Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily, but it is highly recommended that you have at least some knowledge of how the game is played and some hand-eye coordination. Coaches are there to help, but it is difficult to explain every single rule during play, etc. Watch some MLB games, Google the rules of play, and we will help you develop and hone your baseball skills.

The league is a recreational league with a focus on fun and a wide range of skill levels, from newer players to those with plenty of experience. Everyone is encouraged to play hard and have fun, but baseball does involve hard-hit balls and active defensive play, so players should be comfortable with a fast-paced game and the usual physical demands of the sport.

Each season, there have been four teams of 12 players, on average.

The season technically starts with indoor evaluations in April and continues into May with outdoor practices. Formal weekly games start in June, with playoffs being held at the end of September. In total, there are roughly 10 regular-season games, plus playoffs.

Most games are played at Robert Lenihan Field in Bedford. Sometimes other fields in HRM are used, such as Graves Oakley (Spryfield) and Woodside (Dartmouth).

The minimum age for rostered players is 18 years. Our average age is 38.

All women-identified and gender diverse people aged 18+ who want to play baseball are welcome.

Absolutely! We have many players who came from a softball background. Many of the skills are easily transferable. 

Of course! We recommend participating in some training sessions before jumping into a game, but you’ll get there in no time!

If you have an existing disability or injury that makes it difficult to run, all you need to do is make it to first base, and we can sub in a pinch-runner for you. Other accommodations can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

To register to be in the draft, you must fill out a draft card and pay a $20 fee. Then you need to attend at least 2 of the 4 evaluation sessions on Sundays in April at the BMO Soccer Centre.

If you are drafted by a team, you will then pay the remainder of registration costs ($130 for a total of $150). If you aren’t drafted by a team, you will be put on the spares list, and you will have the opportunity to play when teams need players. Each game played for a spare costs $10.

Registration opens in April and closes the first week of May – watch the website and Facebook page for details!

Registration fees include your jersey, hat, balls, league equipment, insurance, field rentals and umpire fees.

On a case-by-case basis, those wanting to discuss this can reach out to the league.

Yes, if you decide to leave the league within the first month, you can get a partial refund. The custom jersey and hat portions of your registration are non-refundable. Players joining late to take someone’s place will pay a pro-rated registration fee.

Every October, the league hosts a Test Drive game for those who would like to try before committing. Another option is to join the spare list for your first year.

You’ll need white baseball pants or knickers, socks in your team’s colour, a baseball glove, cleats, and a batting helmet. You must wear a helmet while on deck, at bat and on base. Metal cleats are not allowed.

The league has a set of catcher’s gear for each team, and team bats for all to use.

Yes, you will have the opportunity to try sizes prior to ordering your custom jerseys. Returning players have priority in selecting jersey numbers.

New players have the option of putting a friend’s name they’d like to play with on their draft card, but it isn’t guaranteed.

Yes, as a result of our draft system, the teams are quite well balanced. Coaches aim to have a mix of players who play key positions, like pitch and catch, as well as the rest of the fielding positions. Players are encouraged to try new positions as they gain confidence through the season. You will never be forced to play a position you’re uncomfortable with.

Our league rules can be found here.

We usually play 6 innings, but games can go up to 7 if there is time. A typical game will last a maximum of 2 hours and 20 minutes, with the 5th, 6th and 7th innings being open.

There are both league practices and individual team practices throughout the season. These are usually on weeknights at local youth fields.

Teams play every weekend except for long weekends on either Saturday or Sunday.

You must let your coach know of your availability at least 48 hours ahead of each game. If you aren’t able to attend at least 50% of regular-season games, you will not be eligible to play in the playoffs.

The league uses various methods of communication, including email, Facebook, and a team app for games. Most of the action is on Facebook. We have a group for interested players and spares, and a private group

You can contact the league commissioner, Jen Donaldson, via Facebook or email (coachjendonaldson@gmail.com) or the general league email ns.monarchs.women@gmail.com

Yes! We have a social committee and everything!

Sometimes. The league also runs weekly winter training sessions starting in January.

Yes! We have an annual All-Star game in October, along with a skills competition. There are also opportunities for travel both Nationally and internationally.