DYC Diamonds
Softball League
About the Program
We understand your family has many options to choose from when it comes to playing sports. DYC has been providing wholesome activities and entertainment to the residents of Darien and surrounding communities since 1960. DYC is committed to providing an environment where everyone plays!
The softball league is run entirely by volunteers from the commissioner to the managers/coaches and provides girls, ages 4 - 12 of all abilities, an opportunity to learn and enjoy this exciting and rewarding sport. In addition to learning the game, kids will also learn how to be part of a team, communicate and problem solve with their peers, learn respect for their teammates, coaches, opponents and umpires, and begin to build leadership skills. Softball, like many sports, gives kids an opportunity to make new friendships which may last a lifetime!
The Darien Youth Club also has a travel softball program, Darien KnockOuts Fastpitch. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the DarienKnockouts
2023 Season Logistics click here
Though this is not a travel league we partner with surrounding towns to put on the season which will require "travel" for games. Practices take place at DYC fields. Games may be played at DYC, Westmont, Woodridge, Lisle, and/or BRW fields. We are always looking to add partner towns so this may change but we try to stay close to Darien.
Age Divisions
*Age eligibility for all divisions is based on the child's age on December 31st, 2022. See information below on team formation and "playing up" inquiries.
6U Tball Softball: Ages 4,5,&6 (Tee & Coach Pitch)
This division uses the 11” flex softball which is a softer ball to minimize injury. Players will be taught basic fundamentals to play the game of softball and the rules of the game. The core of the program is to teach while ensuring the players have a lot of fun. Teams are limited to 7 - 8 players to increase the amount of time each player has in the field and at bat. This also reduces the coach to player ratio which increases the effectiveness of instruction.
8U: Ages 7 & 8 (Fast Pitch / Machine Pitch)
This division uses the 11” flex softball which is a softer ball to minimize injury. Players will be taught basic fundamentals to play the game of softball and the rules of the game. Player pitching is introduced in this division and is used in conjunction with a mechanical pitching machine. The first two innings feature a player pitcher with machine relief (no walks). The remaining innings feature only the pitching machine. Starting players pitching at this level prepares them for 10U where the players pitch the entire game. The pitching machine develops the hitting ability of the players.
10U: Ages 9 &10 (Fast Pitch)
This division uses the 11” softball which is a hard ball. Players will be taught basic fundamentals to play the game of softball and the rules and strategy of the game. This is a 100% player pitched league with walks. Stealing is allowed after the ball crosses home plate, one base at a time but not home, to teach baserunning and catchers how to throw out base runners.
12U: Ages 11 &12 (Fast Pitch)This division uses the 12” softball which is a hard ball. Players will be taught basic fundamentals as well as advanced skills and strategy. This level of play is the game of Fast Pitch with few limiting rules.
Player Provided Equipment Requirements:
- Fielding Mitt (All Levels)
- Batting Helmet (Required 8U and above)
- Softball Bat (Required 8U and above)
- Fielding Mask (Strongly Suggested - All Levels)
- Cleats (Recommended at 6U - Strongly Suggested 8U and above)
League Provided Equipment
- Jersey's, Softball Socks, and Hair Ties
- Practice / Game Balls
- Catcher's Gear
Darien Field Locations
Hinsbrook North and South (Closest Major Intersection is Cass Ave and Hinsbrook Ave)
Eisenhower Jr. High (1410 75th St. Darien)
Cass Jr. High (8502 Bailey Rd. Darien)
Darien Community Park (7100 Clarendon Hills Rd, Darien)
2023 Rules of Play:
League follows the USSSA rules of Fast Pitch Softball with amendments. The rules are currently under review for 2021 but below is the link to the rules followed during fall of 2020. We do not expect many, if any, changes. League Rules
While Engaging in Softball Practices and Games:
- ALL managers, coaches, players, umpires, and parents shall treat each other with dignity and respect during all practices and games; misconduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the league
- KIDS are playing the game
- Managers and Coaches are VOLUNTEERS
- Umpires are HUMAN
- Your child will NOT be scouted by a college or NFPL team during a DYC game or practice
- Requests to "Play Up" / Play on a Specific Team
- Requests for a player to be on a specific team will be considered on a case by case basis but are not guaranteed
- Request for a player to "play up" one level will be considered on a case by cases basis but are not guaranteed. Evaluations of the player and the current enrollment of the two impacted levels will be considered before granting the player to "play up".
- Such requests should be emailed to Michelle Quillin: [email protected]
- Requests for a player to "play up" more than one level or "play down" cannot be honored regardless of the situation. This is based on the rules of play and more importantly the safety of the players.
Commissioner and Directors:
It is the responsibility of the Commissioner and Directors to effectively lead and manage the softball program. If you have questions, concerns, comments or suggestions, please reach out to the below contacts as we welcome your feedback.
Michelle Quillin
Commissioner, 8U-12U Program Director
Email: [email protected]
Don Fields
6U Program Director
Email: [email protected]