Tee Ball (Ages 4-6)

• Overview: Tee Ball introduces young players to the fundamentals of baseball in a fun, non-competitive setting. 

• Special Rules:  

  • No pitching – All players hit off a tee to develop hand-eye coordination and hitting skills.

  • No scoring – Focus is on learning; there’s no official scorekeeping.

  • No outs – Each team bats through the entire lineup each inning, regardless of outs.

  • Base running – No leading off, stealing, or sliding; players simply advance bases after hitting.

•  Game Length: Typically 1 hour or 2-3 innings, whichever comes first.

•  Game Time: 1:15

• Tee Ball Overview

• Tee Ball Parents Guide

• Tee Ball Program

 Minor League (Ages 6-11)  

• Overview: Minor League introduces more structure to the game, with some levels using coach-pitch, while older players move to player-pitch. 

• Special Rules:

  • Coach or machine pitch – Younger players (typically ages 7-8) often hit from a coach or machine pitch. Player-pitch usually starts around age 9.

  • No leading off – Runners must stay on base until the pitch crosses the plate.

  • Limited stealing – Stealing may be allowed in player-pitch games but is generally limited.

  • Sliding – Sliding is introduced; however, head-first sliding is generally not permitted.

  • Continuous batting order – Many leagues use a continuous batting order, allowing all players to bat each inning, regardless of fielding positions.

• Game Length: Typically 6 innings or around 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Game Time: Rookie 6: 1:20, Rookie 7: 1:25, Minor 8: 1:30, Minor 9: 1:35, Minor 10/11: 1:40

• Pitching Rules: Little League Pitching Rules

 Intermediate Division (Ages 12-13)  

• Overview: The Intermediate (50/70) Division serves as a transition between the Little League field and the larger field dimensions used in Junior League, introducing more advanced gameplay rules.

• Special Rules:  

  • Leads and pick-offs – Players can take lead-offs, and pitchers are allowed to attempt pick-offs, bringing in a higher level of strategy.

  • Field dimensions – Bases are set at 70 feet, and the pitching distance is 50 feet, offering a midway point between standard Little League and regulation-sized fields.

  • Stealing – Allowed, including stealing home plate.

  • Sliding – Head-first sliding is permitted, reflecting the transition to more advanced rules.

• Game Length: Typically 7 innings or about 2 to 2.5 hours.

• Game Time: 1:45

• Pitch Rules: Little League Pitching Rules

 Junior/Senior League (Ages 14-16)  

• Overview: These divisions use a full-sized field with a pitching distance of 60.5 feet and 90-foot base paths, designed to closely mirror high school baseball rules and prepare players for competitive levels.

• Special Rules:

  • Leads and pick-offs – Players can take lead-offs, and pitchers can attempt pick-offs, following standard baseball rules.

  • Stealing – Full stealing is allowed, including stealing home plate.

  • Sliding – Head-first sliding is allowed, offering players the full scope of advanced baserunning techniques.

  • Mandatory play – While mandatory play rules may be relaxed in this division, many leagues encourage fair playing time for all players. Tournament play may have specific participation requirements.

  • Pitching – There are no pitching machines in these divisions. Pitchers must adhere to the previously discussed pitch count limits and mandatory rest days to protect young arms.

• Game Length: Typically 7 innings, with games lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Game Time: 1:50

• Pitch Rules: Little League Pitching Rules

Challenger Division (Ages 4 and Up)

Overview:
The Challenger Division is an adaptive baseball program designed for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. It provides a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment for athletes of all abilities to enjoy the game of baseball.

Special Rules:

• Buddies Program – Players may be paired with a “Buddy” to assist with batting, fielding, or running the bases as needed. Buddies are encouraged to foster independence but can provide help when requested.
• Inclusive Play – All players bat each inning and play defensively in every game.
• No Scorekeeping – Games are non-competitive, with no runs or outs recorded, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Flexible Gameplay – Rules can be adjusted to fit the needs of each team and individual players.

Game Length:

• Typically 1-2 innings or about 1 hour, depending on the needs and energy of the players.

Game Time:

• Varies by league, but generally held during weekend mornings or afternoons for flexibility.

Participation Rules:

• All players have an equal opportunity to participate on the field, with no restrictions on batting or fielding rotations.