Sonoma Little League Divisions and Age Ranges
If you are unsure what division to register your player for it is best to reach out to your coach from last season as they know your player best. If you still have questions email [email protected].
Experience is great but not required at any age to play Little League Baseball, all are welcome.
Players who are league age 5-7 are eligible to play in the Single A Coach Pitch Division. Coach Pitch is our most developmental division designed to teach players basic skills of the game, such as: hitting, running to the bases, and throwing. The most important aspect is that the players have fun and hopefully develop a love for the game. Coaches will pitch approximately 6 balls to the players then if needed players will hit from a tee during games. Scores and outs are not kept in this division, teams bat through the order and play 2 to 3 innings per game. We try to build self-confidence in a non-competitive environment for the players hoping to develop a love for the game. Only adult managers/coaches are permitted to pitch in this division. Teams are selected by the Player Agents. This division falls under Little League Baseball Rules for Tee Ball.
Skills Suggested for Single A-: The ability to listen and complete simple directions
Players who are league age 6-9 are eligible to play the Double AA Minors Division. League age 6 year olds must have played one year of Single A (Coach Pitch) and be assessed by the league as capable of participation before playing in the AA division. This division of minors remains highly instructional and introduces players to specific positions and game scenarios. Strikes, Balls and Outs are recorded but no score is kept. A Mechanical pitching machine is used for the first 2-3 innings of each game and then player pitching may be utilized. Players will take part in evaluations to ensure they are in the proper division for their skill level. Teams are selected by managers in a draft under the supervision of the Player Agents and President.
Skills Suggested for AA- Knows how to put on a baseball glove properly, is able to make good throws from 10 feet away, is able to catch a ball at least 50% of the time, knows where to stand at home plate for batting, knows the bases and a couple filed positions, can follow directions
Players who are league age 8-11 are eligible to be selected to the Triple AAA Minors Division. This division of minors is still instructional but introduces the elements of competition. Players pitch every inning at this level, scores are recorded and the season ends with every team participating in a double-elimination tournament. All 11-year olds are required to participate in AAA if not drafted to a majors team. Player tryout/ evaluations will take place before the start of the season to ensure players are in the proper division for their skill level. Teams are selected by managers every year in a draft under the supervision of the Player Agents and President. League age 7 year olds may request an evaluation to play AAA. Players league age 7-9 that are not selected for a AAA Team during the draft will be placed in the AA division. All returning AAA players not moved to majors will be selected for a AAA Team.
Skills Suggested for AAA- All skills listed for AA plus knows all field positions, can make a throw from an infield position to 1st base, understands balls, strikes and outs.
Players who are league age 10-12 are eligible to be selected to the Majors Division. This is our most competitive division of play. All 12-year olds must participate in the Majors division. Players are drafted by managers each year and become “property players” for that team until they age out of the Majors division. Players League Age 10-11 that are not selected to a Majors team through our draft process will automatically be placed in our AAA Minors Division (does not apply to returning Major players). Some travel for inter-district play is required for the Majors Division. League age 9 year olds may request an evaluation and Board of Director approval to play Majors.
Skills Suggested for Majors- All skills listed for AAA plus a strong understanding of baseball rules as the apply to on field play, can make throws from the outfield to the infield, can make accurate throws to first from all infield positions, can catch 3 of 5 fly balls on average
Juniors- Ages 13-14
Players who are league age 13-14 are eligible to play in the Junior Division. This is a competitive division of play using a conventional 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches. Travel is required for inter-district play. Teams are selected by managers every year in a draft under the supervision of the Player Agents and President.