Ave Maria Little League is a community-based baseball and softball organization in Ave Maria, Florida, offering programs for young athletes across a wide range of ages and skill levels. From T-ball to more competitive divisions for older tweens, the league accommodates a wide range of ages and skill levels. Each athlete is given the chance to thrive and improve, while making lasting memories with teammates and friends.
Ave Maria Little League isn’t just about sports - it’s about building a strong, connected community. The league has grown significantly over the years, and more than 150 players will be participating in baseball and softball this upcoming Spring.
What Ave Maria Little League Offers
Ave Maria Little League provides opportunities for children to participate in both baseball and softball. The organization combines athletic development with teamwork, responsibility and community involvement.
“Children, like my own, who participate in the league gain much more than athletic skills - they also develop important character traits such as resilience, responsibility, leadership and respect for others. Our league’s goal is that the lessons learned on our fields are often translated to success in school and in life,” Cheney said.
“From the parents to the coaches, to the volunteers who make everything happen behind the scenes; it’s about the whole community coming together to support our kids,” said Ariel Hernandez, Little League board member and coach of her son, Kalel.
Baseball and Softball Divisions
From T-ball to more competitive divisions for older tweens, the league accommodates a wide range of ages and skill levels. This structure allows young players to begin with introductory instruction and progress toward more advanced competition as their experience develops.
Registration is now open, and it’s time for young athletes to get ready for another unforgettable season of baseball and softball! Season dates are from February 2 - May 14 for both baseball and softball, and spaces are filling up fast!
Spring Season and Registration
As the spring season approaches, excitement is building for the Ave Maria Little League community. Registration is now open, and it’s time for young athletes to get ready for another unforgettable season of baseball and softball!
“This season promises to be a special one with new opportunities, new facilities underway and the same community-focused environment that makes this league so special,” said Lawayne Cheney, the League’s board of directors’ president.
The organization and its players look forward to another season of growth, friendships and giving back.
New Ball Fields at North Park
Two new ball fields are coming to Ave Maria’s North Park, providing an even better playing experience for the young athletes, offering more space and improved playing conditions.
“The new ball fields will not only benefit the league but will also serve as a gathering spot for local events, making it a true community hub with more room to play and more games to enjoy,” Cheney shared.
Community Events and Fundraising
The league’s activities extend beyond regular practices and games. Recently the league hosted a wiffleball fundraiser tournament consisting of 14 teams - with all proceeds from the event, which were $130 per team - going directly to a family in need.
“The League’s board plans to have annual initiatives to increase family events, community participation and togetherness, creating fun ways to keep our town connected,” Hernandez shared.
The new ball fields will also serve as a gathering spot for local events, creating more opportunities for families and residents to come together around youth sports.
Community Values and Youth Development
Ave Maria Little League places emphasis on the role of families, coaches and volunteers in creating a supportive environment for children. The league’s community-focused approach is designed to make participation meaningful both on and off the field.
“This season promises to be a special one with new opportunities, new facilities underway and the same community-focused environment that makes this league so special,” said Lawayne Cheney, the League’s board of directors’ president.
Each athlete is given the chance to thrive and improve, while making lasting memories with teammates and friends. The organization and its players look forward to another season of growth, friendships and giving back.
Facilities and Field Status
Ave Maria Little League lists field status information for several facilities used for baseball and softball activities.
| Facility | Field status update |
|---|---|
| Ave Maria North Park | Updated: 03/03/26 11:26AM |
| Ave Maria South Park | Updated: 07/06/19 6:46PM |
| Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park | Updated: 03/04/26 9:26AM |
| Max A Hasse Jr Community Park | Updated: 03/04/26 9:27AM |
| Bonita Springs Recreation Center | Updated: 03/04/26 9:29AM |
| Tony Rosbough Community Park | Updated: 03/04/26 9:31AM |
Field status information helps families, coaches and players check conditions at the facilities used for practices and games.
League Information and Online Resources
Ave Maria Little League provides information about its organization, board, frequently asked questions, interleague information, the district calendar of events, baseball divisions and softball divisions.
The league also provides access to a GameChanger scoreboard and field status information. Its listed site sections include Home, About Us, Contact Info, Code of Conduct, Our Board, FAQs, Interleague Information, 2025-2026 District Calendar of Events, Become a Sponsor, Softball Divisions, Baseball Divisions, GameChanger Scoreboard and Field Status.
Ave Maria Little League Baseball and Softball is located in Ave Maria, Florida 34142.
Little League Structure and Local Participation
Each Little League program is organized within a community. It is only from within this territory that the league may register its players.
The League Finder tool quickly and easily identifies whether a residence or school address is located within the boundaries of an active Little League program.
Whether there is no Little League program in your area and you want to start up a brand new one, or if you want to bring your current youth baseball or softball program under the Little League umbrella to give your players the most fun and memorable experience, complete our Affiliation form below to learn more about bringing Little League to your community.
Ways to Participate in Little League
Whether you’re looking to join a league for the first time, bring a new Little League® program to your community, or add new opportunities and offerings to your current league, you’ve come to the right place.
- Find a local little league program near you. The Little League® League Finder tool quickly and easily identifies whether a residence or school address is located within the boundaries of an active Little League program.
- Start a new league or bring your current youth baseball or softball program to Little League. Little League International has also put together an easy-to-use checklist to walk through the process of chartering.
- Expand your league’s opportunities and offerings by adding new divisions of play or additional programs that support participants within the community.
Being a part of the Little League program is an opportunity for everyone, so make sure you provide all the best offerings for your community so everyone has a chance to play and make the most out of their experience.
Additional Little League Opportunities
In addition to the formal programs listed above to enhance your local league, here are just some of the additional resources, opportunities, and initiatives you can use to grow the game within your community.
Little League® was founded in 1939 and is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with approximately two million players and one million adult volunteers in every U.S. state and more than 80 other countries.
Ave Maria Little League’s combination of baseball, softball, family participation, volunteer support, new facilities and community events gives young athletes an opportunity to develop their skills while taking part in a connected local sports environment.