Almaden Little League: Division Levels

Almaden Little League Division Descriptions
Playing age is player’s age as of April 30, 2013  

Tee Ball Division (League ages 4 & 5) T-Ball is the very first level of play.  Players league age 4 and 5 have to play at this level only.   In Tee Ball, players will hit off of a tee for the entire season. Players at this level learn basic hitting skills, fielding skills and sportsmanship.  The goal is to have fun and to introduce the players to the sport of baseball.  Games are played at Simonds School on Saturdays only.

Coach Pitch  Division  (League ages 6 & 7)   Players league age 6 and 7  play at this level.  Same rules as Tee Ball except  that the coaches will “soft toss” the ball underhand to the players for the entire season,   Again, the goal is to have fun and to introduce the players to the sport of baseball.  Games are played at Simonds School on Saturdays only. Note – League age 5 year olds cannot play in this division.

“A” Minor Division (League ages 7 & 8) This is the next division players should participate in after Coach Pitch.  Players learn fielding positions and batting techniques.  A pitching machine is used to insure batters receive “hittable” pitches.  Mostly a developmental level.  It is recommended that 7 year olds should have played T-Ball/Coach Toss prior to playing in this division.  Games are played at Los Alamitos School.  Players usually play one game during the week and one game on Saturdays (may include some Sunday games) Note – League Age “6” cannot play in this division.

“AA” Minor Division  (Ages 8 & 9 - can include 10 year olds)  This division concentrates on skill building and introduces players to live pitching.  It is a transitional level that often includes older players who are beginners.  Players 8, 9 and 10 years old, can sign up to play in this division without trying out.  Players who try out and are not drafted to a AAA team, will be assigned to a team in this division.  Games are played at Simonds School.  Players usually play one game during the week and one game on Saturdays (may include some Sunday games)

“AAA” Minor Division  (Ages 9 – 11, can include 8 year olds).  The AAA managers draft all players and participation in tryouts is mandatory.  It is the initial competitive level.  Players work on refining their skills and bat against live pitching.  9 and 10 year old players not drafted to this level will be assigned to a “AA” team.  Games are played at the AAA Field located at Almaden Country School.  Players usually play one game during the week and one game on Saturdays (may include some Sunday games).  Parents at this level are expected to work in the snack shack.

Major Division (Ages 11 & 12 – can include 10 year olds) Major Managers draft players to this division and participation in tryouts is mandatory.  This is the most competitive Little League division to play.  Players continue to refine skills and begin to be more aware of baseball strategy.  Games are played at the Major Field located at Almaden Country School.  Players usually play one game during the week and one game on Saturdays (may include some Sunday games).  Parents at this level are expected to work in the snack shack.

JUNIOR/SENIOR/BIG LEAGUE

Junior League   (Ages 13 & 14)  An extension of Little League Baseball.  All players participate in a tryout to assist managers in drafting equitable teams.  Games are played on a 90’ diamond.  Games will be played at the Senior Field which is located at Harry and McKean Road behind Challenger School.  Away games will be played at other District 12 sites.  Players usually play one game during the week and one game on Saturdays (possibility that 3 games could be played in a week and there may be some Sunday games).

Senior League (Ages 15 & 16 )  Next to Big League, (17 & 18 year olds)  this is the highest level of play in the Little League program. .  Games are played on a 90’ diamond.  Home games will be played at the Senior League field located at McKean and Harry Road.  Away games will be played at other District 12 sites.  Senior League season starts in mid May (after high school baseball ends).  Players play three games in one week.

Big League (Ages 17 & 18) – Highest level of play.  Games will be played at different sites

Challenger Division)  - The Challenger Division of Little league is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League Participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.