8U FASTPITCH-Spring/Summer
Eligibility for all fastpitch leagues is based upon a player's birth year, regardless of what grade she is in school.
For 2022, if your daughter has a birth year of 2013 or 2014, she is eligible to play 8U fastpitch.
This league was developed to encourage players who are ready for more than Machine/Coach Pitch, but who are too young for 10U fastpitch. It is a great way to introduce girls to fastpitch. In fact, 8U gives girls more at bats, and because there are no walks, it encourages the girls to learn to hit the ball. 8U Fastpitch is sanctioned the same as our 10U and 12U fastpitch leagues through MN Softball. For the most part, 8U games are played by the same rules as 10U fastpitch softball – striking out, 3 outs an inning, etc. However, there is no stealing, no leading off, and no walks. Like 10/12U Fastpitch, there is travel to various locations around the Twin Cities. Coaches focus on the fundamentals of softball: throwing, catching, hitting, and base running. Players still hit off of a “machine,” the same machine that is used in Machine Pitch.
Returning for 2022: All 8U players can be evaluated and are encouraged to tryout. Players must attend tryouts to be considered eligible for the A team and are optional for others. Discussion will take place during team formation if an A team of 8U players will be formed.
8U Spring Fastpitch Consists of:
- 2 practices a week (one with batting cage)
- 1 game per week (Wednesdays)
- Last few weeks of regular season are doubleheader games
- 2-3 tournaments per season
2022 Important 8U Spring Fastpitch Dates:
- March 13th, 8U Tryouts (Mandatory to make A, Optional Otherwise)
- April 10th week, Practices Start (weather-dependent)
- May 2nd week, First week of games
- May 21st-22nd, MGSA's May Madness 8U Tournament at Legacy
- July 9th-10th, 8U End of Season State Tournament
We ask for players that want to join fastpitch to be dedicated to this sport. We want to keep our rosters small in order to get girls more playing time, but in order to do that, we need girls to be committed to softball during the season. We expect players to attend all practices, games, doubleheaders, and tournaments.
Season: mid-April through mid-July
8U FASTPITCH-Fall 2022
Fall Fastpitch Season is when girls age-up to the next level. The rules are the same as spring/summer ball (above), the season is short, and there is a strong focus on player development.
Fall 8U teams practice twice per week up until Labor Day, then only practice once a week once school starts until the state tournament (last weekend of September).
Like spring/summer, we operate under the MN Softball League, however unlike spring, competition adjusts each week based on your results from the prior week(s). Double Headers are on Saturdays and typically located in the southwest metro (EP, Hopkins, Wayzata, Chanhassen, Bloomington, etc.) There may be some longer travel days, but usually no more than 1/2 an hour drive (the league sets the schedule). You will not know who/when/where until about a few days prior to the games. Game time doubleheaders are either 12 & 1:30 p.m. or 3 & 4:30 p.m.
For 2022, if your daughter has a birth year of 2014 or 2015, she is eligible to play 8U fastpitch.
Tryouts: There are no tryouts for 8U fall. Teams will be formed by schools and friend requests.
2022 Important 8U Fall Fastpitch Dates:
- Week of 8/15: Fall Practices Begin
- Double headers: 8/20, 8/27, 9/10, 9/17 *No games Labor Day Weekend (9/3)
- State Tournament (All Teams Qualify): 9/24
Season: Aug-Sept
