FAQ
What is the Island Baseball League?
It’s a well-organized recreational non-profit baseball league in Newport, Rhode Island for men over 22.
How competitive is the league?
Island Baseball is for all men who want to play baseball. Most players have baseball experience, ranging from little league to the college level. While all players are playing to win, the main focus of the Island Baseball League is to have fun playing the game we all love. Players of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to play. Every player, regardless of his skill level, enjoys equal play time in the field and at-bats, and the respect of his teammates for good effort and sportsmanship.
What ages are Island Baseball players?
The age range of players is anywhere from 22 to over 60. The minimum age to join the league is 22. The league does however allow players sons to play, if they are 18 years of age and their father is currently on a team roster in the league. The league does not have separate divisions that are based on age. Each team has players of all ages and skill levels — and it works very well to maintain a competitive balance throughout the league. Whatever your age, you will enjoy playing baseball in an atmosphere of sportsmanship, spirited competition and camaraderie.
How do I get on a team?
Register HERE.
Where do you play?
We play most games at the War Memorial Field in Middletown with some games at Cardines Field in Newport and other Aquidneck Island locations. The field has ample comfortable seating and parking for spectators, and it’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours playing ball. The majority of games are played on Sundays between late April and late September. Occasionally games are played on other days or nights. All games are seven innings and last roughly 2 1/2 hours.
How often do you play?
Each team plays 16 regular season games plus playoffs with Opening Day being the last Sunday in April. The season concludes with the League Championship game usually being played mid to late September. The entire regular season schedule is available to all players and the public before Opening Day. The season could go into the month of October in the event rainouts have to be rescheduled for late in the season.
How much does it cost?
The Island Baseball League is a non-profit organization. The player fee (Currently $250) is determined each year. The player fee covers liability insurance, field usage, game balls, umpires and other league related operational costs. Each individual team charges a fee to purchase team uniforms. Uniforms are not provided by the league, and each individual team is responsible for their own uniforms. The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if you are unable to play after signing up, and you provide written notice prior to opening day, your fee (less a $50 administration charge) may be applied toward registration for the next season.
What do I need to play?
To play in the league players will need a fielding glove, a wooden baseball bat (we recommend bringing 2 in case one breaks during the game), and a batting helmet. Team jersey’s and hats are required and ordered through your team manager. Baseball pants are also required. Jeans, shorts, sweatpants, or any other type of pant or short are prohibited.
What if I want to register for a specific team?
Every player that enters the Island Baseball League will go into the League’s entry draft and will be available for any team to draft. At the time of signup there is a section where you can indicate you would like to play for a specific team or with a specific other player or players. While there is no guarantee these requests will be honored, this is a gentlemen’s league and the league board and team managers will make every reasonable effort to honor the request during the draft process.