T-Ball
T-Ball is an introductory Division for children ages 5 to 6 who are new to the game of baseball. T-Ball is NOT intended to be competitive but fun. 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). There are no practices and teams play 2 to 3 inning games twice a week. Participation trophies are given to all players at the end of the season. (See age guidelines below)

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!

Farm
Farm is a developmental Division and is composed of children ages 7 - 9 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. Farm is a semi competitive Division, however, coaching emphasis is upon player instruction and development. Children hit from a pitching machine to provide the greatest consistency possible. Each child must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Division rules are in-place to encourage 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. Game scores and standings are recorded. While the top teams in both the regular and post-season play receive awards, all Farm participants receive a year-end participation trophy. (See age guidelines below)

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.
• Learn the importance of respecting the Umpires (as representatives of the rules, order and fair play necessary for fun and sportsmanship).
• Learn to love the game of baseball and come back next year!

AA Minors
AA is also considered a developmental Division with an increased level of competitive play compared to the Farm Division. Coaches’ are again encouraged to emphasize player instruction and development Players range from 8* - 11 years old. Live pitching is introduced with walks being limited to 2 per inning per team. Coaches draft players based upon tryout ratings and their individual team needs. Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Ten players are assigned to field positions each inning, and all roster players bat whether assigned to a field or not. Game scores and standings are recorded. The First place team is awarded a Trophy. Upon completion of the regular season, a post-season playoff tournament is held. The First and Second Place teams from this tournament receive trophies. (See age guidelines below.)

Skill Goals:

• Develop batting skills through proper stance and determination of pitches to swing at.
• Develop fielding skills (infield and outfield positions, making the play at the correct base, backing up plays at the plate and in the field).
• Develop base running savvy (when to run and listening to the 1^st and 3^rd base coaches).
• Develop proper sliding technique.
• Develop tracking skills for catching fly balls.
• Pitchers learning proper throwing mechanics.
• Develop good sportsmanship and respect for umpires.

AAA Minors
AAA is the highest level of competition in the Minors Division. Players range from 9** - 12 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, and there is no limitation regarding the numbers of batters that can be walked per inning. All 12 players on the team bat. Managers draft players based upon tryout 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. The First place team is awarded a Trophy. Upon completion of the regular season, a post-season playoff tournament is held. The First and Second Place teams from the tournament receive trophies. The First Place team from the tournament advances to the District Level Tournament of Champions (TOC’s. See age guidelines below)

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
Majors is for children 11 to 12 years old and is considered a highly competitive Division. Managers draft players based upon tryout 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 and all 12 players bat with the exception of inter-league games where local rules may vary. Game scores and standings are recorded. The First place team is awarded a trophy. Upon completion of the regular season, a post-season playoff tournament is held. The First and Second Place teams from the tournament receive trophies. The First Place team from the tournament advances to the District Level Tournament of Champions (TOC’s)

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!

SLL Division Age Guidelines

T-Ball 5 - 6
Farm 7 - 9
AA 8* - 11
AAA 9**- 12
Majors 11 – 12

NOTES:

• IMPORTANT: Starting in 2006, the "Little League Age" of a baseball player as of April 30 of the current year will be that player's league age for the current season. Little League Age” has previously been determined by the age of the player on or before July 31 of that Season year. This date is note April 30. More information about the 2006 age change can be found here.
• *AA is predominantly a 9 year old division and newer to baseball 10 year olds. Players who are Little League age 8* year olds should be highly skilled, mature, knowledgeable of the game and considered to be impact players. Approximately 10% of 8 year olds will play at this level.
• **AAA is predominantly a 10-year-old division with 11 and 12 year olds who are continuing to develop their baseball skills. Players who are Little League 9** year olds should be highly skilled, mature for their age, and considered to be impact players. Approximately 10% of 9 year olds will play at this level.
• A few 10 year olds may play at the Majors level. They should have very developed skills and are mature for their age. Only 1 or 2 (if any) 10 year olds play at this level.
• All player placements in divisions will be based upon coach evaluations from previous years and tryouts.

Tournament & All-Star Teams

At the end of each season twelve players from each of the 8, 9, 10, and 11-year-old age groups are selected by the mangers and coaches to participate on a post-season tournament team. Players are selected based on skills and baseball knowledge demonstrated during the regular season. This is a highly competitive environment. Click here for more information.

In addition to the tournament team, twelve players (age of 12 with few exceptions) are selected to participate on the Saratoga All-Star team. The Players and Managers from the Majors Division select team participants. This level competes in the international Little League All-Star competition. The All-Star team initially competes with other teams in District 12 and can advance to Section, Regional and National play based upon competitive success.