Minors

Ages 9-10 (as of May 1)

Building skills with player-pitch format and competitive play.

Game Format

How we play

Player-pitch format with pitch count limits
Standard baseball rules apply
6 innings per game
Introduction to advanced fielding positions
Focus on game strategy and situational play
Competitive season with standings

Player Gear & Equipment Guidelines

What players need

Hayward Little League is committed to making sure every child can play. If your family needs assistance with equipment, uniforms, or any gear please reach out to the league. We have equipment, resources, and support available. All requests are handled privately and respectfully.

Required Player Equipment

Baseball glove: A properly sized baseball glove is required for every player.
Batting Helmet: A baseball specific helmet is required (the league does have helmets available). Face/jaw guards are allowed but not required.
Baseball Pants: Gray baseball pants are the preferred uniform, long or knicker style pants are acceptable. Baseball pants are encouraged during practices for sliding safety but are not required.
Water Bottle: Each player should bring their own labeled water bottle to all games/practices.

All personal equipment must be labeled with the player's name or initials.

Recommended but Not Required

USA Certified Bat: All bats must display the USA Baseball Logo/Certification (see bat guidelines below).
Cleats: Cleats must be molded rubber or plastic. Metal spikes are not permitted in U10/U12. Players without cleats may wear safe, athletic closed-toe shoes.
Protective Cup: Required for catchers; use for all other players is at the discretion of the player.
Socks & Belt: Black socks and belt are encouraged.

Catcher Specific Gear

(The league will provide catcher gear; players are allowed to bring their own)

Catcher's helmet with throat guard
Chest protector
Shin guards
Catcher's mitt
Protective cup

What the League Provides

Jersey
Hat
Balls
Catcher's Gear
League helmets
League bats

Not Permitted

Sliding Mitts: Hayward Little League strongly discourages the use of sliding mitts; they are not necessary for player safety at this level.

Dugout Food Rules

Sunflower seeds and chewing gum are a baseball tradition and are allowed in the dugout if they are used responsibly. Coaches may ask players to not bring these items if they create a mess or become a distraction. No other food is allowed in the dugouts. All other snacks and meals should be eaten at the picnic tables or concession areas. Water and sports drinks are also allowed in the dugout.

Hayward Little League and its coaches are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Players are responsible for their own equipment or belongings.

Download Player Gear & Equipment Guidelines (PDF)

Bat Guidelines

USA Baseball approved bats

To help keep games safe and fair for all players, Hayward Little League uses USA Baseball approved bats. These bats are different from bats used in certain tournaments. Please note that players are not required to purchase their own bat; Hayward Little League does have bats available for practice and games.

Approved Bat Requirements

All bats used in Hayward Little League must have the USA Baseball logo stamped on the bat.
If the bat does not have the USA Baseball stamp, it is not legal for Hayward Little League games.

Bats That Are NOT Allowed

USSSA bats (often marked 1.15 BPF, USSSA, or "travel")
BBCOR bats (High School and College)
Senior League big barrel bats

Umpire Enforcement

Umpires may inspect bats at any time.
Illegal bats (not stamped USA) will be removed from play immediately.
Bats that do not meet the USA certification cannot be used in our recreational games, even if they are legal in certain tournaments or other leagues.

Why USA Bats?

These rules exist to promote player safety and fair competition. USSSA bats are built to make the ball come off the bat 10-15 mph faster than USA bats. USA bats help maintain consistent play and support the instructional goals of recreational baseball.

Personal Bats & Player Responsibility

While Hayward Little League will provide team bats for player use, some families choose to purchase a personal bat. These bats can be a significant investment. Players are responsible for their own equipment, and no player is required to share a personal bat. Players are required to respect a teammate's decision not to share personal equipment.

Questions about bat standards or approved bats? Contact Cory at haywardwilittleleague@gmail.com or (715) 513-9154

Effective for the 2026 Hayward Little League Season

Download Bat Guidelines (PDF)