WPPA Families,

Welcome, and thank you for being part of our WPPA community.

For those new to the WPPA, you are now part of a community that is passionate about youth baseball and softball.  We care about giving our players opportunities to learn and succeed, developing bonds, and we focus on the physical, mental and emotional development of our players throughout the season.

As most of you know, the WPPA is a volunteer organization.  From the coaches to parents, to the WPPA Board, everyone volunteers their time to make it possible for around 1,600 players to play baseball and softball every spring.  With that in mind, a huge thank you to our Board, coaches and many volunteers who have made this season possible, and who will help throughout the season.  Please be sure to thank your coaches early and often – and don’t forget to be kind to the umpires too!

A few notes regarding what to expect as the season gets underway:

  • TeamSnap.  You should have heard from your coach by now, possibly even by TeamSnap.  Please be sure to have the TeamSnap app active on your device.  Many league and team notifications will come through that channel, including rain out and scheduling information.
  • Practices and Games.  House schedules were published to TeamSnap over the weekend.  Team gatherings can begin April 1.  However, CPD fields cannot be used, and practices cannot be held until April 15.
  • Opening Ceremony for Rookie.  On May 4, at either 9:45 or 10 am, we will host our opening ceremony for Rookie baseball.  We will have a welcome, ceremonial pitches, and a special t-shirt for the players.  More details to come as we get closer to the date.
  • Rainouts. Please be aware that rain outs may not be rescheduled, especially for games later in the season.
  • Thank you to our Sponsors! As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of many local businesses and families.  A huge thank you to those that support the league and make the WPPA possible.
  • Respecting the Parks.  Please, help us keep the parks clean.  Pick up and throw away your trash.  When possible, please walk, bike, or carpool to games.  And please remember, while attending WPPA events, you have to comply with Chicago Park District rules.
  • Discount at Dick’s.  We are again partnering with Dick’s Sporting Goods with our share weekend for 20% on April 4-7, 2025 and coupons will be available at the end of March, so stay tuned.
  • 12U Cooperstown Fundraising.  Each year, our 12U travel baseball teams raise money to go to Cooperstown for an unforgettable end-of-year tournament.  You may see the players around the fields selling snacks or magnets, or other things.  Please support them if you are able.
  • Restrooms. As it was last year, there will be a porta potty only at Winnemac.  So please make sure that if you are headed to a park without a bathroom facility, you plan accordingly.  If you find yourself with a need during a game, please, do not treat the park a place of opportunity; find a local restroom.

Finally, and most importantly, this is youth sports.  We all signed a code of conduct, and we take compliance with that code seriously.  The goal of the WPPA is to teach our kids the game of softball and baseball; how to be good teammates, and how to be gracious competitors, even when losing.  Our goal is not winning, it’s learning.  Our players, coaches, and umpires will make mistakes.  Please set an example as to how to handle tough situations.  Remember, everyone is trying their best and is part of our community.

Let’s have a terrific 2025 spring season!