Frequently Asked Questions
West Madison Thunder & West Madison Little League
What is Thunder, and do I have to choose between Thunder and WMLL?
Thunder is an extension and partner of WMLL. We are on the same team!
Thunder players are WMLL players and are required to play in the regular WMLL season. However, Thunder is targeted towards the players who are looking for a bit "more" baseball or softball in the way of winter/early spring indoor practices, additional instructional resources and opportunities, and approximately (4) tournaments in drivable distance.
If I am playing Thunder, will I miss WMLL games?
WMLL and Thunder partner to take advantage of “on” and “off” weekends, typically established so each age group is “on” one weekend and “off” the next. This way, Thunder players are not missing WMLL games.
Commitment
I have heard that travel baseball/softball is year round, and my child therefore can’t play other sports. Is this how Thunder is structured?
There are so many incredible youth baseball/softball opportunities whose programs structure play and development in their own unique ways. Thunder was established to allow for baseball/softball tournament play and extra development, while still encouraging players to continue participating in other sports they love in-season, outside of Thunder.
My child is on a travel team for a different sport whose season will run into the summer months. Is Thunder the right fit?
While Thunder loves and encourages players to explore different sports, there is an expectation that Thunder practice and play is a priority during the season. Thunder will not be the right fit if your child is committed to other summer travel athletic programs.
Can my child play on another travel baseball or softball team in addition to Thunder?
While Thunder loves the enthusiasm for baseball and softball, Thunder players are expected to play WMLL and Thunder only during the spring and summer seasons. Players may participate in other programs outside of the Thunder season.
My child isn’t sure if they really love baseball/softball. Can they participate in a few practices and just join the team for the fun tournaments?
While we agree that tournaments are fun, the Thunder program is for those players who want more. It’s for those that want to participate in practice, want to listen and learn from their coaches, want to work hard, and want to develop their individual and team skills.
Program Structure
How many tournaments and games do Thunder Teams participate in?
Thunder teams will play four tournaments each season, all targeted within a 90 mile radius of West Madison. Tournaments typically offer a three-game guarantee.
*If a team has interest in participating in an additional tournament(s), there is an anonymous approval process through the Thunder Board.
Which age determination does Thunder utilize?
Thunder follows Little League Age Determination for baseball and softball.
Winter Practice Sessions
Thunder teams will have 13-15 indoor practice sessions beginning in January and lasting until the weather permits in April. Sessions will be 60-90 minutes and held on a weekly basis. Additional skills sessions will also be provided.
*Thank you to Beast Baseball/Softball for a fantastic 2025 indoor season!
Spring & Summer Practices
Outdoor practices will be held during the spring and summer. During the WMLL season, Thunder teams may not practice more than once a week, unless special practice is needed in the week prior to any tournament play.
Evaluations
Evaluations
Evaluations will take play at the end of July for the following Thunder season.
*Save the date: Thunder 2026 Evaluations will take place the week of July 21, 2025
Evaluation Criteria
Thunder utilizes web-based software during the evaluation process.
*Specific processes are being refined by a dedicated review committee for the 2026 evaluations. More information will follow.
Team Formations
Does Thunder Make Player Cuts?
It is Thunder’s goal to be a no-cut program, understanding that players develop at different times and paces, and we want to encourage opportunity for all those that want to put in the extra time and efforts to develop their baseball/softball skills. That being said, we are a volunteer-based program. If we cannot find coaches to lead teams, we cannot field teams. If we cannot find enough players to fill additional teams, we may need to implement cuts.
How Many teams are there per age division?
As our program has continued to grow, we have many age groups with 2 and even 3 teams. This is purely dictated off of player interest and volunteer commitment.
How are teams formed?
8U-10U Baseball: Teams will be evenly skilled
8U-11U Softball: Teams will be evenly skilled
11U+ Baseball: Teams will be skill-based (A, B, C)
12U+ Softball: Teams will be skill-based (A, B, C)
*Teams will be rostered first and coaches then assigned
Special Requests
Coaches and teams will change each year, especially as our program continues to grow with new players and as players' skill sets continue to develop. We believe having different voices and perspectives each year aids in player development and will only strengthen our players, and the Thunder program, as a whole.