Saratoga Little League Division and Team Selection Guidelines:
SLL endeavors to create balanced teams at every level of play to encourage fun, healthy competition and good sportsmanship.
Divisions are selected by first targeting team numbers based generally on age range and the number of enrolled players. All teams must consist of a minimum of 11 players and maximum of 14*. SLL’s ideal team composition is 12 players, designed to maximize individual player game time.
Division eligibility is determined by age and ability through a try-out evaluation. At try-outs, players are evaluated by league managers on their ability to run, throw, catch, pitch and hit. Players try-out amongst their peers in an age-based grouping and are evaluated on their performance through a series of baseball drills. Each player is scored on their individual skills and is assessed an aggregate “total ranking” score. Total ranking and individual skill scores are used in the team selection. Scores are confidential and is not shared or discussed outside the team selection process.
The selection of all teams, Farm and above, is determined by player draft. The draft is led by the league player agent and division commissioner with oversight from members of the Board. Managers select their players in a fair and equitable draft system in which all team select one player in the first draft round. On the second round, the selection order reverses. This process continues until all players are drafted. Our goal at Saratoga is to have balanced teams and this drafting process ensures a fun and competitive baseball experience.