Baseball Divisions
At all levels, it is the goal of Sandpoint Little League to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment for our children to play and learn the game of baseball. With that being our overriding priority, following are the divisions of Baseball supported by our Little League organization:
T-Ball
T-Ball is designed for boys and girls age 5-6. It is the goal of SLL to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment for our children to play and learn the game of baseball. At this level we focus on base running, throwing, catching and batting. Teams bat through the entire order each inning. Coaches are required to rotate each player through defensive positions.
Single A
Single A (known as Rookies prior to 2012) is designed for boys and girls age 6-7. If your player is 6 this year and has not played before, we require that they play 1 year at the T-Ball Level before moving up to A Level. At this level, batters are pitched to by a pitching machine. If the batter does not get a hit in five pitches from the pitching machine, the batter then will hit off a batting tee. Coaches are required to rotate each player through defensive positions. Coaches begin focusing on defensive fundamentals as this division recognizes a three-out inning. No Umpires and no score keeping with exception of a five-run rule per inning.
Double A
New for 2012, Double A (AA) is designed for boys and girls aged 8-9. This level is intended to bridge the gap between divisions previously known as Rookies and Minors, providing younger players a more appropriate atmosphere in which to develop. Coaches focus on the reinforcement of fundamentals including catching, proper throwing motion, base running and a strong emphasis on hitting by developing proper swing mechanics. Players will also learn basic pitching skills and fundamentals at this level. An emphasis will be placed on learning the rules of baseball and strategies of the game. Volunteer parent umpires will be used and a 5 run rule per inning will apply. Other details of the new division are still being considered.
Triple A
Designed for players 9-10, the AAA Baseball (Minors, prior to 2012) is the start of competitive baseball in our league. This is still considered an instructional league with an emphasis on enhancing each player’s abilities and fundamentals of baseball in a competitive environment. Score keeping and standings are kept at this level with regular season awards presented at the championship game. Kids pitch at this level with pitch counts strictly adhered to. One home plate Umpire is used at this level. Girls in this age group are encouraged to join our Little League Softball program.
Majors
The Majors Baseball level is the top level in Little League and is available for ages 11-12. This is a very competitive level of play and competes with other local area communities during the season. Instruction and coaching are given to each player and playing skills are enhanced. Playing time and players positions are based on player abilities and what best suits the entire team. Score keeping and standings are kept at this level with regular season awards presented at the championship game. Kids pitch at this level with pitch counts strictly adhered to. One home plate Umpire is used at this level.
Juniors/Seniors
Juniors Baseball (13-14) is the first level where players play on 90 foot base paths and 60 foot pitching mound. This is generally the first experience for most players of playing baseball like the big leagues. Seniors Baseball (14-16) is the last and highest level in the Little League system. Watching a Seniors game is very much like watching a Major League Baseball game.
Registration Deadline
March 24, 2012
