BASEBALL DIVISIONS

Tee-Ball / Single-A (A)
Boys & Girls—Ages 4 & 5

Tee-Ball

Players in this division are introduced to team sports in a fun, non-competitive environment where they learn the fundamentals of baseball and softball. There are no strikeouts, and neither scores nor standings are recorded.

Practices are held once a week and last about an hour. Games are played on Saturdays, consisting of two innings and typically lasting around an hour.

Players hit from a stationary tee and use cushion-like baseballs for added safety. Those who demonstrate advanced hand-eye coordination have the option of coach-pitched at-bats. If they are unable to make contact after two swings, the tee is then reintroduced to help them complete their turn at bat. 

Single-A (A) or Coach-Pitch

During games, each player gets an at-bat in every offensive half-inning, putting the ball in play and running the bases. On defense, outs are acknowledged and celebrated by the coaches with their players, but are not formally recorded. The offensive team's turn concludes only after every player has batted, regardless of the number of defensive outs made.

Teams typically consist of 10 players and are organized by placing children on teams with their peers, such as schoolmates or neighbors.

Parent volunteers attend the league's Coaches Clinic and serve as coaches, coordinating practices with guidance from the Little League Tee-Ball Manual. Practices are usually held on weekdays, with the day, time, and location determined by the availability of the parent coaches.

Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this division. After enrolling as a volunteer and passing a required national background check, parents may become involved in games and practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, team moms & dads and other volunteer positions within the league.

Double-A (AA)
Boys & Girls—Ages 6 & 7

Machine-Pitch

Players in the AA division continue to build their interpersonal skills in a team environment while refining their baseball skills of running, throwing, fielding, catching, and hitting in a development-competitive environment.

Players hit safety balls pitched from a machine operated by an adult coach. To foster confidence of hitting with 2 strikes, if a player swings-and-misses twice during their at-bat, then the tee is introduced for their final attempt. There are no strikeouts or walks—every player must put the ball in play. Defensive outs are enforced, and half-innings conclude after three defensive outs or when the offense scores five runs. The catcher position is introduced.

Practices are once a week and last about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Games are played on Saturdays, consisting of four innings and about the same duration. Scores and standings are recorded and used to seed teams for the end-of-the-season playoffs.

Teams are limited to 12 players and are organized by peers (schoolmates, neighbors, etc.).

Parent volunteers attend the league's Coaches Clinic and serve as coaches, and create team practice plans with guidance from the Little League Machine-Pitch Manual. Practices are typically on weekdays, with the day, time, and location determined by the availability of the parent coaches.

Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this division. After enrolling as a volunteer and passing a required national background check, parents may become involved in games and practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, team moms & dads and other volunteer positions within the league.

Triple-A (AAA)
Boys & Girls—Ages 8, 9 & 10

Player-Pitch

The AAA division marks the introduction of player-pitch, where players are taught proper pitching mechanics, with a strong emphasis on arm care. This level prioritizes the development of the battery (pitcher and catcher), and focuses on the specialized skills required for these positions.

Additionally, live-toss hitting sessions are incorporated into practices to help players adapt to the varied pitching styles and ball trajectories introduced by different pitchers—absolutely necessary for the development of those accustomed to the static delivery of a machine-pitched ball.

Umpires officiate the games, with players expected to exhibit hustle and sportsmanship at all times.

Practices are once a week and last about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Games are every Saturday and possibly a weekday game, consisting of six innings or 1 hour and 45 minutes. Stealing bases is introduced, but limited to stealing 2nd base or home plate. Half-innings conclude after three defensive outs are made or when the offense scores five runs. Scores and standings are recorded and used to seed teams for the end-of-the-season playoffs.

Teams are capped at 14 players. Players must attend one of the league's Player Evaluations in late February—for the Spring season only—and are then in turn drafted to a team. 

Parent volunteers attend the league's Coaches Clinic and serve as coaches, and create team practice plans in conjunction with the league's Coaching Coordinator. Practices are typically on weekdays, with the day, time, and location determined by the availability of the parent coaches.

Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this division. After enrolling as a volunteer and passing a required national background check, parents may become involved in games and practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, umpires, team moms & dads and other volunteer positions within the league.

Majors
Boys & Girls—Ages 11 & 12

Hitting the ball where it is pitched.

The Majors division represents Banneker City's most advanced level of play on the 60-foot Little League diamond, featuring a faster-paced game and an increased focus on baseball intelligence.

Umpires officiate the games, with players expected to exhibit hustle and sportsmanship at all times.

Practices are once a week and last about 2 hours. Games are every Saturday and possibly a weekday game, consisting of six innings or 1 hour and 45 minutes of game time. Players are introduced to advanced baserunning strategies and gain a deeper understanding of game situations. Half-innings conclude only after three defensive outs are made. Scores and standings are recorded and used to seed teams for the end-of-the-season playoffs.

Teams are capped at 14 players. Players must attend one of the league's Player Evaluations in late February—for the Spring season only—and are then in turn drafted to a team. 

Parent volunteers attend the league's Coaches Clinic and serve as coaches, and create team practice plans in conjunction with the league's Coaching Coordinator. Practices are typically on weekdays, with the day, time, and location determined by the availability of the parent coaches.

Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this division. After enrolling as a volunteer and passing a required national background check, parents may become involved in games and practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, umpires, team moms & dads and other volunteer positions within the league.

Juniors
Boys & Girls—Ages 13 & 14

Junior League

The Juniors division marks the transition to the regulation 90-foot diamond used in Major League Baseball, offering players the opportunity to experience the scale and challenge of the professional field.

Umpires officiate the games, with players expected to exhibit hustle, knowledge of the rules, and sportsmanship at all times.

Practices are twice a week and last 2 hours. Games are on the weekends, including occasional doubleheaders, consist of seven inning games with no new inning after one hour and 50 minutes of play. Players are introduced to base leads and baserunner management, with a strong emphasis on pitchers fielding their position, fielders executing double plays, and batters focusing on gap-to-gap hitting and advancing runners strategically. Scores and standings are recorded and used to seed teams for the end-of-the-season playoffs.

Teams are capped at 16 players. Players must attend one of the league's Player Evaluations in late February—for the Spring season only—and are then in turn drafted to a team. 

Parent volunteers attend the league's Coaches Clinic and serve as coaches, and create team practice plans in conjunction with the league's Coaching Coordinator. Practices are typically on weekdays, with the day, time, and location determined by the availability of the parent coaches.

Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this division. After enrolling as a volunteer and passing a required national background check, parents may become involved in games and practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, umpires, team moms & dads and other volunteer positions within the league.

Seniors
Boys & Girls—Ages 15 & 16

Senior League

The Seniors division represents the next step after the Juniors division and is the highest level of play and development in Little League International.

Umpires officiate the games, with players expected to exhibit hustle and sportsmanship at all times.

Practices are twice a week and last 2 hours. Games are on the weekends, including occasional doubleheaders, consist of seven inning games with no new inning after one hour and 50 minutes of play. Scores and standings are recorded and used to seed teams for the end-of-the-season playoffs.

Teams are capped at 16 players. Players must attend one of the league's Player Evaluations in late February—for the Spring season only—and are then in turn drafted to a team. 

Parent volunteers attend the league's Coaches Clinic and serve as coaches, and create team practice plans in conjunction with the league's Coaching Coordinator. Practices are typically on weekdays, with the day, time, and location determined by the availability of the parent coaches.

Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this division. After enrolling as a volunteer and passing a required national background check, parents may become involved in games and practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, umpires, team moms & dads and other volunteer positions within the league.