joining. We do require a minimum proficiency, however, so the game is played effectively and remains fun and competitive for each player, his teammates, and the opposing team.
Age is great equalizer. Players may play in the league for as long as they feel competitive. As a result, we have a wide range of ages and abilities.
There are no stars here — and there are no scouts in the stands. We are all amateur recreational players. The goal of the game is to win, but the reason we play is to have fun.
ARE THE TEAMS EVEN & BALANCED?
It’s all about team parity! Our league charter — and one of our goals — is to work toward having a league with teams of equal strength. In other words, we don’t want a couple unbeatable teams and a couple teams that never win. We want teams of equal strength. Our ability to achieve this within a competitive league is what sets us apart from the rest. Learn more about our goals on the About VWB page.
WHAT’S THE LEAGUE PITCHING LIKE?
Our league is a fast-pitch hardball, and our pitchers tend to throw similar to a high school level. While some pitchers can throw in the 80s, most are in the 70s and below. Our best pitchers change speeds and locations to keep batters guessing.
WHEN ARE THE GAMES?
We start with practice two or three times in April. From the end of April until mid-August is our 15-game season. We play one game per week on Sunday afternoons/evenings (except for holiday weekends). Most games have 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. start times. Each team plays two or three games each season “under the lights.”
Rainouts are made up during the week, typically on a Wednesday or Thursday evening. The top four teams make single elimination playoffs (an extra week or two of play).
WHERE ARE GAMES PLAYED?
We’re playing baseball around the Pioneer Valley. We play in Springfield, Chicopee, Agawam, Southwick, Wilbraham, Longmeadow, and East Longmeadow MA and
Suffield, Enfield, Somers and Windsor Locks CT. We would like to acknowledge those cities and towns for their support in making this league a success.
Visit our fields page for a full listing of fields and addresses.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? WHAT DO I GET?
The league fee is $265, which covers the pre-season practice, 15 regular season games, and single elimination play-offs. The league supplies full uniforms to new players (including cap, jersey, belt and socks). You need to supply your own baseball pants, which must be gray with no stripe. We have two board-certified umpires each game. The league supplies balls, bats, catcher’s gear, bases, and helmets (helmets must be worn while batting, on the base paths and coaching the bases).
WHAT’S THE UNIFORM?
The league supplies full uniforms to new players (including cap, jersey, belt and socks). You need to supply your own baseball pants, which must be gray with no stripe. You must supply a glove and cleats. Both molded cleats and metal spikes are allowed.You can use your own bat. Wood bats or -3 (“drop 3”) metal bats are allowed.
WHAT’S THE DEADLINE?
New player registration forms are typically due the end of April (the exact day may vary from year to year). We do, however, accept players midway through the season depending on roster availability. It never hurts to reach out to see what’s available. Simply contact League Commissioner Jim Nason by phone at 413-433-4308 or by email at wheel12@comcast.net.
WHAT ARE THE TRYOUTS LIKE?
We have “open practices” scheduled in April for league rookies. The open practices give the team managers a chance to look everyone over so we can draft even teams. It gives you a chance to meet some of the guys and see if this is right you. These open tryouts also help use build “league parity” — that is, a league with teams of equal strength.
New players may withdraw your registration at any time up until the draft in late April. So, there’s nothing to lose in coming to check it out.
Once we have your registration you’ll be put on the e-mail list for practices. New players can register at anytime up until the last open practice. After the draft is held, league fees are non-refundable.
WHAT IF I’M NOT DRAFTED?
If a player isn’t drafted, his fee is refunded and he is placed on a waiting list. Waitlisted players are used during the season to fill in any roster openings that may arise.
Each year, we take a number of players off the waiting list to join us in the first half of our season as we lose players who may be out for the season due to injury or personal reasons. During the season we encourage prospective players to take in a game and check out the action. If you like what you see and think you will fit in,
send in a registration form (no fee required) so we can get you on the waiting list and be able to contact you.
CAN I PLAY WITH MY FRIEND?
99% of the players come into the league as individuals. We will allow two or three (max) players to play to
together and be drafted together. Just let us know on your registration form.
For returning players who would like to play with a friend, your best bet is to put yourself back into the draft along with the new player(s) and be drafted together. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.