12U Fastpitch

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 Fastpitch Spring/Summer

Eligibility: See Age Eligibility Chart

Overview: Developed to provide a fun, competitive learning environment, our 12U program is focused on accelerated skill development for pitchers, catchers and utility players. The full roster is batted every game and players have the opportunity to play a variety of different positions throughout the season, particularly during league games. Our approach to tournaments is more competitive and coaches will “play to win” which helps enable our teams to play more games in elimination tournaments. Games are sanctioned by the Minnesota Softball Big West league, which Minnetonka Girls Softball Association (MGSA) is a member and follows national fastpitch rules. 

The season kicks off with mandatory player evaluations. Girls will be placed on teams with others at similar skill levels, with the goal of forming one “A” level team, then all other players placed on “B” and “C” teams depending on registration numbers and skill levels. Team formations are based off results from the evaluations to ensure we are developing pitchers and catchers and keeping similar skill levels together. Official fastpitch jerseys and socks are included with the registration fee. 

Equipment Needed: Black softball pants (knicker style), batting helmet with cage, fielder's mask, bat, and softball glove.

Season Commitment: Mid-April through mid-July

  • Mandatory player tryouts
  • Two practices/week
  • Two doubleheaders/week (Monday and/or Wednesday) until June, then games Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • Five tournaments/season: 
    • State Qualifiers
    • State Tournament
    • Three other tournaments
  • Travel to various locations around the Twin Cities
  • One fastptich jersey and socks
  • Players come equipped with black pants, glove, defensive mask, bat, and helmet with cage.

Commitment

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 and games.

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 practice once a week once school starts until the state tournament (last weekend 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.

For 2023, there is a change in age requirements, please see age eligibility chart

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. 

12U SELECTS: AUG '23-MAR '24 (*3RD SEASON!)

12U Selects was a new introduction for 2021.  With great success, we are again offering this program for 2023.  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 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, and hitting.  Training will be primarily at MHS Legacy Fields and the Tonka Dome.

The cost for 12U Selects is $1500.  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 $350 upon acceptance.  The remaining balance will be charged as 3 installments of $300