The Near West Recreation baseball and softball season takes place from May through the end of July.  Registration opens mid-March and ends mid-April.

Near West Recreation offers six divisions:  Our three younger divisions are coed and only play Near West Recreation teams.  Divisions are coed tee-ball (ages 4-6), coed coach pitch (7-9), and coed 12u baseball (ages 10-12).  For our three older divisions, we play against other leagues like West Denison, OBALL, Roberto Clemente, and City of Cleveland recreation center teams.  The three older divisions are U15 Junior baseball (ages 13-15), U15 fastpitch softball (ages 13-15), and U12 fastpitch softball (ages 10-12).

*If there are not enough players to form a softball team, we have a few alternative options. Girls under age 12 may play in the 12U baseball division. Girls who are 11½ or older may have the option to play up to help form a 15U softball team. If neither option works, we will work with other local leagues to help place players on a softball team. 

Participants will be placed on teams according to their age  on May 1 and their ability.  Kids can play up in a division.  On rare occasions will we allow a kid to play down a division.

When:

Tee-Ball, Coach Pitch, and 12U Baseball
Teams practice one weekday evening per week and play games on Saturday mornings or early afternoons. Toward the end of the season (July), some weeknight games may replace practices. Each player will be assigned a weekday practice day, time, and location, which will remain consistent throughout the season unless adjustments are needed. While we will do our best to accommodate special scheduling requests, they cannot always be guaranteed. Games begin the Saturday after Memorial Day weekend.

U15 Baseball, U15 Softball, and U12 Softball
These divisions practice and play primarily on weeknights. Teams will typically have two practices per week early in the season, with games beginning the week of Memorial Day or first week of June. Once games begin, teams generally play no more than two games per week, most often on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Practices will be scheduled as needed throughout the season. Players in these divisions should expect to be available most weeknights.

Locations:
All practices take place on Near West Side fields (see the Locations tab for details).

• Tee-Ball, Coach Pitch, and 12U Baseball: Games are played on the Near West Side, with most taking place at Brookside Reservation.

• U15 Baseball and Softball: Games are played across the West Side at fields including Brookside, Jose Ramirez, Zone, W.C. Reed, Halloran, Mohican, and Thrush.

Equipment:  Tee-ball and coach pitch team receive team t-shirt and hat. Our 12u and U15 baseball and softball teams receive team t-shirt, hat, and pants.  Tennis shoes (cleats preferred for ages 9 and up) are required for all participants.  Balls and other equipment are provided by Near West Recreation.

Cost: $45 per child for tee-ball and coach pitch players (ages 4-9).  $60 for our 12u and 15u baseball and softball players (10-15). Need-based financial assistance is available for kids living on going to school on the Near West Side.

Volunteer Coaches: We are always in need of volunteer head and assistant coaches.  We are looking for adults that have knowledge of the sport, can commit three to fours per week to practice and games, and most importantly can bring positive energy to the players they coach.  Background checks are required and paid for by Near West Recreation. We work with coaches to coordinate practice times that work with their schedule.  If interested, you can fill out the coach's form here.  We will contact you with more information.

If you have any questions, please contact Near West Recreation at nearwestrec@ohiocity.org or 216-781-3222