Continental Little League: WHY Little League?

LITTLE LEAGUE ROCKS

WHY Little League? Little League as compared to City Recreation Leagues, Pony League or Travel Ball. Each of these programs have their own distinctive benefits with a few common denominators: Getting kids to exercise, building character, sportsmanship and teamwork, and also learning a sport (at different levels). In any community, children's health and wellness should come first in a day and age when electronic distractions are overwhelming, preventing our kids from venturing outdoors and doing something physical. Getting your kids involved in any of these programs is a good thing. Little League is an American tradition and an organization recognized throughout the world. Every August, ESPN televises the Little League World Series from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, whereby millions watch domestic and international 11-12 year old teams compete against each other from around the world. It's exciting, dramatic and heartfelt. Hardly anything matches the level of spirit and competition these kids put into every game.

That level of competition and spirit trickles down to the local league every spring. Every league is a little different but all have the same common goal. Teach the kids how to play the wonderful game of baseball. Teach them how to catch, throw and hit the ball. Teach them the benefits of practice and hard work and how it applies to just about anything in life. Most of all, teach them the spirit of the game and how practice will make them better. Just as the little league pledge states, win or lose, I will always try my best. Little League is one of the purest forms of youth baseball.

It has T Ball and C- Minor divisions, which do not count wins and losses and tend to teach the fundamentals first. T Ball is usually for kids 5 to 7 who have never played before and is considered one of the funnest, and funniest, years of little league. Kids hit off a T platform, learn how to play defense and offense, and how to stay focused on the field. C-Minor has machine pitch and/or coach pitch and is typically for kids 6 through 8 years. Again, these divisions are non-competitive and do not count wins and losses (although every child wants to know the score). B-Minor (kid pitch), A-Minor and Majors are all competitive divisions and start to really work hard on developing skill sets and practice ethic. B-Minor tends to be for kids 8, 9 and sometimes 10. This is the first year of kid pitch. A-Minor and the Majors are for kids 9 through 12 with the big difference being the Major kids have shown a better feel for the game. Once a child is selected to a Major team, he or she stays on that team until they graduate from little league at 12. Minor league divisions re-draft and form new teams each year. All children who sign up are guaranteed to play.

There is no lead off, pick off or third dropped strike rules in little league. Little League base runners cannot leave the base until the ball crosses the plate. This allows for a very simple, uncomplicated game of youth baseball within the parameters of time allowed. Little League has incorporated Pitch Count now whereby each pitcher is allowed only so many pitches per game before having to sit down. This prevents many arm and shoulder injuries and keeps the kids healthy for the next game. Little League also has minimum play standards whereby every child must get into the game both defensively and offensively (in the field and at bat). All little league kids learn the game by being involved in the action. This is mandatory for all coaches and team managers. Little League also has a very elaborate draft system that helps allocate talent throughout the league. No one team can dominate the draft by freezing unspecified kids and coaches beforehand. There are specific rules that govern this process. Although leagues across the nation may vary with their own bylaws, the majority adhere to a fair and impartial draft.

The same applies to all stars at the end of the year. Little League is very diplomatic with all stars and in many cases allows the kids to vote for each other to determine who goes and who plays. This keeps the influence of coaches and managers at a a safe distance. The starting nine are usually chosen by the players themselves, with the remaining kids chosen by the team manager. Each age division of all star is a little different but most require voting from players and/or coaches/managers to keep it fair.

Another great thing about Little League is the cost. While other sports have gone crazy with the cost of equipment, candy buy outs and uniform fees, not to mention snack bar, gym rental and travel fees, little league includes everything in one low registration cost. Each league fee may vary, depending on what they include, but most are very reasonable. Continental Little League fees include hat, pants, photo package, participation trophy and an awesome yearbook full of memories (our yearbook is the best). Don't forget, this also includes anywhere from 18-26 games per season with a boatload of practices. Little League will teach your child the fundamentals of baseball and keep it under $100, that's a fact.

And Continental Little League does it the best. We have the best managers, coaches and team parents. We have awesome Opening Day and Closing Day Ceremonies with an even better league tailgater at Angel Stadium every year. We are one of the most organized and affordable leagues in the area, considered by many as the "scrappy little league." Founded in 1960, Continental is one of the area's original youth programs. We are La Palma's largest youth organization and very proud of it. Little League has a little something to offer for everyone, kids and parents alike. We're always looking for new volunteers, team moms, scorekeepers, coaches and managers. Our league is successful because of its core volunteers and the kids notice the difference. They have a much better time when we all get involved. Continenal is more structured than other leagues with a true focus on the kids and their development. We genuinely care. Little League is definitely the way to go. Sign up today for a fun filled season of good times, great games and new lifelong friendships. See you at the field or snack bar.

Note: Winterball Season is a more relaxed version of our regular spring season and runs from September into November. It involves ten weeks of non-competitive baseball with one game a week (Sundays) and maybe one practice a week. It's a great time of the year to tune up the regular season players and for new players to step in and learn the game. It's usually half the price and includes hat and shirt.