12U Fastpitch Spring/Summer
Eligibility for all fastpitch leagues is based upon a player's birth year, regardless of what grade she is in school.
For 2022, if your daughter has a birth year of 2009 or 2010, she is eligible to play 12U fastpitch.
Fundamentals and player improvement are still stressed at 12U. 12U plays with a 12" ball. The piching distance is 40'.
Tryouts are required for the 12U level. Tryout evaluations in March allow MGSA to build teams upon player abilities and skills. Our goal is to form one A level team, then all other players will form B or possibly C teams based on numbers and like-skill level. We base team formation off of results from evaluations to ensure we are developing pitchers and catchers as well as keeping like-abilities together.
12U Fastpitch Philosophy
The program’s dual focus is player development compete to win. Girls will learn the game of fastpitch in a competitive environment. The full roster is batted for all games. Girls on average will play 2-3 different positions (or more) throughout the season. During league games, defensive and batting positions are rotated. Tournament games coaches will play to win. The commitment to fastpitch is at a high level and attendance is important relative to player development.
12U Spring Fastpitch Committment
- 2 practices per week
- 1 batting cage per week
- 2 double headers per week
- 5-6 tournaments per season
2022 Important 12U Spring Fastpitch Dates:
- TBD (2 days in March), 12U Tryouts
- TBD (usually last weekend in June), 12U State Qualifiers
- TBD (usually 2nd weekend in July), 12U End of Season State Tournament
Commitment: 2 practices and batting practice each week, two double headers each week, 5 weekend tournaments, and optional post-season play.
We ask for players that want to join fastpitch to be dedicated to this sport. We want to keep our rosters small in order to get girls more playing time, but in order to do that, we need girls to be committed to softball during the season. We expect players to attend all practices, doublheaders, and tournaments.
Season: April through July
12U FASTPITCH: Fall
Fall Fastpitch Season is when girls age-up to the next level. The rules are the same as spring/summer ball (above), the season is short, and there is a strong focus on player development.
Fall 12U teams practice twice a week up until Labor Day, then only pratice once a week once school starts until the state tournament (last weeekend of September).
Like spring/summer, we operate under the MN Softball League, however unlike spring, competition adjusts each week based on your results from the prior week(s). Double Headers are on Sundays and typically located in the southwest metro (EP, Hopkins, Wayzata, Chanhassen, Bloomington, etc.) There may be some longer travel days, but usually no more than 1/2 an hour drive (the league sets the schedule). You will not know who/when/where until about a few days prior to the games. Game time doubleheaders are either 12 & 1:30 p.m. or 3 & 4:30 p.m.
For 2021, if your daughter has a birth year of 2009 or 2010, she is eligible to play 12U fastpitch.
Tryouts are required for the 12U level. Tryout evaluations in July allow MGSA to build teams upon player abilities and skills. We base team formation off of results from evaluations to ensure we are developing pitchers and catchers as well as keeping like-abilities together.
2021 Important 12U Fall Fastpitch Dates:
- Tryouts 7/19 & 7/20
- Week of 8/9: Fall Practices Begin
- Double headers: 8/22, 8/29, 9/12, 9/19 *No games Labor Day Weekend (9/5)
- TBD, Fall Skills Clinic
- State Tournament (All Teams Qualify): 9/26
12U SELECTS: AUG-MAR *NEW FOR 2021!
12U Selects is a new introduction for 2021. This offering is for players seeking year-round development with a team and as an individual skilled player competing at a high level.
The team will be formed during Fall tryouts based on tryout form indication of interest to make the team, and tryout results. Players will play fall ball, dome ball and 4-5 tournaments August-March (1-2 travel) and will practice 1-2x/week.
The team will have a paid head coach, and skill-specific training from paid specialized instructors including pitching, catching, hitting, and fielding. Training will be primarily at MHS Legacy Fields and the Tonka Dome.
The cost for 12U Selects is $1200. Players that receive an invite to the team will have their fall ball registration fee applied to the cost of Selects and charged an additional $50 upon acceptance. The remaining balance will be charged as 3 installments of $300 each to be paid Oct 1, Dec 1, and Feb 1.
For 2021, if your daughter has a birth year of 2009 or 2010, she is eligible to tryout for 12U Selects.
2021 Important 12U Selects Dates:
- Tryouts: 7/19 & 7/20
- Week of 7/26: Practices Begin
- Double headers: 8/22, 8/29, 9/12, 9/19 *No games Labor Day Weekend (9/5)
- Potential Tournament Weekends: 9/10-9/12; 10/9-10/10; Turkey Trot, Holiday Bash, MLK, President's Day
- State Tournament (All Teams Qualify): 9/26
