Baseball Season for Kids: Everything You Need to Know

Baseball season is an exciting, optimistic time where fans of all ages come together to cheer for their favorite teams and players. But when does the baseball season start? “When does baseball season start?” For kids, the return of baseball season means time spent outdoors, learning the game, and having fun with friends. If you’re new to youth baseball, don’t worry—getting started is simple. This guide covers everything you need to know about the baseball season for kids in the U.S.

Each level has its own schedule, from tee-ball to Little League and beyond. Let’s break down the timelines and how to prepare.

Baseball Season Schedule by League in the U.S.

Youth baseball in the United States is organized into several leagues. Each league follows its timeline based on age group, competition level, and local weather. Start and end dates can vary slightly from city to city. Here’s a general guide to when the season begins and what to expect in each league.

Tee-Ball (Ages 4–6)

Tee-ball is usually the first introduction to baseball for young children. It focuses on fun, safety, and basic skills like hitting off a tee and running the bases. The season typically begins in late March or early April, once the weather allows for consistent outdoor practices. Most tee-ball leagues run for about 8 to 10 weeks, wrapping up by early to mid-June. Practices usually start a couple of weeks before the first game. Games are often held once a week, typically on weekends.

Young children learning to hit off a tee in tee-ball with coach assistance on a sunny field.

Coach-Pitch & Machine-Pitch Leagues (Ages 6–8)

These leagues are a step up from tee-ball and are designed for kids starting to hit live pitches from a coach or machine. The season usually begins around the same time as tee-ball. It often starts in March or April, depending on the region. Practices frequently begin in March, with games starting by mid-April and continuing through late June or early July. Teams usually play 1–2 games weekly, with additional weekday or weekend practices to build skills and confidence.

A 7-year-old boy swinging at a coach’s pitch in youth baseball, teammates watching from dugout.

Little League (Ages 9–12)

Little League Baseball is one of the most popular organized youth leagues in the U.S. It follows a more defined and structured schedule. Registration for spring Little League begins as early as January or February, with team selection and practices starting in March. The regular season kicks off in April and usually ends in June, followed by All-Star tournaments for selected players that can run into July or August, depending on district or state progression. Some areas may also offer Fall Ball, which is a shorter season that starts in late August or September and ends by October.

Diverse Little League team cheering as player rounds bases after a home run in a community game.

Pony Baseball & Cal Ripken Leagues (Various Age Divisions)

Pony Baseball and Cal Ripken leagues offer age-specific divisions similar to Little League. These leagues also begin their seasons in early to mid-spring, usually with registration in January or February and practices starting in March. Games typically run from April through June, and competitive teams may advance into regional tournaments in the summer. Like Little League, many Pony and Cal Ripken programs offer a Fall Ball season to give kids extra playtime and skill development.

12-year-old pitcher delivering a fastball in a competitive Pony Baseball night game under lights.

Travel Baseball & Club Teams (Ages 8–14 and Up)

Travel baseball is more competitive and often requires a year-round commitment. These teams typically hold tryouts in late summer or early fall of the previous year, with training and indoor workouts beginning as early as January. The official season starts with tournaments in March or April, depending on the climate, and can extend through the summer months into August or even September. Travel teams often participate in multiple weekend tournaments, sometimes traveling across state lines, and have fewer weeknight games compared to recreational leagues.

Young athlete sliding headfirst into home plate during a high-stakes travel baseball tournament.

High School Baseball (Ages 14–18)

For kids who are a bit older, high school baseball follows a school district schedule and usually begins with tryouts in February, followed by team practices and early scrimmages in late February to early March. The competitive season begins in March and runs through May or early June, depending on how far the team goes in postseason playoffs. Summer leagues may be available through school programs or community clubs for players looking to stay active after the school season ends.

High school varsity pitcher throwing a fastball during a tense game, crowd in background.

How Long Does the Season Last?

The average youth baseball season lasts about 10–12 weeks, including:

2–3 weeks of practice
6–8 weeks of regular season games
1–2 weeks of postseason play (for competitive leagues)

Many local leagues wrap up by early summer, while travel teams may continue into late summer or early fall, especially if they qualify for regional tournaments.

How to Get Ready for the Season

If your child is new to baseball, do not worry—you do not need to go all out. Most leagues guide on what is required. Here is a simple checklist to help you prepare:

Registration

Sign-ups usually begin between January and March, depending on the league. To avoid missing deadlines, keep an eye on local sports organizations or school flyers.

Gear Basics

Glove (Make sure it fits your child’s hand)
Helmet (Some leagues provide them)
Bat (Must meet league regulations—check sizing charts)
Cleats (Not required in all leagues, but helpful)
Team Uniform (Usually provided after Registration)

Attend Team Meetings

Coaches often host a quick info session to review practice schedules, game rules, and volunteer needs (like snack duty or scorekeeping) before the season starts.

Related Articles:

The Best Baseball Drills for Kids to Hone Their Skills

Final Thoughts

The start of baseball season for kids marks the beginning of a fun-filled stretch of teamwork, skill-building, and sunny days at the ballpark. Whether your child is four years old and trying tee-ball for the first time or joining a Little League team, there is something magical about this time of year.

So when does baseball season start for kids? For many families, it begins when you grab that glove, hit the field, and watch your kid fall in love with the game.