This season will be the 27th Middle School League (MSL).  Our primary location for games and practices is  the Brook Run Park Baseball Fields (adjacent to Brook Run Park and next to Peachtree Charter Middle School} , Morgan Falls Field 5 (operated by Sandy Springs Youth Sports ,SSYS) and Medlock Park Field 6 (operated by Druid Hills Youth Sports-DHYS).  We also play at a number of school high school/middle school fields across the metro  Atlanta area.  In 2000, we started the MSL with six teams (Dunwoody, Holy Innocents', St. Pius X Blue, St. Pius X White, Wesleyan and Woodward). Last year  had about 65 teams..  Here is a link to past champions and runners-up.

Important aspects of this year's season: 

• Fields. The Brook Run Park Baseball Fields have two synthetic turf fields with state-of-the-art LED lighting. The East Field (EF) is 310' down the lines and 355' to center, and the West Field (WF) is 300' down the lines and 315' to center. Both fields are configurable to 54'x80' and 60'x90' play. Dugouts are concrete block, a great concession stand and restrooms for men, women and families. There are 4 batting cages and off-the-field bullpens.
  
  
• Field Rules. The City of Dunwoody paid over $6.3 million to build the Brook Run Park Baseball Fields, and we have rules to help us preserve this great venue. Metal cleats, sunflower seeds, nutshells and gum are all banned from the facility -- both on the field and in the spectator area. Violators of these rules may be ejected from the park. 
  

• Facilities. In addition to the Brook Run Park Baseball Fields, we will use Field 5 at Morgan Falls Park (AKA Sandy Springs Youth Sports (SSYS)) for practices and games. Games are also played at the large field at NYO, at Medlock Park, and at various school fields including Pace Academy, Sutton Middle School, Blessed Trinity, Wesleyan School, St. Pius X Catholic High School, Westminster, Lovett, and others. 

• Divisional Play. We will schedule games according to skill level. We expect to have 7 divisions of play this year. The top 2 brackets play is  60x90. All other division play 54x80. 

• Practices. DSB, SSYS, and DHYS will make fields available for practices prior to and during the season. Schools that have the space, typically practice at their own facilities. 

• Playing Rules. We use NFHS/GHSA rules except in a couple of areas. Some of the rules that differ are field size, bat sizes (depending on division), 10 players in the batting order, free defensive substitution, and a 2-hour time limit. Please consult the DSB Playing Rules for complete playing rules. We will have a MANDATORY coaches meeting prior to the season to review league rules. 

• Player Eligibility. This is not a travel league in which the teams are free to recruit any player they choose. Player eligibility rules are:

1.  Public Schools. Players must attend the school or live in the boundaries of the high school to which it feeds.
2. Private Schools. Players must attend the school or if they are 8 graders must have an application on file with the school.
3. Private Schools as Part of a Church. If the school is part of a church (e.g. St. Jude), children of registered members of the church are also eligible for the team.
4. Free Agents. Any player who tries out for their school team and does not make the team is eligible for any other team. Do NOT register here if the player is playing for a Middle School team. Each team registers and pays as a team.
5. Exceptions. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved in advance by DSB. 

• Schedule. Each team plays 12 games followed by playoffs where teams are divided into brackets. Game times are 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM on weekdays, throughout the day on Saturday, and during the afternoon on Sunday. Games are limited to no new inning starting after 2 hours. No games are played during a school’s spring break. 

• DSB Park Team(s). DSB will form one or more teams from players who do not make their school teams or who attend schools that do not participate in the league. These teams will be coached by DSB volunteers. All players who tryout for a DSB Park Team will be assigned to a team. There will be a cost of $350 per player. We are requesting that all teams finish selection of their teams by January 31, so that players who do not make a school team can sign up for the DSB Park Team(s). Note: DSB offers a Spring League with two divisions of play (13-15 & 15-18) after the MSL season ends. Players can sign up to play individually, or whole teams can enter the league. 

• Awards. T-Shirts are awarded to the top 2 teams in each tournament bracket. 

• Cost. $3300 per team, which includes lights, insurance, balls, umpires and scheduling. DSB will loan batting helmets and catcher's equipment as needed. 

• Expression of Interest (Mandatory). We expect to have even more teams than last year. If you are interested entering a team in the league, please send an e-mail to John Crawford at [email protected]. 

Key Dates: 

Key Contact: 

John Crawford,
DSB Chief Operating Office and Middle School League Director
678-358-5377 phone
[email protected]