Western Springs Little League is divided into six divisions by age (Little League age is the child’s age on April 30th of the current year) and ability levels (T 6 year olds, T 7 year olds, C, B minor, B MAJOR, and A) based on guidelines provided by Little League Baseball, International.  Listed below is a breakdown of each level within Western Springs Little League:

Tee Ball/Coach Pitch    6 yr olds (Kindergarten) and 7 yr olds (1^st grade)

Tee Ball/Coach Pitch, referred to as T Ball, is an introductory level where players hit a safety soft ball off of an adjustable batting tee.  After the team’s first 4 games, coaches underhand pitch a safety soft ball to their own players.  Coaches also serve as catchers.  Players still have the option to use a tee once coach pitch begins.  No score is kept.  Basic game rules are taught, and players are rotated among all of the different fielding positions.  Basic fundamentals of throwing, catching, fielding and beginning hitting are taught.

C BALL/MACHINE PITCH        8 yr olds (2^nd grade)

At the C Ball level, players build on the basic fundamentals learned in T Ball.  Fielding skills are expanded as players learn to field a ground ball and throw to a base, catch a pop fly and learn how to get an out for their team.  The catcher position is introduced.  Players continue to play and learn all defensive positions.  Hitting is taught through the use of a pitching machine which is operated by the coach of the batting team.  Base running skills are introduced but no stealing of bases is allowed.

B MINOR        9 yr olds (3^rd grade) and ~ 50% of 10yr olds (4^th grade)

Further development of fundamentals continues: throwing, fielding, hitting and base running.  Specific areas such as throwing to the proper base, backing up a player, and tagging the runner are practiced.  For the first time, players will learn how to pitch and batters will face player pitchers.  Stealing a base is introduced but players may only steal one base at a time and may not steal home.  The role of the catcher is enhanced as players learn how to catch the pitched ball and watch for base runners stealing bases.  Scores are kept but there are no official standings.  This is the first year that teams are determined by a “draft.”  Players are drafted based principally on prior year’s ratings.

B MAJOR   ~ 50% of 10 yr olds (4^th grade) and ~ 75% of 11 yr olds (5^th grade)

Baseball fundamentals continue to be developed although players will begin to learn several specific infield and outfield positions instead of all defensive positions.  Base stealing and bunting are used in game situations and infield/outfield skills continue to be stressed.  Scores are kept and standings are used for seeding at a year-end tournament for which all teams qualify.

A BALL   ~ 25% of 11 yr olds (5^th grade) and all 12 yr olds (6^th grade)

Strong fundamental skills and team strategies are stressed in this more competitive level. A strong commitment to the program is expected. Players will use and enhance the skills used at the minor league levels so that their team can be competitive with other teams. Scores and standing are kept for a year end tournament for all teams.