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FAQ - Logistics
- When does the season start? Finish?
a. Majors and Minors teams are announced in early February; Pioneer and T-Ball teams are announced in late February. After teams are announced, the managers will organize a practice schedule. The first game is in mid-March, and the final game in late May. Minor and Major playoffs finish in mid-June. All-Star play runs from late June into July and possibly August, if the team keeps winning.
- How often are games? When are they? How long do they last?
a. There is usually one game each Saturday and one during the week (Monday through Thursday). Actual days and times vary due to the schedule of opponents. Weekday games are after school, typically at 5PM or later. T-Ball games last about an hour; other divisions play six innings or until darkness, usually about 90 minutes to two hours.
- When are practices?
a. The time and duration of practices are at the discretion of the manager. Most teams have 2–3 practices per week before the season starts and may practice once per week during the season.
- Where are the games and practices?
a. T-Ball games are typically at various local elementary schools, including Slater, Whisman, and Bubb. All Pioneer games are at Landels school. All Minor and Major games are at either Monta Loma school or McKelvey field (on Miramonte near El Camino). Practices are at these fields or other locations at the discretion of the manager.
- What equipment/uniform is needed?
a. The league provides bats, balls, bases, helmets, and catcher’s gear. The players should have their own glove and may bring their own bat (metal only). The league provides caps and team uniform shirts that must be returned at the end of the year. All players (except T-Ball) must provide their own uniform pants, belt, and socks; plastic cleats; and protective cup.
- When will uniforms be issued? When will the schedule be available?
a. The league will assign players to teams in mid-February, after all registration and tryouts have been completed. After this, managers will contact all players and arrange practices. The schedule will be distributed shortly thereafter. Uniforms will be distributed before the first game.
- How can I help?
a. The first step is to attend your child’s games and cheer positively for all players and teams. Do not criticize or boo any players, managers, or umpires. Set a good example for your children and others.
b. We request that all parents volunteer at least three hours of time in addition to paying their fees. There are many different ways to volunteer, ranging from coaching or umpiring to working at an event or making phone calls. Please fill out a volunteer form to indicate your preference.
FAQ - Style of Play
- What is the general philosophy of Little League?
a. The goal of Little League is to teach teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play in addition to specific baseball skills. To meet this goal, every player plays at least 2–3 innings in every game they attend. Managers, coaches, umpires, and other volunteers strive to provide a safe and positive atmosphere for learning.
- How are players placed in divisions?
a. Players are generally placed according to the age they will be on April 30 (during the season). Players can play in a higher division if they have the physical, mental, and emotional capability to do so. Placement in a higher division requires league approval and may require a tryout. Occasionally, players play in a lower division if special circumstances apply.
- What is T-Ball like?
a. All players play in the field at all times. In each inning, all players bat once. There are no balls, strikes, or outs, and no score is kept. Batters may take as many swings as needed to cleanly hit the ball off the tee. Regardless of the play in the field, all batters are awarded first base (at least). Runners are never out on the bases; therefore all players eventually score. Coaches can stand in the field during play to instruct the players. The game is called after one hour (typically two to three “innings”).
b. T-Ball is typically for children of age 5 and 6 (as of April 30).
- What is Pioneer like?
a. The team in the field typically plays 10 players (the usual positions plus an extra outfielder). The batting team uses a “continuous batting order” that includes all players, regardless of whether they have been in the field the previous inning. The batting team gets three outs; most normal baseball rules apply. The batter hits from a pitching machine and has up to five pitches before striking out. (There are no walks.) There are no umpires; base coaches make any necessary calls. The teams may keep score, but no standings are kept.
b. Pioneer is typically for children of age 7 and 8 (as of April 30).
- What is Majors/Minors like?
a. Majors/Minors is similar to Pioneer except that the pitcher pitches instead of a machine. A league umpire is present to call balls and strikes as well as plays in the field. Almost all normal baseball rules apply. Players bat only if they are also in the field, but all players must get at least one at-bat and 2–3 innings in the field per game. In the Minors, score is kept for each game, but there are no standings, and all teams advance to the playoffs. In the Majors, all scores are reported to the League, which maintains standings during the season. All Majors teams advance to the playoffs but are seeded according to regular-season standings.
b. Minors is typically for youth of age 9 to 12, while Majors is typically for ages 10 to 12 (as of April 30). All players must try out to be in Minors or Majors, and players are placed according to ability, not age.
- What is Juniors like?
a. Juniors players move to a full-size (90-foot) diamond to take advantage of their increasing size and strength. All official baseball rules—including leading, pickoffs, and balks—apply. The Juniors season starts and finishes slightly later. Juniors teams play against teams from nearby leagues such as Los Altos, Sunnyvale, and Cupertino. Only the top teams advance to the playoffs.
b. Juniors is for youth of age 13 and 14 (as of April 30).
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