Level of Play Summary

Current Divisions

• Juniors

• Intermediate

• Majors

• AAA

• AA

• A

• Tee Ball

• Challenger

Overview

Player placement in Los Gatos Little League (LGLL) is based on a combination of factors — age, ability, prior evaluations, and player development needs.

Age is one consideration, but it is not the sole determining factor.

The following descriptions outline typical skill levels and age ranges for each division, consistent with the official Little League International guidelines.

Team Placement and Evaluations

Division and team placement are determined by:

• Age guidelines

• Player Evaluation Sessions (held in January)

• Evaluations from prior-year coaches

Evaluations help managers accurately assess each player’s skills.

All players registering for AA, AAA, Majors, Intermediate, and Juniors must attend Evaluations.

If a player cannot attend at least half of the scheduled evaluation sessions, a written request for exemption must be submitted to the Board of Directors. Players will only be drafted or placed if the exemption is approved.

Tee Ball and Single A players do not attend Evaluations. Their teams are formed by the division Commissioner.

Team Formation Schedule

Teams are typically formed from top to bottom (older to younger) as follows:

• Juniors, Intermediate, Majors – mid/late January

• AAA and AA – early February

• Single A and Tee Ball – late February

Division Descriptions

Tee Ball (Ages 5–6)

Tee Ball is open to all 5- and 6-year-olds, and to 7-year-olds new to baseball upon request.

Focus: Fun, fundamentals, and teamwork.

Players begin by hitting from a tee and may progress to coach pitch later in the season.

No prior experience is required.

• Teams formed by the T-Ball Commissioner (requests for coaches, teammates, and schools considered but not guaranteed)

• Games: 3 innings or 60 minutes

• Every player bats each inning; no score is kept

• Weekly schedule: 1 weekday practice + 1 Saturday game

• Season: mid-March through late May (~10 games)

• All games at Blossom Hill School

Minors Division (Ages 7–12)

The Minors Division prepares players for the Majors level and includes three developmental tiers: Single A, AA, and AAA.

Single A (Ages 6–7)

Designed for players learning the fundamentals of baseball.

Players develop skills in batting, throwing, catching, and base running.

• Players hit coach-pitched baseballs (35–40 mph). After five pitches without a hit, players take first base.

• Ten defensive players per inning; all players rotate positions.

• No score is kept.

• Teams formed by the Single A Commissioner (requests considered but not guaranteed).

• Games: 4 innings or 90 minutes.

• Weekly schedule: 1 practice + 2 games (weekday & Saturday).

• Season: mid-March through late May.

• All games at Blossom Hill School.

Eligible players include:

• Most 7-year-olds

• 6-year-olds with one year of Tee Ball experience

• 8 year-olds new to baseball, not yet ready for AA

AA (Ages 7–9)

AA introduces player pitch for part of each game (2–3 innings) and coach pitch for the remainder.

• Focus on skill advancement, live pitching, and understanding game strategy.

• Players learn to make their own plays and decisions.

• Teams are drafted by managers based on Evaluations and coach feedback.

Player expectations:

• Able to hit line-drive pitches and catch/throw accurately

• Understand basic fielding positions and base running

• Comfortable facing live pitching

Game format:

• 6 innings or 90 minutes

• Continuous batting order

• Players called out on strikes; half-innings end after 3 outs

• All players must play at least one inning in the infield

• Youth and parent umpires officiate games

• Scores and standings are recorded

• Teams must provide an official scorekeeper

Schedule:

• 1 practice + 2 games weekly (weekday & Saturday)

• March through early June

• All games at Blossom Hill School

AAA (Ages 9–10)

AAA provides a more competitive level of play with full Little League rules.

• Focus on refining mechanics, strategy, and situational awareness

• Prepares players for Majors-level competition

• Teams are drafted by managers based on Evaluations and coach reports

Player expectations:

• Strong command of fundamentals

• Understanding of base running, cut-offs, tagging up, and stealing

• Comfortable facing player pitching

Notes:

• Most players are 9–10 years old

• 8-year-olds may be drafted if they evaluate highly

• 11-year-olds not selected for Majors may play in AAA

• 12-year-olds require District approval

Game format:

• 6 innings or 2 hours

• Continuous batting order

• No restrictions on stealing or bunting

• Adult or youth umpires

• Scores and standings tracked

• End-of-season tournament

Schedule:

• 2 games + 1 practice per week

• February through early June

• Games at Balzer Field

Majors Division (Ages 11–12; 10 by exception)

The Majors Division represents the highest level of standard Little League play in LGLL.

• Focus on strategy, teamwork, and advanced skills

• Teams are drafted by managers based on Evaluations

• Most players are 11–12 years old; 10-year-olds may be drafted if ready

Notes:

• 12-year-olds are required by Little League to play in Majors unless District-approved otherwise

• Parents of 11-year-olds may request their child not be considered for Majors

Game format:

• 6 innings or 2 hours

• Continuous batting order (local rule)

• Experienced adult umpires

• Scores and standings tracked

• End-of-season tournament

Schedule:

• Practices begin in late January

• Season: late February through early June

• Games at Baggerly Field and neighboring leagues

Intermediate (Ages 12–13)

The Intermediate (50/70) Division bridges the gap between Majors and Juniors.

It uses a 50-foot pitching distance and 70-foot base paths.

• Rules allow leading off, stealing, and on-deck batters

• Players may dual roster in both Intermediate and Majors (but must choose one for tournament play)

• Incorporates many Junior League rules

Juniors (Ages 13–15)

Juniors provides a regulation-size field (90-foot bases, 60’6” mound) and introduces full baseball rules — including leading off, stealing, and pick-offs.

• Metal spikes are permitted

• Games played at RJ Fisher Middle School and neighboring leagues

• 15-year-olds may not pitch

Bat standards:

• Must meet USABat or BBCOR certification

• Max length: 34 inches; max barrel diameter: 2⅝ inches

• Solid one-piece wood bats are exempt from USABat logo requirement

• Full details at usabat.com

Challenger Division (Ages 5–18)

The Challenger Division provides boys and girls with physical or intellectual challenges the opportunity to play baseball in a supportive environment.

• Emphasizes teamwork, inclusion, and fun

• Participants are paired with “Buddies” from Majors and older divisions

• All games use standard Little League equipment and fields

• Focus: participation, confidence, and joy of the game

Parent Involvement

LGLL thrives on parent volunteers.

After completing a Little League Volunteer Application and passing a background check, parents may participate as:

• Coaches or managers

• Umpires

• Board members

• Committee or event volunteers

Note:

During registration, parents may request placement at the lower end of a division’s age range if appropriate.

Players age 4 may be considered for Tee Ball if they demonstrate readiness and a parent commits to coaching.