Baseball
When is Baseball Season?
CMLL's baseball regular season is from March-June. Upper Divisions (Majors, AAA) typically begin practice in early March, weather permitting. Lower Divisions (AA, A, Rookie) and T-Ball teams typically begin practice in mid-to-late March. Coaches will notify players of their team assignments and practice schedule in March.
What Does "League Age" Mean?
"League Age" is the player's age on April 30. For the 2012 season, a player's league age is his or her age on April 30, 2012. Use your player's league age to determine Division eligibility. Refer to the following chart."
Divisions
For boys and girls league-age 5 to 6 with little or no baseball experience. Emphasis is on the basics of catching, throwing, hitting, and learning a few basic rules of baseball. Softer balls are used and hitters hit off of a rubber tee with the help of a coach. Generally, players are ready to move to the next level after one year of T-ball. Teams are formed with a maximum of 15 players per roster. Teams will be expected to play and/or practice 2-3 times per week.
For boys and girls league-age 6 to 7. It is suggested that six-year olds play one year of T-ball prior to playing at this level. This level is ideal for the second year player. Rookie level is a transition league where players begin to experience coaches pitching to them. No scores are kept. Teams are formed with a maximum of 14 players per roster. Teams will be expected to play and/or practice 2-3 times per week.
For players league-age 7 to 8. This level is a continuation of "coach-pitch", but in a little more competitive environment and playing closer to the real rules of baseball. Balls and strikes are counted and scores are kept. All pitching is done by the coaches. Repetition and enhancement of baseball fundamentals are the focal point of this level. Teams will be formed with a maximum of 12 players per roster. Teams will be expected to play and/or practice 2-3 times per week.
For players league-age 8-9. This is a transitional level in which both the players and coaches share the pitching duties. This is an important level as it is the players' first look at "kid-pitching". The rules of baseball are more closely followed, and games have umpires. Balls and strikes are counted and scores are kept. Teams are formed with a maximum of 12 players per roster. Teams will be expected to play and/or practice 2-3 times per week.
For players league age 9-10. (Some 11 year olds may play at this level) Players are expected to have played one year at the AA level. Pitching is performed by the players and most Little League rules are followed. The catcher position becomes very important at this level as stealing is now allowed. This is the last of the "minors" levels during which the players hone their skills prior to the Majors Division. Teams will be formed with a maximum of 12 players per roster. Teams will be expected to play and/or practice 3-4 times per week.
For players league age 10-12. CMLL encourages all 11 and 12 year olds, and any 10 year olds up to the challenge, to play at this level. All players must be evaluated prior to rosters being formed via a draft. Evaluations will be announced and are usually at the beginning of March. This is the most competitive level of Little League baseball and players will be expected to make this team their top priority during the spring. Due to the rosters being formed through a draft, the players should not expect to play on a team with all of their buddies. But they will have fun playing with…and against some of them. Teams will be drafted with a maximum of 12 players per roster. Teams will be expected to play and/or practice 4-5 times per week.
For players league age 13-14. This is the most recent addition to the traditional levels of Little League. It is designed to offer a place to play for the middle-school aged players. Although offered at registration, CMLL has yet to field a team at this level. In the event that we have less than 12 players register for this level, we will refer those that do register to a neighboring league (Murrayhill, Tigard, Raleigh Hills, etc).
Post season teams are selected by the AAA and Majors managers and coaches, and CMLL board members. These teams represent the league at district, and potentially state, regional, and national tournaments from late June through August. Player selection is based on the individual player's performance over the course of the season. Parents of highly-skilled players, ages 9 to 12, are encouraged to keep these tournaments in mind when scheduling summer vacations. The league depends on our best young players being available to represent CMLL in these tournaments, including all of the practices leading up to tournament play. For more on post-season play, refer to the All-Stars tab under Baseball on the home page.
