Valley Stream Little League readies for Opening Day

As the baseball season begins, the Valley Stream Little League is preparing to welcome players and families back to the village fields, continuing a longstanding community tradition centered on youth baseball and softball.

Opening Day is scheduled for April 25, and the season typically runs through late June, with opportunities for continued play and activities extending into the fall. The program has been a fixture in the community for decades, and this year will mark its 68th season.

The league is entirely volunteer-run, relying on board members, coaches and community support to operate. James Fischman, a longtime board member and coach, said that his involvement began roughly 20 years ago, when he was first asked to help with a team. He returned when his oldest child, James, joined the league, and he now manages his younger son Nicholas’s team in the minors division.

“Year after year, we want to see the kids progressing,” Fischman said. “The whole thing is for them to enjoy the game of baseball and softball and eventually, hopefully, play for high school. We’re not looking to get the next Derek Jeter or the next big thing. It’s primarily for them to have some fun, enjoy each other’s company, make new friends and give their parents an opportunity to interact with community members.”

Chuck Norton, a vice president of the league, echoed that sentiment, noting that the organization’s focus extends beyond the field. He oversees registration, social media and promotions, and he has remained involved even after his daughter, Naiyh, and son, Adam, aged out of the program, citing a commitment to maintaining and growing the league for the benefit of future families.

The league offers a number of divisions to accommodate a range of ages and skill levels. Baseball programs begin with a co-ed tee-ball division for children ages 4 to 6, in which players learn the basics. From there, players advance to coach-pitch levels at ages 7 and 8, before moving into player-pitch divisions beginning at ages 9 and 10.

As players age, they transition into more advanced levels that include umpires and interleague play against neighboring communities. By ages 13 and 14, participants are playing on full-size fields with rules that mirror those of the major leagues.

Softball divisions follow a similar progression, beginning when players are 8 or 9 and continuing through early teenage levels. While divisions are structured by age, participation numbers can influence the number of teams formed each season.

“I would say, overall, the main differentiator we have is that every town has fields … but I really feel like it’s the parents and the people,” Norton said. “I think our teams are probably some of the most individually diverse teams across Long Island. Our teams definitely have some of the more passionate fans I’ve seen. And I think our teams are among the most respectful we see. Our kids are really, really well raised and they’re really, really well behaved, and they’re really, really good athletes.”

In the younger divisions, games are played primarily in the village. Older teams compete against other towns in district play, part of the broader Little League structure. The league is affiliated with Little League International, and follows standardized rules governing safety, equipment and eligibility.

A typical season features 15 to 20 games per team, depending on weather and scheduling. Younger divisions may play more frequently with scrimmages and practices, while older teams balance local and away games across the district.

Beyond regular-season play, the league also participates in postseason tournaments. Teams at the minors level and above may enter district tournaments in late June, with the opportunity to advance through rounds of playoffs.

The league also takes part in Valley Stream’s Memorial Day Parade and hosts a closing ceremony in June, at which players receive medals and teams are recognized.

Additional events are held throughout the year, including group outings to pro baseball games and an end-of-season gathering. Last year the league hosted a family event at Rolling River, and organizers are considering similar plans for the upcoming season, depending on scheduling and resources.

Sponsorships play a key role in supporting league activities and keeping costs manageable for families. According to league officials, financial assistance is available when needed, reflecting an effort to keep the sport accessible.

Organizers say that that sense of inclusivity, combined with strong volunteer support, sets the league apart. Many board members remain involved long after their children have aged out of the league, contributing to its continuity.

With registration still open for some divisions, interested families are encouraged to get involved and take part in a program that continues to serve as both a sporting outlet and a focus of community gatherings.

“A successful year to us is all the kids having a great time,” Fischman said. “And we continue to get these kids to come back, year in and year out — that’s, to me and to the board, what success, I believe, looks like. We all want the kids to have a good time, and no one gets hurt.”

For more information, visit vsll.org.