Germantown Little League - League Descriptions

T-Ball - 4 thru 6 year-olds Divisiion

T-Ball is an introductory for children ages 4 thru 6 who are new to the game of baseball. T-Ball is NOT intended to be competitive but fun , while learning the fundamentals of the game . Game scores and individual team standings are not recorded. Players will be exposed to the basics of baseball including hitting, catching, throwing and base running. Players hit balls placed upon a tee (coach/manager or parent pitching is forbidden). Players rotate positions every inning to assure a variety of positions. There are no practices during the season and teams play 3 to 4 inning games twice a week. Games are 50 minutes long.

Skill Goals:
• Learn which direction to run the bases.
• Learn bat/equipment safety.
• Learn basic throwing skills.
• Introduction to positions (infield, outfield, bases)
• Introduction to team sports and getting along with others.
• Have Fun!

AA - 7 & 8 year-olds division

AA is developmental and is composed of children ages 7 & 8 years old. All players are evaluated prior to team formation in the areas of hitting, catching, throwing, and base running. Each player is assigned an individual and overall rating. Once the assessment is completed, balanced teams are formed based on player assessment ratings and then assigned to a Manager and Coach. AA is a semi competitive Division, however, coaching emphasis is upon player instruction and development. Children hit from coach pitched baseballs, to provide the greatest consistency possible. Division rules are in-place to ensure player rotation in a variety of positions. Ten players are assigned to field positions each inning, and all roster players bat whether assigned to a field position or not.

Skill Goals:
• Learn the fundamentals of batting with emphasis on proper stance, grip and swing.
• Learn the fundamentals of how to hold, aim and throw a ball.
• Learn the fundamentals of fielding ground balls with emphasis on proper stance, glove and hand position.
• Learn the fundamentals of catching fly balls with emphasis on moving to the ball location and proper glove and hand position.
• Learn the fundamentals of base running.
• Learn basic baseball rules and strategy and how to apply these in offensive and defensive situations.

AAA - 9 & 10 year-olds division

AAA is for players 9 to 10 years old. The league introduces new rules including; the number of players on the field is reduced from 10 to 9, base stealing is permitted, live pitching, and there is no limitation regarding the numbers of batters that can be walked per inning. Managers draft players based upon ratings and their individual team needs. Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Coaches focus on developing individual and team skills to field a competitive team and prepare them for the Majors Division. Game scores and standings are recorded.

Skill Goals:
• Continued focus on good sportsmanship and team play!
• Batting skills development including bunting, pitch selection and reading signals from Manager/Coach.
• Increased development of catchers (signals, blocking, pass balls, making the throw from home to second, good throws back to pitcher on the mound and when pitcher is covering home plate) as importance of position increases at this level.
• Pitching emphasis on good mechanics, injury prevention (ice), and development of pitching variety (fastball, change-up, location).
• Develop base running skills for situational play.
• Fielding emphasis on getting behind the ball and setting up the throw, getting ball to the correct position for the out or to keep the runners from advancing.
• Arm strengthening through practice (long toss).

Majors - 11 & 12 year-olds division

Majors is for players 11 to 12 years old and is considered competitive. Managers draft players based upon ratings and their individual team needs. Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Coaches focus on developing individual and overall team skills to field the most competitive team. Nine players are assigned to field positions. Game scores and standings are recorded.

Skill Goals:
• Develop batting mechanics (bunting, driving, making adjustments to speed etc.) and pitch selection.
• Develop accurate throws from outfielders to proper cutoff person.
• After fielding the ball knowing where to make the throw and getting it there. Develop fielding strategies based on skills.
• Reading signals from Coach/Manager and implementing directives.
• Arm strengthening and accuracy thru practices (long toss).
• Working as a team to get outs.
• Pitching emphasis is to continue developing pitch variety with good mechanics (fastball 2 seam/4 seam, change-up, cutter, slider etc.) and injury prevention/arm care.
• Catcher skills include developing pitch calling skills, accurate throws to all bases, minimize pass balls, etc.
• Good Sportsmanship!

Juniors - 13 to 15 year-olds division

Juniors is for players 13 to 15 years old and is considered highly competitive. Managers draft players based upon ratings and their individual team needs. Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Coaches focus on developing individual and overall team skills to field the most competitive team. Teams play inter-league play with other communities. Nine players are assigned to field positions. Game scores and standings are recorded.

Challengers

Players with special needs age 6 through high school graduation. One team that plays 8 games against other Leagues from mid-May to mid-July.