Frequently-Asked Questions
Join the only program that allows Fairfield, James Bay, Rockland and South Oak Bay children and their schoolmates to represent their community park in baseball and softball - and maybe even challenge for a world series title.
As a Little League program since 1973, Beacon Hill Baseball and Softball Association is proud to have introduced baseball and softball to thousands of Victoria children in a fun and friendly environment.
What is Beacon Hill's catchment area?
Beacon Hill is a Little League Park and as such, promotes and encourages players to register in their neighbourhood Little League park. Beacon Hill’s neighbourhood or catchment is James Bay, Fairfield and the southern part of Jubilee and Oak Bay.
View Beacon Hill - 2011 in a larger map
If you're still not sure about whether or not you fall in our neighbourhood, send us an e-mail at bhillregistrar@gmail.com.
How long is the season?
The season typically runs for a little over 2 months: from early to mid-April (depending on weather and the conditions of the fields) until mid-June. At the older age groups, 9 and up, there will also be a tournament team organized that typically practices and plays into early July.
How old does my son/daughter have to be to play?
Children enter the park at a wide range of ages, successfully picking up the sport anywhere from three years old up to 13 years old. Visit the age divisions page here.
We do have some flexibility in placing your child and depending on skill level, maturity, desire, etc., will allow a child to move up or down a division to better fit their needs, match their skill set, or allow siblings to play on the same team.
How often do they play / practice?
We also recognize that the kids in our program have other activities on the go. So if you are wondering when the various divisions will play and if you/your child can fit it all in, here’s a rough guide (no absolute guarantees, as the schedule could change depending on registration numbers) on when and where they will play and practice:
- T-ball and Mini-minors: is a 2 hour per week commitment, with a practice once a week on a weeknight for an hour between 5:00 p.m. and 7 p.m. and a practice/game for an hour between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. All practices and games will be at Beacon Hill fields, i.e., no travel to other parks.
- Minor Baseball: is a 4-7 hour per week commitment, with up to two practices per week, typically weeknight evenings and 1-2 games per week. More than half the games will be at either Pemberton or Hollywood Parks, with other games at the other Little League Parks in and around Victoria. The schedule varies through the season but games are typically Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Major Baseball: is a 4-7 hour per week commitment, with up to two practices per week, typically weeknight evenings and 1-2 games per week. More than half the games will be at either Pemberton or Hollywood Parks, with other games at the other Little League Parks in and around Victoria. The schedule varies through the season but games are typically Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- Minor Softball: is a 4-7 hour per week commitment, with up to two practices per week, typically weeknight evenings and 1-2 games per week. More than half the games will be at either Pemberton or Hollywood Parks, with other games at the other Little League Parks in and around Victoria. The schedule varies through the season but games are typically Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
- Major Softball: is a 4-7 hour per week commitment, with up to two practices per week, typically weeknight evenings and 1-2 games per week. More than half the games will be at either Pemberton or Hollywood Parks, with other games at the other Little League Parks in and around Victoria. The schedule varies through the season but games are typically Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Players in Minor and Major Baseball and Minor and Major Softball play an interlocking game schedule with other Victoria Little League parks and so half the games will be played at other parks throughout the city. At these levels, the other Little League parks we play are all in Greater Victoria with a maximum 20-minute drive and include: Central Saanich, Hampton, Lakehill, Layritz and National.
Where do they play and practice?
Beacon Hill has three field complexes where practices will be held:
- Our main field and lower diamond at Hollywood Park, which is on Fairfield Rd., beside the PetroCanada station at the corner of Fairfield Rd. and St. Charles St., near the Thrifty’s Plaza.
- Pemberton Park at the corner of Gonzales and Richardson Rd.
- Brooke Park, between Brooke and Thurlow at Kipling near Sir James Douglas School.
Games for T-ball will always be on Saturdays on the lower diamond at Hollywood Park.
Games for Mini-minors will always be on Saturdays on the main diamond at Pemberton Park.
Depending on the schedule set at the start of the season, home games for the Minor and Major divisions will be on varying days and times on the main diamonds at Hollywood Park or at Pemberton Park.
What equipment do players require?
Each child is required to provide their own baseball or softball glove and a properly fitting batting helmet. We discourage the sharing of batting helmets to limit the potential for sharing head lice.
Gloves and helmets and advice on appropriate sizes, fit, etc. are available at most local sporting good stores. Expect to pay approximately $30 for a batting helmet and $20-$50 for a glove.
Bats, balls, catcher’s gear and uniforms (full uniforms for Minors and Majors; t-shirts for Tball and Mini-minors) are provided by the park.
Children in the older divisions often wear cleats, batting gloves and/or face masks but this is not required and worn at the option/expense of each family.
How can I help?
We are a volunteer organization and rely on the incredible generosity of time and effort of many people. We always welcome anyone with an interest in coaching and umpiring. Typically coaches are grouped in teams, so if you would like to coach but can’t necessarily commit to the full season, all the time, let us know and we’ll match you up with someone who complements your schedule.
If you think you can give us a little time as a fundraiser, groundskeeper, scorekeeper, scheduler helping out in the concession or anything else you can think of, great! Please indicate your area of interest on your registration form.
