About the VLB
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What is Veto League Baseball? – Baseball at batting-practice speed
Veto League Baseball is a sandlot-style baseball league commonly referred to as “the VLB.” If you fit our short list of requirments (found under the “Who can play?” heading below) you are welcome to show up and play any number of games at any time. At the beginning of each game, two captains will build their teams from the field of players attending that contest. We do not call balls or strikes. You can swing and miss three times for a strikeout, but pitchers throw at batting-practice speed from behind an L-screen so all ranges of talent can hit the ball successfully. Pitches are not received by a catcher, as there is not base-stealing or bunting. We will place a roving fielder behind the plate to field foul pops and throws home.
Like the sandlot, the VLB has developed multiple game-play methods depending on the number of players attending. A game can be played with as few as 12 players. For those different rule variations, and for all VLB rules, see the “VLB Rule Book.”
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Why is it called “Veto League?”
In 1998, a group of kids from Moline High School began to practice baseball outside of Little League at Saukie Field in Rock Island, Ill. When a large group turned out, a pick-up game was played. The organizer of these practices and games was Matt Veto.
When Veto and the “Saukie Crew” became too old to play Little League, opportunities for the average player to continue playing baseball were gone. When most people turned to softball, Veto stuck with baseball, and began calling more and more people to the ball park to play pick-up games. One day, Scott Boruff (a longtime member of the VLB) called Veto asking, “Are we going to play Veto League today?” The name stuck.
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Who can play?
To play in the VLB you must be of high-school age. We are looking for people that understand the fundamentals of the game. However, you don’t necessarily need to be good at them. In fact, we prefer if you have no college experience or high-school starter experience. If you are looking for a serious, ultra-competitive environment, this league is not for you.
We do have some powerful hitters, however. So, for safety, before you decide to play, ask yourself, “Am I comfortable fielding a line drive hit toward me at a high rate of speed?” If so, you’re up for admission to the league. Please visit the “Join the VLB” page for information on how to get involved. Egotistical and demeaning people are not welcome. We’re here to have fun, get some exercise, improve our skills, and enjoy the game.
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What do I need to bring?
Nothing! If you don’t have a glove, we have extras. We have aluminum bats and baseballs. If you have some equipment, bring it along to share. While there is no cost to play, equipment donations (bats, baseballs, etc.) are accepted, as are monetary donations toward the purchase of baseballs, bases, and other necessary equipment. Neither the VLB Board of Governors, nor its members profit in any way. All donations feed directly into the league equipment and maintenance fund.
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Where do I go to play, and when are these games?
Our home field is Ridgewood Field, located at 9607 14th Street W, Rock Island, Ill. Occasionally we may play at Douglas Park in Rock Island, Ill., located at the intersection of 18th Avenue and 9th Street. Typically we play Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. from May until September. Occasionally we will attempt to play a weeknight contest at 5:30 p.m. Visit the schedule page for dates and times. (Note: this is a sandlot league, so the schedule may change frequently.)
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Can I bring a friend?
Please do! The VLB has grown and spread through word of mouth. Even if you have a brother, cousin, nephew, or niece in town for one day, if he/she meets the specifications above, he/she is welcome.
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The VLB Night Game Showcase
Since 2004, Veto League Baseball has rewarded its most consistent regular-season players with a pick-up game under the lights in front of family and friends. In 2008, the VLB played under the lights of Davenport, Iowa’s Modern Woodmen Park for the first time, and continues to play its night game in that Minor League Baseball stadium, home to the Midwest League’s Quad Cities River Bandits.
The Night Game Showcase teams are assembled by an invitation-only basis according to the number of games attended during the regular season. The more consistent you are during the season, the better chance you have of playing in this game, which is often played for a charitable organization of some kind.