Who is the Charlotte Adult Baseball League?
The Charlotte Adult Baseball League (CABL) is a non-profit corporation who is dedicated to the promotion of amateur baseball competition in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas. With a sense of family, citizenship, and community the CABL strives to foster the sport of baseball in our schools and athletic associations with volunteerism, donations, and partnership.
How is CABL managed?
The CABL is managed by a League President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and a Board of Directors who are all volunteers and elected. Each League is governed by a Commissioner who is responsible for the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and management of that league. The 4 League Commissioners who are also board members report to the President and must have all actions approved by the board.
This is a player’s league; therefore, each team elects a trustee to serve on the Board of Trustees. As stakeholders of the league, trustees ensure all decisions are made with the players' best interest and the preservation of the league in mind.
The board is democratically governed and all judgments are voted upon. The first agenda item of every board meeting is open to hear the concerns, comments, and suggestions of any league member in attendance. Players are encouraged to attend meetings and more importantly volunteer their services and abilities to make this organization better 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. As for everyone 18 & older, it all depends on which league you wish to participate. Any ballplayer can participate in a younger age group as long as you are physically able to compete. (e.g. A 38 year old can play in the 18+ division).
What levels of play are there?
CABL is an all wood bat league. We offer 4 different seasons for you to compete. Those season and their age restrictions are:
· Premier League (18+) - All players must be 18 years of age prior to joining a team.
· Veterans League (25+) - All players must be 28 years of age or will have their 25th birthday during the calendar year.
· Masters League (35+) - All players must be 38 years of age or will have their 35th birthday during the calendar year.
· Classic League (45+) - All players must be 48 years of age or will have their 45th birthday during the calendar year.
Are there eligibility restrictions?
If you reach the minimum age before December 31 of the current year, you are eligible to play. Except for the 18+ age group 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?
Each divisions follow different formats with time off for bye-weeks and holidays like Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Each division and their formats are listed below:
· Premier League (20 - 30 games) - This is our most demanding offering. Games are 9-innings, played twice a week on most Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning in April/May. Fees are expected to be around $400 but easily could vary.
· Veterans League (14 games) - Games are 9-innings beginning at 7:00 PM. We compete on Monday and/or Thursday beginning in April. Playoffs feature a twice a week format. Fees are expected to be around $300 but easily could vary.
· Masters League (14 games) - Games are 9-innings every Sunday afternoon starting in March. Fees are expected to be around $300 but easily could vary.
· Classic League (15 games) - Games are 7-innings every Friday evening beginning in April. Fees are expected to be around $350 but easily could vary.
Note - Each season is followed by a playoff 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 and recreational fields around the Charlotte area within a reasonable 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 service to each school we utilize from digging irrigation systems, building bullpens, laying batter's circles, buying field supplies, and anything else the facility or coach might need to better their program.
How competitive is the league?
We find this to be the highest level of competition in the area. While having fun is our number one goal, you will find that our 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 organized ball in the past, it's not uncommon to find yourself sharing the field with a few players who've played in the professional ranks. 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 our leagues throw at various speeds ranging into the upper 80's effectively. Occasionally, there will be a pitcher who throws in the 90's. The most effective pitchers are those with control. On average the velocity of pitchers can vary and might surprise you.
What positions are in demand?
Due to the competitive nature of the CABL, we find that good pitchers are always in demand. A good pitcher 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 (molded preferably - some of our mounds are turf and metal cleats aren't allowed on those), a glove, a wood bat, a competitive edge, and the desire to play baseball. No, you don't have to go out and buy a bat, but it's recommended to keep the peace in the dugout. However some players don't mind sharing, but you need to ask first, as bats are expensive. Catching gear and helmets may be provided by the teams, but serious ballplayers have their own gear, now don't they?!!
How do I join a team?
About 6-8 weeks prior to the season opener CABL conducts open tryouts for new players. These tryouts 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 tryout where managers take turns picking players for their teams. So you need to submit your name and information in the new player signup 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 commissioner of the league know your intentions. If a new team is not formed those players not drafted remain in the player’s 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 of that league or someone on the Board of Directors 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 $300 - $400 per player - per season. 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, baseballs, umpires and administrative costs for the entire season.
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.
