North Shore Milwaukee T-Ball Guide for 2026

Families in Milwaukee's North Shore communities have strong options for youth t-ball, though the landscape varies by village. Registration windows open in December 2025, with most spring deadlines falling between February and mid-April 2026.

NOTE: See the individual program websites for any updates on deadlines or programs.

Shorewood

Shorewood Recreation Department runs dedicated t-ball exclusively for younger players, making it the go-to option for K4 and K5 families in this village.

Program structure

Program Grades Description Hitters T-Ball K4–K5 Introductory program hitting from tee Sluggers Coach-Pitch Grades 1–3 Transition program with coach pitching

Age eligibility is based on current school year enrollment (2025–2026). Both programs are co-ed.

Registration details for spring 2026

• Resident registration opens: December 9, 2025

• Non-resident registration opens: December 11, 2025

• Registration deadline: Late April 2026 (typically around April 25)

• Late fee: $10 after deadline or after program starts

Costs

• Residents: $70

• Non-residents: $105

• Included: T-shirt and team hat

• Family provides: Baseball glove

Resident status extends to Shorewood School District employees, village employees, students enrolled in Shorewood Public Schools and their families, and non-resident taxpayers. Financial assistance available through the Reduced Fee Program—contact the department and complete the "Authorization to Share" form.

Schedule and locations

• Practices: Weeknights between 5:30–7:30 PM at Lake Bluff or Atwater Diamonds

• Games: Saturday mornings (T-Ball at 10:00 or 11:00 AM; Coach-Pitch at 12:00 or 1:00 PM)

• Primary location: Lake Bluff Diamonds (Lake Bluff Elementary School, 1600 E. Lake Bluff Blvd)

• Season: Mid-May through late July (no games Independence Day weekend)

How to register

Online registration through the new ActiveNet platform at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/shorewoodrec. Walk-in, phone, and mail registration also accepted.

Contact information

Detail Information Address 1701 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211 Phone (414) 963-6913 x 4 Weather line (414) 963-6913 x 3 Director email ecross@shorewood.k12.wi.us Office hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Note: Fall t-ball is not offered in Shorewood—it's exclusively a spring/summer program.

Whitefish Bay provides two pathways

Whitefish Bay operates a dual system: the Recreation Department handles true t-ball for youngest players, while Whitefish Bay Little League offers Pee Wees and higher divisions.

Recreation Department T-Ball (K4–K5)

The WFB Recreation Department's program serves 4- and 5-year-olds in a co-ed, fundamentals-focused league with parent coaches.

Registration: Opens in spring through their online portal. First-time users must visit the Recreation Department in person at 5205 N. Lydell Avenue to set up an account before online registration.

Late fee: $10 if registering after program start date.

Whitefish Bay Little League (K5 and up)

For families ready to transition beyond basic t-ball, WFBLL offers:

Division Grades Format Pee Wees K5–2nd grade (ages 6–8) Pitching machine, modified rules Minors 3rd–4th grade Player pitching introduced Majors 5th–6th grade Traditional competitive format Juniors 7th–8th grade Full-sized diamond

New for 2026: Girls Pee Wees Softball division added.

Spring 2026 registration timeline

• Registration opens: December 3, 2025

• Early bird deadline: Extended to January 16, 2026

• Late registration fee: $50 after January 15

• Registration closes: January 31, 2026

How to register for WFBLL

Visit www.wfbll.com and create a SportsEngine account. Add your child's player profile, complete registration, and pay via Visa/MasterCard.

Primary facility: Craig Counsell Park

Named after the Whitefish Bay native and MLB veteran, Craig Counsell Park (6321 N. Lydell Avenue) serves as the league's home. Features include three baseball diamonds, concession building with restrooms, and on-site parking.

Additional locations include Cahill Square Park (1001 E. Fairmount Ave) and WFB High School Softball Field.

Special programs worth noting

• Challenger Division: Adaptive baseball for individuals ages 4–18 with physical/intellectual challenges (team name: "The Bats")

• All-Stars: Teams compete in Little League International tournaments—WFBLL made Wisconsin history in 2025 with U12 and U13 teams reaching regionals

• Jr. Dukes Baseball: Competitive travel program for grades 3–8 requiring concurrent WFBLL enrollment

• Fall Ball: Registration July 15–August 7 for an abbreviated late August through mid-October season

Contact information

Organization Contact WFB Recreation Dept (414) 963-3947, 5205 N. Lydell Ave Director Carin Keland, carin.keland@wfbschools.com Little League contact@wfbll.com, www.wfbll.com Challenger program challenger@wfbll.com

Glendale Little League

Glendale Little League (GLL) functions as the primary youth baseball organization for Glendale, Fox Point, Bayside, and River Hills—a critical fact for families in these villages who might otherwise search fruitlessly for municipal programs.

Founded in 1970 and chartered through Little League International, GLL serves nearly 400 players ages 4–14 annually and has competed at state, regional, and national tournament levels.

Age eligibility and divisions

League age is determined by a player's age as of August 31, 2026. Use the official calculator at littleleague.org.

Division Ages Format T-Ball 4–5 (K4–K5) Hitting from stationary tee, Saturday mornings Rookies Coach-Pitch 5–7 (K5–1st) Coach pitches, 6-inning games Rookies Machine-Pitch 6–8 (1st–2nd) 35–40 mph machine pitching Minors 9–10 Player pitching introduced Majors 11–12 Traditional Little League Juniors 12–14 Regulation baseball dimensions

T-Ball focuses on fundamental skills in a non-competitive environment: batting stance, swing mechanics, fielding basics, base running concepts, and teamwork.

Spring 2026 registration

Registration is currently open as of January 2026.

• Registration portal: registration.bluesombrero.com/5357/

• T-Ball/Rookies deadline: Mid-April 2026

• Older divisions deadline: Mid-February 2026 (due to player evaluations)

Fall 2026 registration

• Opens: Early July 2026

• Closes: Mid-August 2026

• Season: Early September through late October

Late registration and financial assistance

Late registrations may be accepted on a waitlist basis after teams form—contact gllinfo@glendalelittleleague.com. GLL operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with flexible payment plans and scholarship assistance. No child is turned away due to financial constraints.

Schedule structure

• T-Ball games: Saturday mornings, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

• Session length: 2 hours including pre-game practice

• All players bat each inning

• Spring season: Late May/early June through mid-July

• Fall season: Early September through late October

Facilities and game locations

Primary venue: Glendale Little League Complex, 1401 W. Civic Drive, Glendale, WI 53209 (fields: East Field, Ridge Top Exteriors Field, Juniors Field)

Additional facilities:

• Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park (2200 W. Bender Road)—large free parking, indoor restrooms, playground

• Parkway Elementary School (5910 N. Milwaukee River Parkway)—T-Ball and Coach-Pitch

• Good Hope School (2315 W. Good Hope Road)

Equipment requirements

League provides: Team jersey and hat

Families provide:

• Baseball glove (age-appropriate)

• Cleats (non-metal)

• Bat meeting USA Baseball standard (look for "USA Baseball" stamp)

• Batting helmet (NOCSAE-approved)

• Protective cup (strongly recommended for male players)

GLL maintains a Facebook Resale Page for gently used equipment exchange.

Competitive pathway: Glendale Knights

For players seeking advanced competition (ages 8–14), the Glendale Knights travel program competes in the Wisconsin State Youth Baseball League with 3–5 tournaments per season. Requirement: All Knights players must also register for GLL spring season. Year-round training including winter indoor sessions. Website: glendaleknightsbaseball.com

Contact information

Detail Information Email gllinfo@glendalelittleleague.com Address 1401 W. Civic Drive, Glendale, WI 53209 Website glendalelittleleague.com Registration registration.bluesombrero.com/5357/

Fox Point, Bayside, and River Hills: Glendale Little League

Three North Shore communities lack municipal recreation departments for youth baseball:

Fox Point

Fox Point does not operate its own recreation department. The village directs families to Glendale Little League for t-ball and youth baseball.

Village Hall: 7200 N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Fox Point, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 351-8900
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

Bayside

As a small village (~4,400 residents), Bayside does not maintain separate youth sports leagues. Ellsworth Park features baseball/softball fields but games are organized through GLL.

Village Hall: 9075 N. Regent Road, Bayside, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 206-3915
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

River Hills

The only 100% residentially zoned community in Milwaukee County, River Hills (~1,600 residents) has no parks and recreation department. Families register through Glendale Little League.

Village Hall: 7650 N. Pheasant Lane, River Hills, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 352-8213

For all three communities: Register at glendalelittleleague.com; contact gllinfo@glendalelittleleague.com with questions.

Brown Deer

Brown Deer Junior Baseball (BDJB), established in 1956, provides youth baseball for Brown Deer and surrounding communities.

Key program details

• Age eligibility: Cannot turn 15 before May 1st of current year

• Residency: No restrictions—open to surrounding communities

• Season: Mid-April through end of June

• Games: Approximately 20 games per season

• League: M.A.J.O.R. Youth Baseball League of Southeast Wisconsin (Wisconsin's largest, with 300+ teams)

BDJB serves as the main feeder program to Brown Deer High School baseball, providing access to BDHS facilities, coaches, and equipment year-round.

Facilities

Fairy Chasm Park features two baseball diamonds designed specifically for youth baseball within a 10-acre park setting.

Contact information

Detail Information Address 3900 W. Brown Deer Rd, Suite A, #247, Brown Deer, WI 53209 Phone (414) 852-5205 Email bdjbfps@gmail.com Website sites.google.com/site/bdjbfps/

Village Parks & Recreation (general):
(414) 371-3070, parkrec@browndeerwi.gov, www.browndeerwi.org/195/Parks-Recreation

Nicolet Recreation Department

The Nicolet Recreation Department serves Bayside, Fox Point, Glendale, and River Hills (the Nicolet Union High School District footprint) with 140+ programs. However, they do not run baseball or t-ball programs—that remains GLL's domain.

Nicolet Rec offers youth softball, flag football (NFL North Shore Flag Football, 1st–8th grade), Jr. Knights Football, and various camps and clinics.

Contact: (414) 351-7566, nate.brooks@nicolet.us
Registration: winicoletweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac
Program bulletins: Winter/Spring (December 1), Summer (mid-year), Fall (mid-July)

What every family should know

Equipment basics: Most programs provide jerseys and hats. Families typically need to supply a properly sized glove (youth baseball glove sizing guides available at justbats.com), non-metal cleats, and a USA Baseball-approved bat. Batting helmets are often shared but personal ownership recommended for hygiene.

Concussion requirements: Shorewood (and likely others) require parents to read concussion information and submit an online agreement before the first game.

Volunteer expectations: Youth baseball depends heavily on parent volunteers. Coaches, team parents, field maintenance crews, and concession workers are recruited from the parent community. Volunteering often ensures your child is placed on your team.

Financial assistance: Every major program offers help for families who cannot afford fees—contact programs directly and confidentially.

Fall ball availability: Shorewood does not offer fall t-ball. GLL and WFBLL both offer fall seasons with registration opening mid-summer 2026.

Conclusion

The North Shore's t-ball landscape rewards early planning. Shorewood and Whitefish Bay families benefit from municipal programs with registration opening in December 2025. The most critical insight for Fox Point, Bayside, River Hills, and Glendale families: your path runs through Glendale Little League, where spring 2026 registration is already open with a mid-April deadline for t-ball divisions. Brown Deer maintains its own independent organization outside the GLL umbrella. Across all communities, fees typically range from $70–$105 for recreational t-ball, with financial assistance universally available.