Frequently Asked Questions
How is CABL managed?
The Charlotte Adult Baseball League is managed
by a League Commissioner, and a board of directors who are all volunteers. Each Division is governed by a Director who is responsible for the planning, budgeting, recruiting, and management of that division. As a board member the Division Directors report to the commissioner and must have all actions approved by the board.
The board is democratically governed and all judgments are voted upon. This is a players league and all decisions are made with the player best interest and the preservation of the league in mind. The first agenda item of every board meeting is open to hear the concerns, comments, and suggestions of every non-board member in attendance. Players are encouraged to attend meetings and more importantly volunteer their services and abilities to make this a better league for us all.
What are the age limits?
You must be at least 18 years of age before you can become a player/member of
CABL. Even if you have graduated from High School, you must be 18 years of age
prior to joining a team. As for everyone 18 & older, it all depends on which
season you wish to participate. Otherwise, any 28+ ballplayer can participate
in a any season as long as you're physically able to compete. (e.g. A 38 year
old can play in the 18+ season).
What seasons are there?
CABL is an all wood bat league. We offer 3 different seasons for you to compete. Those season and their age
restrictions are:
Are there eligibility restrictions?
Basically you must turn 28 years of age
before December 31 of the current year, you are eligible to play. As far as
the 18+ league goes you must be 18 years of age before you can participate.
If you are a player with past pro experience, you must have not participated
in the professional arena for 1 calendar year prior to competing in CABL.
What is the schedule like?
Different seasons follow different formats. Those seasons and their formats
are listed below:
Note - Each season is followed by a play-off and championship series. The format, prizes, and seeding are contingent upon the season that you are competing.
Where are the games played?
We contract the use of high school, college, and recreational fields around
the Charlotte area within a 30 mile radius. We pay the schools for the use of
their facilities using our league fees. In addition to the fees we pay, we try
to provide an added services to each school we utilize from digging irrigation
systems, building bullpens, laying batter's circles, buying field supplies,
to offering a college scholarship.
How competitive is the league?
We find this to be the most competitive league in the Charlotte area. While
having fun is our number one goal, you will find most players step on the field
to win. After all, isn't that what competition is all about? While all players
have played some level of baseball from little league to collegiate. It's not
uncommon to find yourself sharing the field with a few players who've played
in the professional arena. All-in-all you'll find your blood pumping with the
thrill of competition again!
How fast is the pitching?
Really, how effective is any pitcher
who doesn't think he has the stuff? That being said, most pitchers in the Summer
& Fall seasons throw at various speeds ranging into the upper 80's effectively.
Occasionally, there will be a pitcher who throws in the 90's, but that speed
is reserved for those playing in the show. The most effective pitchers are those
with control. On average the velocity of pitchers in any season ranges from
the mid 50's to 80's.
What positions are in demand?
Due to the competitive nature of the CABL we find that good pitchers
are always in demand. A good pitchers is someone who can throw more strikes
(that the batter can't hit) than balls. Catchers would be the next commodity,
a strong catcher controls the defense.
What equipment do I need?
Basically all you need is a pair of cleats (metal preferably), a glove, a wooden bat, a competitive
edge, and the desire to play baseball. Depending on the season you're playing
in you'll use a wooden or metal bat. No, you don't have to go out and buy a
bat. However some players don't mind sharing, but you need to ask first bats
are expensive. Catching gear and helmets are provided by the teams, but if you
have your own gear, then get on the field!!!
How do I join a team?
About 6-8 weeks prior to the season opener CABL conducts open workouts
for new players. These workouts are designed to give team managers a chance
to look over new players and try to match your skills with their teams' needs
and to give new players a chance to get a feel for the league. There is a draft
following the final workout where managers taking turns picking players for
their teams. So you need to submit your name and information in the new player
section of this website.
What happens if I don't get drafted
or missed the draft?
The draft is designed to get new players on the field. CABL makes
every effort to place new players on a team. However, this is not always a feasible
endeavor. Sometimes the new players outweigh the need of the teams. If this
happens the CABL board considers expanding and forming a new team, so if you
are willing to manage a team let the manager in charge of the draft know your
intentions. If a new team is not formed those players not drafted remain in
the players pool all year long. Often players are picked up during the season
to fill the need of teams due to player attrition.
How does an entire team join
the league?
If you have a team who wants to join the CABL, then you need to contact the
commissioner or someone on the board ASAP! Time is of the essence you can lose
your slot if you don't act quickly. Also there are strict fee requirements for
new teams, earnest money is required to declare a new teams intentions. Different
rules apply for those individuals wishing to step up and manage a team due to
an abundance of draft players. The league recognizes and supports this initiative
by nurturing the growth and development of a draft pool team. Actually, we work
with any new team to insure their development sustains the leagues growth.
What are the costs associated
with CABL?
No matter which league you participate in, fees average about $10 - $15 per
player - per game. However, these fees are calculated prior to the season according
to the number of teams and the costs associated to support the number of games
to be played by those teams. The fees cover field rental, balls and umpires
for the entire season, insurance, membership in the national Roy Hobbs organization
(which allows you to play in World Series at a reduced cost), and a subscription
to the annual Roy Hobbs publication.
Note - Some teams may incur additional costs for uniforms and/or equipment, these fees are up to the discretion of that team's manager. However, some teams acquire sponsorship and subsequently fees are reduced.