What is Veto League Baseball?
Veto League Baseball is a sandlot-style baseball league commonly referred to as “the VLB.” If you fit our short list of requirements (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. Balls are thrown overhand. Pitches are not received by a catcher, as base-stealing and bunting is not allowed.
Like games in 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 10 players. For those different rule variations, and for all VLB rules, see the “VLB Rules.”
Like games in 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 10 players. For those different rule variations, and for all VLB rules, see the “VLB Rules.”
Who Can Play?
To play in the VLB you must be of at least high-school age. Females are encouraged to play, and there's a specific "Women of the VLB" stats page for historical information on the 50+ females who have participated. 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 as the league is designed for average athletes. 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, enjoy the game and build friendships.
You will never have to worry when you show up if you are good enough to play. We have players of all different skill levels and strikeouts, errors etc happen ALL THE TIME.
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, enjoy the game and build friendships.
You will never have to worry when you show up if you are good enough to play. We have players of all different skill levels and strikeouts, errors etc happen ALL THE TIME.
Where and when do you play?
We currently play Saturdays, but you can check our "schedule" for more info and field location. We normally play a double header each day we play - Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m. If you have somewhere you need to be, you can always show up late or leave early. Every single game that is played has a different team with different players. We have a very active Facebook group where a poll is taken each weekend listing the game time and location.
RIDGEWOOD
Can Girls Play?
Yes! We have had many women participate in our games and we are always glad to welcome more. For more information, see our "Women of the VLB" page.
How much does it cost to play?
Nothing! This is just a group of people who show up to a baseball field and play baseball. This is not an "official" league and we do not pay for the field. All you need to do is show up. We do accept donations, sell jerseys and make the majority of our league's funds through concession sales at the annual night game.
What do I have to wear?
The VLB doesn't require any specific clothing. You can wear shorts or pants, you can wear long socks or short socks etc. Cleats are not required either but they are recommended. Most of our players will wear shorts and a T-shirt and cleats. Some of those summer days can get really hot and pants are not very comfortable. The VLB also has jerseys and hats available for purchase which many of our players also wear. You can order a blue jersey, an orange jersey or both.
If you are selected to play in the night game (see below for more details), you will be required to wear a Veto League jersey, pants & cleats.
If you are selected to play in the night game (see below for more details), you will be required to wear a Veto League jersey, pants & cleats.
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, gloves, 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.
Can I bring a friend?
Please do! The VLB has grown and spread through word of mouth to over 900 players to date! 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. The teams are constantly changing and anyone can play at anytime.
This is not the type of league where you are selected to a team in the beginning of the season and you have the same team the whole year. You can come for one game or every game. You can start at the beginning of the season or come mid-season. On any given day, captains select players to their team and it changes for each game (as mentioned above). So anyone who shows up to the game whether they have played before or not will be selected to a team.
This is not the type of league where you are selected to a team in the beginning of the season and you have the same team the whole year. You can come for one game or every game. You can start at the beginning of the season or come mid-season. On any given day, captains select players to their team and it changes for each game (as mentioned above). So anyone who shows up to the game whether they have played before or not will be selected to a team.
Why is it called "Veto League?"
In 1998, a group of kids from Moline High School began to practice baseball, beyond organized Little League and High School games, 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 ballpark 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.
The league has made significant developments over the years. The VLB began with cardboard boxes as bases and no field to truly call "home". The league soon began keeping track of individual player stats. Then a website was developed. T-shirts and hats were offered to make participants part of a team. Annual night games were held to give back to the players who dedicated themselves to the diamond during the hot summer months.
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 ballpark 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.
The league has made significant developments over the years. The VLB began with cardboard boxes as bases and no field to truly call "home". The league soon began keeping track of individual player stats. Then a website was developed. T-shirts and hats were offered to make participants part of a team. Annual night games were held to give back to the players who dedicated themselves to the diamond during the hot summer months.