Ashland Summer Sparkler Tournament Details Summer tournament in Ashland for 8 year olds (as of May 1st) Currently 8 teams involved from Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Bellingham, Southboro, Westboro, Framingham and Shrewsbury Teams typically consist of 12 players Games run from late-June to mid-July (5 weeks), includes playoffs 10 games plus playoffs , one weekday and one weekend game per week Playing time and pitching parameters in place Benefits Exposure to tournament baseball for 8 year old age group Extension of season via additional practice time and game play Development of FBL lower age group players within a competitive environment Players continue to have fun playing baseball

Ashland Summer Sparkler Tournament Reference Ashland Tournament Description [via Ashland Youth Baseball League (AYBL) web site] The Sparkler Tournament is a competitive tournament hosted by AYBS for 8 year olds. This is an exciting tournament with a total of 8 - 10 town teams including teams from Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Bellingham, Southboro, Westboro, and two teams from Shrewsbury. All games are played at Gryncel Park in Ashland with each team playing at least one night game. A home run derby is held each year where two players from each team are selected by their teammates to participate.   For many 8 year olds, this is their first exposure to competitive baseball and it provides them and their parents with a view of tournament ball. It requires a commitment from the players for games and practices. And because Ashland is the host and their parents are responsible for helping out with the snack shack and field preparation for all of the tournament games.

Ashland Summer Sparkler Tournament Q&A with AYBL Q: What is the start and end date?   A: Tournament starts late June and ends late July.  Usually about 4-5 weeks.   Q: How many games are played and are they played both during the week as well as on the weekend?   A: In the past, there have played 10 games plus playoffs.  Usually 1 game during week and then games on Saturday and Sunday.  If AYBL expands the number of teams, it may effect how many games are played and how often. Q: Is there a roster size minimum and or maximum?   A: Ashland usually has 11.  Most teams have 12.  Obviously, 9 would be the minimum. Q: Is there a minimum and or maximum amount of innings that each player must participate in?   A: Players have to play 4 innings and 2 of those have to be infield position.  A continuous batting order is used.  Players are limited to pitching 2 innings per game and no more than 6 innings a week. Q: How many innings are the games?   A: Games are 6 innings, with a time limit of 2hrs.