Blendon Westerville Little League: 2012 Season Divisions
T-Ball is an entry level coed baseball experience made up of 4-6 year olds. This division is considered to be primarily fun for the players while mixing in the generalizations of how baseball is to be played. Areas of focus are FUN, throwing, FUN, batting, FUN and base location as well as running them in correct order. Roster sizes could be between 8 to 12 players with the preference being between 9 and 11. All kids will be on the field while fielding. No one will sit out; everyone bats. Practice and games are held on Tuesdays or Thursdays and Saturday mornings.
Minors 1
Minors 1 is designed for younger players with less experience. This is a coed division made up of 7-8 year olds. Based on prior experience and an abilities assessment, some 6-year olds could "play up" and some 9-year olds could "play down" in this division if beginning to play baseball for the first time. This league is considered to be coach pitch or possible machine pitch with the focus being on baseball basic rules and play. Roster sizes could be between 9 to 15 players with the preference being between 10 and 12. All kids will be on the field. No one will sit out; everyone bats. There is a 7 pitch, 3 strikes rule observed and 3 defensive outs will retire the offense. Practice and games are held on Mondays or Wednesdays and Saturday mornings.
Majors
Majors is an advanced coed division made up of 10-12 year olds. Some 9-year olds could "play up" based on an abilities assessment and some 13 year olds could "play down" if more experience is needed. The focus for this division is on advanced theory and rules. Play more closely resembles the big leagues. This level is more competitive with emphasis being placed on refining baseball theory, sportsmanship and passion for the game. The diamond used is a 60-foot diamond and the pitching distance is 46 feet. Roster sizes could be between 9 to 15 players with the preference being between 10 and 12. Practice and games are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday afternoon. Some local travel to other area leagues may be required (within 10 miles). This division would have the opportunity to field a team that could play in the official Little League tournament that could lead to a spot in the Little League World Series.
Juniors
Juniors is the most advanced coed division in BWLL and is made up of 13-14 year olds. The focus for this division is on fully advanced theory and rules. Play resembles the big leagues with full bunting, stealing bases and strategy. Roster sizes could be between 9 to 15 players with the preference being between 10 and 12. The diamond specification is a 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches.
Challengers
The Challenger Division offers boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 5 to 18 (or the completion of high school), the opportunity to participate in an organized game of baseball. The most fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play. Children in wheelchairs, with limited motor skills or visual skills, or children with learning disabilities including autism, MD, PPD, ADD, ADHD, CP and Down Syndrome are encouraged to play in our Challenger Division. The program is adaptable to the special needs of each of its players. Athletes needing additional help are provided a Buddy. A Buddy is a peer, usually a student from a local high school, who helps the athlete understand the game and concentrate on the play. Buddies also help when needed in fielding the ball and knowing when to run. Buddies provide only the level of support needed by the athlete.
