Baseball

The Baseball season runs from the end of April until the middle of July. Practices typically begin early April, weather permitting.  Games are played on weeknights as well as weekends.  Schedules are typically released by the end of March.

4 - 6 YEAR OLD (Tee Ball) 

Players who are league age 4-6 are eligible to be selected to a Tee Ball team.  Players who are league age 6 that have participated for one regular season in the Tee Ball Division are eligible to be selected to AA League Division (machine pitch) team.

Tee Ball is an introductory division for children ages 4 thru 6 who are new to the game of baseball.  Tee Ball is NOT intended to be competitive.  Players should have fun while learning the fundamentals of the game.  Game scores and individual team standings are not recorded.  Players will be exposed to the basics of baseball including hitting, catching, throwing and base running.  Players hit balls placed upon a tee (coach/manager or parent pitching is forbidden).  Players rotate positions every inning to assure they play a variety of positions.  There are no practices during the season and teams play three to four-inning games twice a week.  Games are 50 minutes long.

Skill Goals:

• Learn which direction to run the bases.
• Learn bat/equipment safety.
• Learn basic throwing skills.
• Introduction to positions (infield, outfield, bases)
• Introduction to team sports and getting along with others.
• Have Fun!

7 & 8 YEAR OLD (AA Machine Pitch)

Players who are league age 6-8 are eligible to be selected to AA League Division team (machine pitch) for the regular season.  The local league board of directors may decide the age cutoffs within this age grouping.

AA is developmental and all players are evaluated prior to team formation in the areas of hitting, catching, throwing, and base running.  Each player is assigned an individual and overall rating.  Once the assessment is completed, balanced teams are formed based on player assessment ratings and then assigned to a Manager and Coach.  AA is semi-competitive; however, coaching emphasis is upon player development and instruction.  Children hit from machine-pitched baseballs to provide the greatest consistency possible.  Division rules are in place to ensure player rotation at a variety of positions.  Ten players are assigned to field positions each inning, and all roster players bat whether assigned to a field position or not.

Skill Goals:

• Learn the fundamentals of batting with emphasis on proper stance, grip and swing.
• Learn the fundamentals of how to hold, aim and throw a ball.
• Learn the fundamentals of fielding ground balls with emphasis on proper stance, glove and hand position.
• Learn the fundamentals of catching fly balls with emphasis on moving to the ball with proper glove and hand position.
• Learn the fundamentals of base running.
• Learn basic baseball rules and strategy and how to apply these in offensive and defensive situations.

9 & 10 YEAR OLD (AAA)

Players who are league age 9-10 are eligible to be selected to AAA Little League Division team for the regular season.  The league introduces new rules including: the number of players on the field is reduced from 10 to 9; base stealing is permitted; batters see live pitching from other players; and there is no limit regarding the numbers of batters that can be walked per inning.  Managers draft players based upon ratings and their individual team needs.  Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game.  Coaches focus on developing individual and team skills to field a competitive team and prepare them for the Majors Division.  Game scores and standings are recorded.

Skill Goals:

• Continued focus on good sportsmanship and team play!
• Batting skills development including bunting, pitch selection and reading signals from Manager/Coach.
• Increased development of catchers (signals, blocking, pass balls, making the throw from home to second, good throws back to pitcher on the mound and when pitcher is covering home plate) as importance of position increases at this level.
• Pitching emphasis on good mechanics, injury prevention (ice), and development of pitching variety (fastball, change-up, location).
• Develop base running skills for situational play.
• Fielding emphasis on getting behind the ball and setting up the throw, getting ball to the correct position for the out or to keep the runners from advancing.
• Arm strengthening through practice (long toss).

11 & 12 YEAR OLD (Majors)

Players who are league age 11-12 are eligible to be selected to a Major Division team for the regular season.  The local league board of directors may decide to have a different age-cutoff for this division, provided it is within the grouping noted.

Majors is considered competitive.  Managers draft players based upon ratings and their individual team needs.  Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game.  Coaches focus on developing individual and overall team skills to field the most competitive team.  Nine players are assigned to field positions.  Game scores and standings are recorded.

Skill Goals:

• Develop batting mechanics (bunting, driving, making adjustments to speed etc.) and pitch selection.
• Develop accurate throws from outfielders to proper cutoff person.
• After fielding the ball knowing where to make the throw and getting it there. Develop fielding strategies based on skills.
• Reading signals from Coach/Manager and implementing directives.
• Arm strengthening and accuracy thru practices (long toss).
• Working as a team to get outs.
• Pitching emphasis is to continue developing pitch variety with good mechanics (fastball 2 seam/4 seam, change-up, cutter, slider etc.) and injury prevention/arm care.
• Catcher skills include developing pitch calling skills, accurate throws to all bases, minimize pass balls, etc.
• Good Sportsmanship!

13 to 15 YEAR OLD (Juniors)

Players who are league age 13-14 are eligible to be selected to a Junior League Division team for the regular season.  The local league board of directors may decide to have a different age-cutoff for this division, provided it is within the grouping noted.  

Juniors is considered highly competitive.  Managers draft players based upon ratings and their individual team needs.  Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game.  Coaches focus on developing individual and overall team skills to field the most competitive team.  Nine players are assigned to field positions.  Game scores and standings are recorded.