The West Hill Baseball League (WHBL) is a not-for-profit organization located in east Scarborough, serving the neighbourhoods of Malvern, Woburn, Scarborough Village, Guildwood, Highland Creek, Port Union, Rouge Hill, West Rouge, and West Hill. WHBL is run entirely by volunteers, offering baseball programs for youth ages 3 to 19 (Age is determined according to the player’s year of birth (e.g. for programs in 2024, a player born in 2020 is classed as 4 years of age, and a player born in 2006 is classed as 18 years of age). We provide a fun and safe environment where girls and boys can learn and develop through sport and teamwork.
2024 Season: Division – Age Group (Year of Birth)
Blast Ball – Ages 3-4 (2020-2021)
Rally Cap T-Ball – Ages 5-6 (2018-2019)
4-Pitch/T-Ball – Ages 6-7 (2017-2018)
8U – Age 8 (2016)
9U – Age 9 (2015)
11U – Ages 10-11 (2013-2014)
13U – Ages 12-13 (2011-2012)
15U – Ages 14-15 (2009-2010)
18U – Ages 16-19 (2006-2008)
What programs does the West Hill Baseball League offer?
WHBL offers House League and Select programs. House League is inclusive, recreational baseball which promotes good sportsmanship and player development. Players of all skill levels and experience are welcome. Competitive players may also wish to try out for a Select Team.
What is Select play?
WHBL usually offers one Select Team per division (9U and older). Our Select Teams play in the Toronto Baseball Association (TBA) East loop on Sunday nights. In addition to the Sunday loop games, our teams participate in weekend tournaments across Ontario. Practices are as scheduled by the Select Coach. Select players must participate in House League games in order to be eligible to play on a Select Team. Depending upon interest, tryouts can take place as early as February or as late as May – dates will be posted on the WHBL website.
What is the cost?
Registration fees vary by division, which is based on the age of the player. For most divisions, there is a discount for registering during the “Early Bird” period. There is a further discount for registering additional players in the same family. There are additional costs for joining a Select Team.
What is your refund policy?
A $20 Administration Fee will be deducted from any refund request. No Refunds after June 1st for our Summer House League programs. No Refunds after August 20th for our Fall Ball programs.
What is provided to the player?
All players receive a uniform (baseball cap and team jersey for the Blast Ball division; baseball cap, team jersey and baseball pants for all other divisions). At the end of the season, all players receive an individual / team photo and an award.
What are the Start Dates and End Dates for the season?
Organized House League games (spring and summer sessions) occur weekly from May to August (excluding statutory holidays). Start Dates and End Dates depend on the program. Playoffs occur at the end of the season for most divisions (except for Blast Ball, Rally Cap, T-Ball, weekend-only programs and Fall programs).
What baseball equipment do I need to buy?
All players need to bring their own glove, a batting helmet with a strap, and appropriate shoes (non-metal baseball cleats are preferable, but not required). A protective cup (boys and girls) is required for most divisions (except for Blast Ball, Rally Cap and T-Ball).
How do I register my child?
WHBL registration usually opens in January of each year. The primary registration period is January – April, but late registrations are allowed, space permitting. We recommend registering as early as possible to ensure your child's place on a team. There is a player cap on all divisions, and once this cap is reached, no further registrations in that division will be accepted. Early registration also allows you to take advantage of discounted pricing.
During the registration period, a link will be visible on the WHBL website for online registration. WHBL will only accept online registration using a credit card (Mastercard or VISA).
Friend Request Policy
The league will try to honour friend requests within the boundaries of program objectives. Our objective when creating teams is to have fair and balanced play. Please email special friend requests with reason(s) to requests.westhillbaseball@gmail.com. All requests will be reviewed and accommodated, if possible.
How do I receive a receipt?
A receipt is e-mailed to the parent once the child is registered and payment is received. Parents can also log in to their account at any time to print their receipt.
What are the differences between the various House League divisions?
Players are assigned to a division based on year of birth. Blast Ball, Rally Cap and T-Ball are intended to introduce younger children to the elements of baseball in a fun and exciting manner, and to encourage interest and enthusiasm in the sport. There is no scorekeeping at the Blast Ball, Rally Cap and T-Ball levels.
The 8U and 9U divisions contain most elements of standard baseball, with an adult-operated pitching machine to ensure consistency.
Players have the opportunity to develop pitching skills in the older divisions (11U to 18U).
When & Where are games played?
Teams in the Saturday Blast Ball divisions play ONE Saturday morning per week at the Charlottetown Public School school-yard fields.
Teams in the Weekday Blast Ball division play ONE night per week at the Charlottetown Public School school-yard fields – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. You can select the play night during the registration process.
Teams in the Rally Cap (Spring and Summer) division play TWO nights per week at the Charlottetown Public School school-yard fields - Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays & Thursdays. You can select the play nights during the registration process.
Teams in the 4Pitch/T-Ball division play TWO nights per week at the Charlottetown Public School school-yard fields - Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays & Thursdays. You can select the play nights during the registration process.
The 8U division plays TWO nights per week, on Mondays & Wednesdays.
The 9U division plays TWO nights per week, on Mondays & Wednesdays.
The 11U division plays TWO nights per week, on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
The 13U division plays TWO nights per week, on Mondays & Wednesdays.
No games are scheduled on statutory holidays. Games are played at various local diamonds. Start times and length of games vary by division, but most activity occurs between 6:30 – 8:30pm. A complete schedule is posted on the WHBL website once registration has ended and team rosters have been determined.
What is Interlock (15U & 18U Divisions)?
15U and 18U teams play with teams from member baseball leagues of the Scarborough Baseball Association (SBA) - West Hill, Birchmount, East Toronto, and Wexford / Agincourt. This is called "Interlock". Interlock Divisions play twice a week (any day from Monday to Friday, no fixed days) at various diamonds within each neighbourhood. 15U plays from 6:30 – 8:30pm, and 18U plays from 8:50 – 10:50pm. All scheduling for Interlock Divisions (including practices, playoffs, rainouts) is managed by the SBA. SBA’s policies may not be the same as WHBL’s. Please refer to the SBA website for details.
What happens in Bad Weather?
On occasion, games will be cancelled due to bad weather or field conditions. Games will generally continue through light rain or showers, but will be stopped if any situation presents a risk to players (lightning, deteriorating field conditions, extreme heat & humidity, etc). Games may be cancelled by the WHBL Executive prior to start time if sufficiently poor conditions are observed during the day, by Umpires at the diamond, or if the City of Toronto or the TDSB cancel our permits for the diamonds.
Should a game be cancelled prior to start time, a notice will be placed on the WHBL website, and an e-mail will automatically be sent to all impacted players, coaches, and umpires via our website provider. Coaches may also set up a call tree.
Similarly, for 15U and 18U, Interlock games may be cancelled by the SBA.
Are cancelled games rescheduled?
There is no rescheduling of cancelled games for Blast Ball, Rally Cap or T-Ball. For 8U, 9U, 11U and 13U divisions, a maximum of 2 cancelled games will be rescheduled before the Playoffs, on regular playing days set aside for this purpose, regardless of the number of actual cancelled games.
Are there Practices in addition to games?
If there are an odd number of teams in a division, a team practice is inserted into the regular schedule when a team has no opponent to play. Coaches may also conduct practices on weekends or at other times.
How does my child get assigned to a team?
In early May, players are assigned to teams. Teams typically have a maximum of 13 players. A request for a player to be placed on the same team as another player will be considered – but this is guaranteed only for siblings. Our primary objective is the creation of fair and balanced teams, in order to ensure a competitive and exciting season. Parents will be contacted by their child’s coach after the teams have been drafted. Please note that, in order to achieve fair and balanced teams, your child may be moved from his/her original team to another team during the first few weeks of the season. We reserve the right to ask for Proof of Age to ensure that players are placed in the correct division.
Will my child be assigned to a specific playing position?
There are no assigned positions in House League play - players are given the opportunity to play all positions. Coaches are instructed to rotate players between infield and outfield, and all players are encouraged to try pitching and catching.
When will uniforms be distributed?
Players receive their uniforms a few weeks into the season, once the team rosters have been finalized. The uniforms will be delivered to the coaches at one of the regularly scheduled games.
What are Exhibition Games?
For certain divisions (8U and older), the first few games of the season are considered Exhibition Games. The Exhibition Games provide the first opportunity for the League to assess the teams. If teams appear to be imbalanced, it will result in some players being moved from their original team to another team. No points for wins or ties are awarded during the Exhibition Games.
What are House League Playoffs?
House League teams (except Blast Ball, Rally Cap, T-Ball and Fall programs) participate in end-of-season playoffs – a round-robin tournament involving all teams in the respective division. Playoffs typically start late July / early August depending on the number of teams in the division. Points accrued during the regular season (2 points for win, 1 point for tie) determines the Home / Visitor status at each playoff game. The two teams in each division with the best playoff record advance to a one-game final.
Should there be a tie for 2nd place, the winner of the playoff game between those two teams will advance to the final. If that game ended in a tie (it has happened!), the run differential (runs scored less runs against) achieved during the playoffs will be the deciding factor.
What are Winter Practices?
WHBL offers free indoor practices at local school gyms for all divisions except Blast Ball, Rally Cap and T-Ball. Practices are held on various weeknights, and involve a series of drills and mock games intended to refresh knowledge of baseball rules and improve skills. Space at each session is limited.
What happens at Opening Day?
The primary purpose of Opening Day is for players to have their individual / team photos taken. Each team will be given a scheduled time to arrive for the photos. Afterwards, there will be a Skills Competition (Pitch, Hit & Run) for players from T-Ball to 18U. Each player and coach receives a hot dog & drink. Opening Day also provides parents with the opportunity to meet members of the Executive, and opportunities for our high school youths to volunteer and help out, and earn community involvement (volunteer) hours that they need to graduate from high school.
What happens at Closing Day?
The primary purpose of Closing Day is to distribute awards to all players, and announce the winning teams for the season. Closing Day also provides one last opportunity for teammates to gather together and remember the fun they had during the summer. Each player and coach receives a hot dog & drink. Closing Day also provides opportunities for our high school youths to volunteer and help out, and earn community involvement (volunteer) hours that they need to graduate from high school.
Who are the Coaches?
WHBL is run ENTIRELY by volunteers, including coaches. Coaches are usually parents like yourself, who enjoy the game and love interacting with the players. Coaches are responsible for making a batting order, assigning positions on the field, and providing guidance regarding baseball skills. Training is available. Please consider signing up as a Head Coach, Team Manager/Assistant Coach or a Health and Safety Manager when you are registering your child.
Who are the Umpires?
Umpires officiating at House League games are persons who have passed one or more of the umpiring clinics offered by Baseball Ontario. Umpires must attain the age of 13 years in the year of certification. Most of our umpires also play baseball within the League. If your child is interested in becoming an umpire, please contact the Umpire-in-Chief at westhilluic@gmail.com
What is the WHBL Code of Conduct?
Harassment takes many forms, but can generally be defined as behaviours, including comments and/or conduct, which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals or which create an uncomfortable environment. The WHBL Code of Conduct requires players, coaches, umpires, officials, parents, executives and spectators to treat everyone else fairly and equitably, with respect at all times, and to refrain from discriminating against any player on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation.
I want to help. How can I become a volunteer?
There are many tasks that need to be done in order to have a successful season, and we can always use more help. Whatever your skills or interest (team coach, team manager, assistant coach, health and safety manager, administrative support, Bingo helper), we can find a place for you! Please contact our President, Mike Yen (president.westhillbaseball@gmail.com) for further information.