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Levels of Play

Baseball Major (ages 10-12): The Major league is the highest and most competitive level of baseball in Appleton Little League. All players age 11-12, who did not play on a 2016 Major league team must try out for the Major League level. 10-year-olds have the option to “opt out” of the Major tryouts/draft, being eligible only for Minor. Minimum playing requirements for the regular season include two innings of defense and one at-bat, subject to a complete game being played. In Appleton Little League, 9-year-olds are not allowed to play in the Major league. All 12-year-olds that try out are assured a Major league spot, unless upon unanimous (with parent’s initiating) vote by all involved, including President and District Administrator, the child is deemed a safety concern, and allowed to play in the Minor league.

Baseball Minor (9-11): The Minor league is a player pitch league, much like the Major league, providing a bit more emphasis on player development and participation. All 9-year-olds, and all 10- and 11-year-olds not drafted to a Major league team will be drafted to a Minor league team in their division, guaranteed. Only kids aged 11 and under are allowed to pitch at this level. There is a continuous batting order and more minimum playing time in the field. Minor teams are redrafted each year.

Baseball Rookie (7-8): The Rookie league is a machine pitch (coach-assisted) league. This league is instructional and developmental in nature, but does allow for score-keeping and a competitive environment. Teams are formed first by division, then by school, but with respect to more evenly-matched age clusters. Special requests for playing with friends, or with certain coaches will not be considered.

Co-ed Baseball Tee Ball (4-6): Boys and girls play together (4-5 Beginner or 5-6 Advanced). Special requests for playing with friends, or with certain coaches will not be considered.

Girls Softball Major (11-12): The Major league in Softball is for 11- and 12-year-old girls, with tryouts for players not previously on a Major league team. This is a competitive fast-pitch program. The 12-year-old rules noted in Baseball Major league section apply to Softball.

Girls Softball Minor (9-10): The Minor league is also a player pitch, fast-pitch league, with rules modified to be age and skill level appropriate. 8-year-olds are allowed to tryout, but must be drafted and are not guaranteed to play at the Minor level. If not drafted to Minor, will be placed on a Rookie level team and will not need to participate in fundraising. A signed form of explanation will be required at a later time, before a skills assessment and/or tryout.

Girls Softball Rookie (7-8): This coach-pitch league is instructional and developmental in nature, and seeks to teach the basics of softball to girls age 7-8. Teams are generally formed based on school attending. Special requests for playing with friends, or with certain coaches will be considered. 6-year-olds must have completed one year of Little League Tee Ball and request an skills assessment, and be accepted by the Commissioner/Player Agent in order to play in Rookie. If not accepted into Rookie, will be placed on a Tee Ball level team and be refunded the difference in Registration cost. A signed form of explanation will be required at a later time, before a skills assessment.

Girls Softball Tee Ball (4-6): Girls play together. Special requests for playing with friends, or with certain coaches will not be considered.


Photo by Post Crescent