WHAT IS BASEBALL LEAGUE AGE?

When registering for the spring season, a player will request a level of play at a particular level. But what level? The following provides an overview of Everett Little League Divisions.

While Little League International uses the "League Age" requirements to define eligibility for upper divisions, each little league is able to define their own age criteria to separate players for safe play in younger divisions.

"League Age" is determined by Little League International. Everett Little League is open to all children between the ages of 4 and 16 who reside in the boundaries, as defined by their residence or school address.

To determine your player's League Age click here: League Age Calculator

WHICH BASEBALL DIVISION SHOULD I CHOOSE?

In an effort to address the most common question among parents and players, we have outlined the appropriate division choices for your player below.

This intention of this outline is to help ensure players have a GREAT Little League season full of fun, personal/player development, and success (measured by fun and development),

Contact the Information Officer for questions or recommendations regarding the appropriate division.

*To request an exception to the outlined division eligibility below, please see important instructions below, then contact the Player Agent.

BASEBALL DIVISIONS AT EVERETT LITTLE LEAGUE

TEE BALL (Ball hit from a batting tee) Ages 4-6
T-Ball is designed to be the first introduction to baseball. This is the appropriate division for league age players 4-6. All batted balls are hit from a stationary tee. While defense is taught and encouraged, there are no official "outs" and the offense hits through the entire rotation each half inning. Some 6 year olds may be ready for the Rookies division. Typically this is based on previous Tee Ball experience and a general understanding of baseball.

• When Tee Ball can be skipped: Only if the player's first season of baseball is age 7 or older.
• How Tee Ball teams are formed: Buddy/Coach requests are possible.
• Siblings: Guaranteed same team.

ROOKIES (Machine pitch) Ages 7-8
Rookies is the next step for baseball development at EvLL. Batters receive (up to) 5 pitches per at-bat from a pitching machine and 3 outs are played per half inning. Rookies is most often the appropriate division for league age players 7-8. Some 8 year are will be ready for AAA.

• When Rookies can be skipped: Only when the player's first season of baseball is at league age 9.
• When a 6 year old can play Rookies: With Player Agent approval, based on prior experience and a completed Tee Ball season. In addition, there will be a tryup session announced before the season.
• How Farm teams are formed: Buddy/Coach requests are possible.
• Siblings: Guaranteed same team.

AAA (Player pitching) Ages 9-11 (& 12 with exception)
AAA introduces a traditional 3 strike/4 ball count with 4 balls resulting in a walk. Base runners can advance bases at their own peril once the ball passes home plate, or is hit into play and until the pitcher has the ball on the mound and ready to deliver the next pitch.

• When league age 8 players can play AAA: After completing a full season of Rookies, attending Rookies tryups AND upon attending a player evaluation session
•  Player Evaluations: A skills-based evaluation will be held for all league age 9 - 12 players wishing to play Majors or AAA. The objective of this player evaluation is to help determine the appropriate division for all players to have the most fun season possible while ensuring opportunity to develop and succeed.
• How AAA teams are formed: Snake draft
• Siblings: Guaranteed same team

MAJORS Ages 10-12
Majors is fast-paced baseball following traditional rules. Players who are not drafted will be drafted to a AAA team. Returning majors players WILL be drafted to a Majors team.

•  Player Evaluations: A skills-based evaluation will be held for all league age 9 - 12 players wishing to play Majors or AAA. The objective of this evaluation is to help determine the appropriate division for all players to have the most fun season possible while ensuring opportunity to develop and succeed.
• How Majors teams are formed : Snake draft
• Siblings: Guaranteed the same team, if both are drafted to Majors.
• *Note League age 12 players are generally assumed as Majors division and will be drafted following an evaluation. Some league age 12 players may best fit in AAA due to safety and comfort. If you have safety concerns for your league age 12 player don't hesitate to contact the VP of Baseball, Player Agent, and Information Officer. Please also add a note to your registration.

INTERMEDIATES (50ft. pitching/70ft. bases)
The Intermediate League level is a competitive level that continues to stress fundamental baseball with larger fields, and full baseball rules. Players who are league age 11 to 13 are eligible for selection to an Intermediate team.

• Typically 7th-8th grade.
• Home Games are played at Legion Memorial Park. District wide interleague play is expected during the regular season.
• This division allows for additional play opportunities for skilled players as a dual-rostered, age-eligible player. For more information, contact the Player Agent.

JUNIORS (60ft. pitching/90ft. bases)
The Juniors division is the first division that the game is played on 90' bases. Players can take leads and the game mimics the rules of higher levels of baseball. Players who are League Age 13 to 14 are eligible for selection to a Juniors team.

• Standard Baseball: 60'6" and 90 ft bases.
• Games are played at Legion Memorial Park. District wide interleague play is expected during the regular season.
• This division allows for additional play opportunities for skilled players as a dual-rostered, age-eligible player. For more information, contact the Player Agent.

SENIORS (60ft. pitching/90ft. bases)
The Seniors division continues the natural progression of baseball, with the game played on 90' bases. Players who are league age 15 to 16 are eligible for selection to a Seniors team. This division is by draft after an evaluation.

• Standard Baseball: 60'6" and 90 ft bases.
• Games are played at Legion Memorial Park. District wide interleague play is expected during the regular season.
• This division allows for additional play opportunities for skilled players as a dual-rostered, age-eligible player. For more information, contact the Player Agent.

PLAYING UP A BASEBALL DIVISION

Players are occasionally able to play up in a higher division than their age dictates due to their skill level and/or past experience (as outlined above).

If you believe your child should "play up", follow the below steps.

1. DO NOT alter your child's age in the system to accommodate this desire. You will be required to show proof of age before the season begins.
2. Register in the division your age range dictates. For example, if your child is 8 and wants to play up to AAA, you need to register for Rookies.
3. In the "Special Request" section of the registration process, note that your child would like to play up a division.
4. After finishing the registration process, email the Player Agent.
   Please include:
   -child's name
   -division registered in
   -league age for this season (See League Age Calculator)
   -division you would like for them to play up to
   
5. You must attend the appropriate try-up session. 
   
   1. Rookies to AAA will be in mid February.
   2. Tee Ball to Rookies will be in late February or early March.
6. Players will be internally moved into a new division by our Information Officer.
7. Any change in registration cost (different levels of play may have different playing costs) will be reflected in your Everett Little League online account as a balance due. You will receive an email confirmation after the move and request that you pay the remaining balance in your account.

REGISTER FOR A DIVISION OF BASEBALL OR SOFTBALL