Program Information
Competitive Focus: The Knights program is designed for players who want to develop their baseball skills at a more advanced level and compete against strong competition throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Important Requirements:
- Knights players must also register for Glendale Little League's spring season.
- Knights is a separate organization from GLL with its own registration, fees, and requirements.
- There is a higher time commitment for practices, games, and tournaments compared to recreational baseball.
- Team placement is based on evaluations and tryouts to ensure players are at appropriate competitive levels.
- Coordinated Scheduling: GLL and Knights work closely together to ensure game and practice schedules do not conflict, allowing players to fully participate in both programs.
The Knights program emphasizes skill development and competitive play while maintaining a positive, player-focused environment.
Season Information
Season Timeline: Though separate from GLL spring season, the Knights program complements rather than competes with it.
- Evaluations/Tryouts: Typically held in late summer/early fall
- Indoor Training: Winter months (January-March)
- WSYBL League Games: May through July
- Tournament Play: Various weekend tournaments throughout the season
- Total Commitment: Approximately 8 months of baseball-related activities
Players can expect 1-2 practices per week during pre-season and 2 plus games during the regular season.
Visit Knights Website | Visit WSYBL Website
Knights Program Overview
Competitive Baseball Development
The Glendale Knights Baseball program offers a comprehensive player development experience focused on advancing baseball skills, game strategy, and sportsmanship. We aim to prepare players for success at each level and build a foundation for their baseball future.
- WSYBL Competition: Our teams compete in the Wisconsin State Youth Baseball League, which provides appropriate competition levels for each age group and skill level.
- Tournament Participation: Teams participate in 3-5 tournaments throughout the season, offering exposure to different competition and extended game experience.
- Extended Season: The Knights program includes winter indoor training, allowing for year-round player development and skill building.
- Experienced Coaching: Our coaches receive training and support to provide consistent, high-quality instruction across all age levels.
- Age-Appropriate Development: Each age division focuses on specific skills and concepts appropriate for player growth at that level.
- Path to High School: Our U13-U14 programs specifically prepare players for successful transitions to high school baseball at Nicolet High School.
Development Philosophy: Our program emphasizes skill development, baseball IQ, and character building. While we strive for competitive excellence, our primary goal is player growth and fostering a love for the game.
Coordinated Scheduling with Glendale Little League
Complementary Programs Working Together
The Knights program was developed by Glendale Little League to provide additional competitive opportunities for players seeking advanced development. Both organizations work together to ensure players can fully participate in both programs without conflicts.
- GLL Participation Priority: Participation in Glendale Little League is required for all Knights players, and GLL commitments take priority when rare scheduling conflicts occur.
- Schedule Coordination: Knights and GLL leadership work closely together before each season to coordinate game and practice schedules, minimizing potential conflicts.
- Practice Planning: Knights practices are typically scheduled on different days than GLL practices to prevent players from having to choose between programs.
- Tournament Scheduling: Knights tournaments are carefully selected to avoid major GLL events and playoff periods.
- Communication: Both programs maintain open communication channels to address any scheduling concerns that may arise during the season.
- Shared Development Goals: While the Knights program offers more advanced competition, both programs share the goal of player development and fostering a love for baseball.
This coordinated approach ensures that players receive the benefits of both recreational Little League play and more competitive tournament baseball without being overwhelmed by conflicting commitments.
U8 Knights Academy (Ages 7-8)
Building the Foundation
The U8 Knights Academy is designed for players who will be 8 years old or younger as of May 1st of the season year. This program introduces young players to advanced baseball fundamentals while building a foundation for future competitive play.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Intensive instruction in throwing mechanics, fielding technique, and basic hitting approach.
- Introduction to Team Concepts: Learning basic defensive responsibilities, cutoffs, and game awareness.
- Character Development: Building teamwork, sportsmanship, and a growth mindset from the beginning.
- Modified Competition: Participation in selected tournaments and scrimmages to apply skills in game situations.
- Future Preparation: Establishing proper mechanics and approaches that will support success at higher levels.
- Practice Emphasis: More practice time than games, with a focus on repetition and skill building.
Development Path: The U8 Academy prepares players both technically and mentally for the more competitive environment of U9 and beyond, establishing proper fundamentals early in their development.
U9 Knights (Ages 8-9)
First Competitive Experience
Our U9 program is for players who will be 9 years old or younger as of May 1st of the season year. This division offers players their first true competitive team experience, building on fundamentals while introducing more advanced baseball concepts.
- Hitting Advancement: Development of consistent swing mechanics and approach, with emphasis on quality contact.
- Defensive Fundamentals: Proper fielding positions, footwork, and throwing mechanics from all positions.
- Baseball IQ: Understanding of force plays, cutoffs, and basic defensive strategy.
- Game Experience: Regular season WSYBL games plus 3-4 tournaments for expanded competitive exposure.
- Position Development: Exposure to multiple positions with beginning specialization based on skills.
- Team Dynamics: Learning to function as a team and support teammates through successes and failures.
Development Path: U9 Knights provides players with their first taste of competitive baseball, building confidence and skills for progression to higher levels of competition.
U10 Knights (Ages 9-10)
Advancing Competitive Skills
The U10 program is for players who will be 10 years old or younger as of May 1st of the season year. This division builds on the competitive foundations established at U9, with increased emphasis on baseball strategy and skill refinement.
- Advanced Hitting: Developing situational hitting approaches and pitch recognition skills.
- Defensive Progression: More complex defensive concepts including shifting, double plays, and bunt coverage.
- Introduction to Strategy: Understanding game situations and appropriate decision-making.
- Competitive Focus: Balancing development with a healthy competitive approach to games.
- Position Development: Continued exposure to multiple positions with increased specialization.
- Tournament Readiness: Preparing players for the mental and physical demands of tournament play.
Development Path: U10 players build on their competitive experience while advancing their baseball skills and game understanding, preparing for the increased demands of U11 and U12 play.
U11 Knights (Ages 10-11)
Refining Game Skills
The U11 program is for players who will be 11 years old or younger as of May 1st of the season year. This division focuses on refining baseball skills and deepening game understanding as players approach the pivotal U12 year.
- Hitting Mastery: Advanced mechanics, approach, and mental aspects of hitting against quality pitching.
- Defensive Excellence: Executing complex defensive plays with consistency and understanding.
- Advanced Baseball IQ: Deeper understanding of game strategy and situational play.
- Competitive Mentality: Developing resilience, focus, and competitive drive in challenging situations.
- Position Specialization: Focus on primary positions while maintaining versatility.
- Team Leadership: Beginning development of leadership skills and team accountability.
Development Path: U11 Knights represents an important bridge between youth baseball fundamentals and the more advanced skills needed for success at U12 and beyond.
U12 Knights (Ages 11-12)
Peak Little League Age
The U12 program is for players who will be 12 years old or younger as of May 1st of the season year. This division represents the culmination of Little League age baseball, with a focus on competitive excellence and preparation for the transition to bigger fields.
- Complete Player Development: Refinement of all aspects of the game to prepare for success at U13 and beyond.
- Advanced Strategy: Complex game situations, defensive adjustments, and situational play.
- Mental Toughness: Performance under pressure and maintaining focus in competitive situations.
- Season-Long Development: Structured progression of skills and concepts throughout the season.
- Tournament Competitiveness: Preparing for and competing at a high level in regional tournaments.
- Transition Preparation: Developing skills that will translate to success on larger fields at U13/U14.
Development Path: U12 Knights represents the peak of youth baseball on traditional Little League field dimensions, setting the foundation for the transition to intermediate and full-sized fields.
U13 Knights (Ages 12-13)
Transitioning to Bigger Fields
The U13 program is for players who will be 13 years old or younger as of May 1st of the season year. This division helps players adapt to intermediate field dimensions (50/70) and introduces more advanced aspects of the game encountered at higher levels.
- Lead-Offs and Stealing: Introduction to lead-offs, stealing, and more aggressive baserunning tactics.
- Pitching Evolution: Developing pickoff moves, varied timing, and pitching from the stretch.
- Defensive Adjustments: Adapting to longer throws, different angles, and increased field dimensions.
- Advanced Rules: Understanding balks, pickoffs, and other rules unique to upper-level baseball.
- Physical Development: Increased focus on strength, agility, and conditioning for older players.
- Game Speed: Adjusting to the faster pace and higher skill level of 50/70 baseball.
Development Path: U13 Knights serves as a critical transition year, helping players bridge from youth baseball to the full-sized diamond while continuing their competitive development.
U14 Knights (Ages 13-14)
Preparing for High School Baseball
Our U14 program is for players who will be 14 years old or younger as of May 1st of the season year. This division represents the culmination of the Knights experience, with direct preparation for high school baseball, particularly the Nicolet High School program.
- Full-Field Mastery: Complete adaptation to regulation field dimensions and game speed.
- Advanced Pitching: Developing pitching repertoire, strategy, and stamina for longer games.
- Power Development: Focus on power hitting and driving the ball to all fields.
- Complete Defensive Skills: Position-specific advanced skills and team defensive concepts.
- Leadership and Maturity: Taking ownership of performance and developing team leadership qualities.
- High School Preparation: Specific alignment with expectations and systems of the Nicolet Knights high school program.
Development Path: U14 Knights completes the youth baseball journey, preparing players for successful transitions to high school baseball with strong fundamentals and advanced game understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Knights Baseball
- Is my child required to play Glendale Little League if they play for Knights? Yes. All Knights players must also register for and participate in the Glendale Little League spring season. The Knights program is designed to complement, not replace, the Little League experience.
- How are teams formed? Teams are formed based on player evaluations and tryouts. While we aim to provide opportunities for all interested players, team placement is competitive and based on demonstrated skill level.
- What is the time commitment? The Knights program requires a significant time commitment. This includes winter training sessions, 2-3 practices per week during the season, weekend games, and several tournaments throughout the summer.
- Will Knights games conflict with Little League games? No. Knights and GLL leadership work closely to coordinate schedules, ensuring players can fully participate in both programs. In the rare case of an unavoidable conflict, GLL participation takes priority.
- What are the costs involved? Knights fees are separate from Glendale Little League fees and cover league registration, tournament entries, equipment, field rentals, umpires, and uniforms. Financial assistance may be available for families who qualify.
- Can my child play other sports while participating in Knights? Yes, many Knights players participate in other sports. However, there is an expectation of commitment to team activities, and excessive absences may affect playing time.
- How is playing time determined? While development remains our primary focus, Knights is a competitive program. Playing time is influenced by skill level, positional needs, practice attendance, and game situations, especially during tournaments.
Knights Registration and Information
For more information about the Glendale Knights Baseball program, including tryout dates, fees, and registration details, please visit the Glendale Knights website.
Remember that all Knights players must also register for Glendale Little League spring season!