Dallas Center Grimes Little League: 2012 Divisions
Tee Ball Baseball is for boys and girls 5-6 years old who want to learn the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. In Tee Ball, players hit a ball off a batting tee. Rules of the game may be varied to accommodate the need for teaching. The primary goals of Tee Ball are to instruct children in the fundamentals of baseball and to allow them to experience the value of teamwork. Rosters are composed of between 9 and 12 players. No live pitching is permitted in this division. The diamond used is a 60-foot diamond. Tee Ball practices and games are mainly on Tuesdays and Fridays with an occasional Saturday.
Machine Pitch (A)
Machine Pitch Baseball is for boys and girls age 7. Emphasis is placed on instruction, developing basic baseball skills and a general understanding of the rules of the game. By providing a more steady location and a more consistent speed and delivery, the machine provides a training tool for young players to develop a level swing. It also allows coaches to focus on fundamental batting skills.
By local option, a player who is league age 6 for the current season and has played 1 season of Tee Ball may request to be "moved up" to this division. Such requests are subject to board approval. Rosters may be composed of between 7 and 10 players. The diamond used is a 60-foot diamond.
Coach/Player Pitch (AA)
Coach/Player Pitch (AA) baseball is for boys and girls age 8. Emphasis is placed on instruction, developing basic baseball skills and a general understanding of the rules of the game. The players are given the opportunity to begin learning to pitch while the rules are set to allow the coach to pitch in certain situations to keep the game moving.
However, by local option, some of the 9-year-olds may request to "play down" in the AA division, and some of the 7-year-olds may request to "play up". Requests are subject to approval by the local league board of directors. Rosters may be composed of between 9 and 12 players. The diamond used is a 60-foot diamond and the pitching distance is 40 feet.
Minors (AAA)
This division follows the national little league rules for Minors play, with players pitching at all times. While competitive play is greater, the focus is still on training, skill building and learning the basics of playing baseball as a team.
Players on these teams are normally 9 and 10. However, by local option, 9-year-olds may request to "play down" in the AA division, and 8-year-olds may request to "play up." These requests are subject to approval by the local league board of directors. The diamond used is a 60-foot diamond and the pitching distance is 46 feet.
Minors Division teams are formed through an annual draft. All players age 9 through 12 must attend a “skills evaluation" at the beginning of each season.
Major League
The Majors is the most competitive Little League division. The Major Division is for boys and girls ages 11-12, except in unique circumstances, such as a beginning player with very limited skills, who would enjoy a better experience in the Minors Division. * A limited number of 10 year olds may be allowed to "move up" due to superior skill levels. The diamond used is a 60-foot diamond and the pitching distance is 46 feet.
Majors Division teams are formed through an annual draft. All players age 9 through 12 must attend a "skills evaluation" at the beginning of each season.
Junior League
The Junior League Baseball Division is a program for boys and girls ages 13-14, using a conventional 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches.
These teams are formed through a draft.
Senior League
The Senior League Baseball Division is for boys and girls 14-16 years old, using a conventional 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches. Depending on numbers teams will be drafted or only one team will be fielded based on order of registration. Our Senior Team(s) usually play all their games in Urbandale.
Big League
The Big League Baseball Division is for boys and girls ages 16-18, using a conventional 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches. All games are double headers played on Sundays starting the 1st week of April and finishing prior to the beginning of the High School season. Teams are not drafted, but created with the input of our High School baseball staff.