Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q. When will the next season start?
A. February 24 – April 13, 2024.
Q. What is the cost for registration?
A. $30 for players with special needs, $15 for buddies and no charge for coaches and volunteers. Players, buddies, coaches and volunteers must complete a Registration Form.
Q. Is financial assistance available?
A. Yes. Check the box on the Registration Form indicating assistance is requested.
Q. When is the deadline for registration?
A. Friday, December 22. 2023 – 6:00 pm. We will close registration early if we reach our capacity.
Q. What time are the games played?
A. 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:15 p.m. You will play at one of these times and will not always be playing at the same time. A schedule is provided well in advance.
Q. Will there be practices during the week?
A. No. Practice is 15 to 20 minutes before each game. There are no additional practices.
Q. How long are the games?
A. About one hour.
Q. Where are the games played?
A. At the Temple Terrace Recreation Complex softball fields. 6700 E. Whiteway Drive, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. (Fields are behind Lewis Elementary)
Q. How many players are on a team?
A. There are seven to nine players per team depending on how many players sign up.
Q. Do I have to live in a specific area to play?
A. No. We have no restrictions on where you live.
Q. Will players and buddies receive a uniform?
A. Absolutely. All players and buddies will receive a t-shirt with their team name, their name and number on the uniform.
Players
Q. What is a “special need?”
A. Anything where a player may need some support to experience success and fun in the game: physical, intellectual, psychological, social, neurological, motor, etc.
Q. My child is in a wheelchair or uses a walker, can they play too?
A. Yes.
Q. If I am a player, do I need to provide my own buddy?
A. No. Buddy Baseball will match you with a buddy.
Q. We don’t have any equipment, do I have to buy a glove, bat and helmet?
A. We will have balls, bats and helmets. You will need a ball glove if you desire, but it is not required. Used gloves are donated for the players and you can select one when you pick up your team shirt.
Buddies, Coaches & Volunteers
You do not need any baseball experience to be a buddy or a coach.
As a buddy, you will be the buddy for the same player every game.
Q. What are the commitments of the buddies?
A. Each buddy is assigned to a player for the season consisting of seven games. Buddies must be able to commit to at least five of the seven games. If you can’t commit to four games but still want to be a buddy, you can sign up as a back-up buddy. We will place you on a team, but not assign you a player and you can fill in and assist as needed.
Q. When do the players, buddies and coaches meet?
A. Prior to opening day, a Meet & Greet is held where all players and their families can meet and talk with buddies and coaches.
Q. Is there training for the buddies and coaches?
A. Yes, virtual training is provided prior to opening day.
Q. Will the coaches have background checks?
A. Yes.
Q. How can I help as a volunteer?
A. There are plenty of opportunities for volunteering. Please contact Russ Oberbroeckling at (813) 416-5742 or email – russ@buddybaseball.org
Sponsorships & Donations
Q. How do I sponsor a team or become a league sponsor?
A. Go to the Sponsorships section for details on opportunities starting at $250.
Q. How can I make a donation without becoming a sponsor?
A. Go to the Donations page for instructions and to donate online.