Frequently Asked Questions
SACRAMENTO MEN'S SENIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE
Sacramento's Premier Baseball League since 1984
Home of 45 World Series Championship Teams
Some Basic Questions:
What does it take to play?
It takes a team of 14 committed (read: paying) members numbering no fewer than 14 (there have been few exceptions less than 14). It also takes the cost of equipment* and a dedicated team manager. Fees are referenced under spring and summer season.
*Equipment = uniforms, catchers gear, batting helmets for all runners, on deck batters, & base coaches, and lineup cards. Are Metal Bats allowed? No, We are a Wood Bat League
Technically, we are a non-metal bat league. Wood & wood-composite bats are allowed. The handle can be metal or metal composite, but the barrel of the bat must be wood or non-metal. The league does not supply you or your team with bats. A word of advice: Wood breaks. Do not borrow or loan a bat or piece of equipment unless you can afford to replace it or accept the loss.
Where are games played?
What are the Divisions? How many teams are there? What days will we play?
What comes first, the chicken or the egg? We will never know the number of teams or the exact breakdown of divisions until we get a firm (read: financial) commitment from enough teams and players. Once the full number of teams is determined, divisions can be decided and a schedule drafted. Refer to our archived stats if you want to make any predictions. See Spring and Summer seasons below for a breakdown on days of the week and player/membership costs.
I notice there is a batting cage at McAuliffe, can I or my team use it?
SMSBL Members are allowed access to the batting cage, if available, at User’s own risk. Soft-toss is allowed against the two hanging pads on the cage only. Hitting balls directly into any chain link fence is strictly prohibited. All safety precautions must be utilized. Hitting is 1st come, first serve per individual member -not by team. Also keep in mind, we make the park available to outside users for tournaments and other events, and we differ to these users at these times. Check with Dennis or JT if in doubt.
Can I pay to use the fields for my team to practice?
Yes, but availability and circumstances are limited. Check with Dennis or JT.
Who are these kids I see playing on the field during the week or on weekends?
These young players are either members of EAST SAC Babe Ruth (our partners at McAuliffe Ballparks) or one of numerous youth leagues we often host that help differ the maintenance and upkeep of our complex.
I have family who want to come out and watch, are there facilities for them?
Yes. We have clean restroom and washroom facilities and a tot-lot area for small children. Keep in mind that children must be supervised at all times. Balls fly all over the place at a ballpark, and while the League does take certain precautions, we are not responsible for children left unattended.
For Players:
SPRING SEASON
Spring season starts in the Winter (February), depending on weather conditions. The season is roughly Fourteen (14), 9-inning games, not including playoffs and championships. Spring is typically a "weekend league", but weather and season capacity issues will arise that require games to be played under the lights during weeknights. Mother Nature frequently asks us to compromise. Cost is $200 per player, and National membership ($26/yr) is required....typically.
SUMMER SEASON
The Summer Season typically starts in July and finishes before October. The season is roughly Twenty (20), 7-inning games, not including playoffs and championships. Summer is a "weeknight league", and has never yet been played on weekends. Cost is $300 per player, and National membership ($26/yr) is required.
What are the other costs and benefits?
A National fee of $26 are due and payable during the earliest season you play. As a national member, you will receive a subscription to Hardball Magazine and you're eligible to enter National MSBL tournaments. You will also incur costs related to your own team. Each team is different. Some teams obtain sponsorships, while others sponsor themselves. Some teams are new and will also require uniforms and equipment. The investment is well worth the experience!!!
Are there any forms to sign?
YES! Your manager will give you the necessary forms required by the League. You need to fill them out completely and return them only to your manager along with a copy of your drivers license. The Participation Form and Player Code of Conduct are a must.
Am I guaranteed playing time?
The League does not dictate to a Team or Manager how much playing time is given to players. It is recommended that new players and teams communicate their own expectations to each other in the preseson to prevent any misunderstandings. The SMSBL Board will rarely get involved in team/game management.
For Managers:
As Manager what am I responsible for?
Your responsible to make all posted meetings, formulate your roster and collect the fees. Turn everything in by the final managers meeting. Also, your responsible for your teams actions on the field and on SMSBL property. Any violations of the Code of Conduct will be seriously dealt with. Players coming out of dugouts and any fighting may be cause for permanent ban from the league. Keep your guys under control.
What are the team fees for Spring and Summer?
The total team fee for Spring is approximately $3,164 for a minimum of 14 players (which includes $26 national fee per player). Any additional players the cost is $226. The Summer Season fees will range approximately from $4,200 to $4,564 with a minimum of 14 players (this depends on who has already paid their national dues of $26). Any additional players the cost will be $300 to $326.
Can we stay around and BBQ after the game?
If you would like to BBQ on your own equipment, we require that you contact the snack bar a week prior so that they will be aware and will not over cook. The snack bar has done a great job in taking care of our league and we want to take care of them.
What is the cost to add a new player during the season?
It's $500 per year per player to play in SMSBL, plus national membership ($26 additional) is required ($526 total).
Spring: $226 for Games 1 through 14, or $126 for Games 8 through 14
Summer: $326 for Games 1 through 21, or $176 for Games 10 through 21.
Can I get a refund for a player that is lost due to injury?
Not necessarily. It is never recommended that managers "front" dues for other members. We assume the player has been qualified and vetted by the manager (i.e.: paid his dues) when added to the team roster. The league assumes manager and player have qualified each other's financial and physical abilities and exchanged the appropriate paperwork and funds. All refund requests shall be submitted in writing and are subject the reivew and approval of the SMSBL Board.
What about this Stats Program, do I need to do it?
Yes! Not completing your stats both batting and pitching will result in a forfeit and no playoffs. The program is easy to use once your players are added in the system. You will have an ID and password to access the program. A Board member will be available to assist you getting started and to help you during the season if needed. Just get it done!!!!
This FAQ section is always being updated. So please check back frequently.
"Hit Hard, Run Fast, Keeping Turning Left...
Baseball is Life; The Rest are Just Details."
