What level should I choose for my player?

You know your player best, so if they fall within an age range, use your best judgment on what level they should play at. Please make note of your player’s Little League age when signing up, however, as “league age” is often different than their age today.

Also, please make sure you live in the boundary for Ballard Little League by checking here (each region has its own league). 

Tee Ball is for beginning players, league ages 5 and 6 (some 7, if no prior playing experience) typically kindergarten or last year of preschool. 

Girls may select to play on an all-girl team or coed.

Team selection is based on coach/teammate requests, siblings, school and grade. There are no player assessments prior to the assigning of teams. 

A safety ball is used and players bat off a tee. 

No scores or standings are kept. No umpires. 

In the pre-season there are two practices per week. During the season there is one practice (weeknight) and one game (Saturday) per week. Approximately 8 games. 

Most practices/games are at Loyal Heights Playfield or Ballard Community Center. 

Players receive a team t-shirt and cap/visor to keep and are required to wear cleats and to bring a glove.

Practices will start in late March/early April and games will continue until early June.

"A" is for players league ages 7 and 8 (some 6) typically 1st and 2nd grade. 

If your 8 year old is still developing better hand eye coordination or they are on the younger side of their classmates or have not played baseball before, this is the place to start. 

Team selection is based on coach/teammate requests, siblings , school, grade and previous year's team. There are no player assessments prior to the assigning of teams. Players who are league age 6 may be considered for this division but must have played one year of Tee Ball and/or be approved by the Player Agent and their previous coach.  

Small, spring-loaded, pitching machines are used at this level. Safety balls are also used at this level since this will be the first-time children will be pitched to versus hitting off of a tee. 

No scores or standings are kept. There are no umpires. 

In the pre-season there are two practices per week. During the season there is one practice (weeknight) and one game (Saturday) per week. Approximately 8 games. 

Practices and games are typically at Ballard Community Center. 

Players receive a team t-shirt and cap to keep. Players should have their own glove. Boys must wear an athletic cup.

Practices will start in late March/early April and games will continue until early June.

"AA" is designed primarily for players league age 9 - 3rd grade - but also 8 year olds who have successfully demonstrated "A-level" skills, as determined by their coach, and are ready to begin pitching and hitting live pitching. This is the first level of “kid pitch” play.

Teams are created by our volunteer board with an emphasis on keeping friend groups togehter as much as possible. We have heard from families that friend groups are important at this level. BLL does try to create as equitable of teams as possible, and during registration parents will be asked to fill out additional infomration on current baseball skills, to help us form teams. New teams are created each year.  

Scores and standings are kept culminating with a league championship tournament. Games are umpired by volunteer umpires.

In the pre-season there are two practices per week. During the season there is one practice during the week and two games (weeknight and Saturday) per week. Approximately 15-20 games. 

Practices and games are typically at Gilman Playground.

Complete game playing attire (baseball pants, socks and belt) are required. Players receive a team t-shirt and cap to keep and are required to wear cleats and have a glove. Boys must wear an athletic cup.

Player assessments are conducted in early February. Practices will start in late March/early April and games will continue until early June.

"AAA" is generally for players league ages 10 and 11 (fourth and fifth grade)

Teams are created through a draft process and player assessment workouts are conducted. Participating in a player assessment is highly recommended and will be held in February. New teams are drafted each year with an emphasis on skill parity among the teams. We do not have friend or coach requests at the AAA level, but know that your player will likely know kids on their team from school, past BLL teams or other community clubs. And it's a great opportunity to build new friendships.

Scores and standings are kept culminating with a league championship tournament.  Games are umpired by volunteer umpires. 

In the pre-season there are two practices per week. During the season there are two games (weeknight and Saturday) and two practices per week. Approximately 15-20 games. 

Practices and games are typically at Ballard Community Center.

Complete game playing attire (baseball pants, socks and belt) are required. Players receive a team t-shirt and cap to keep and are required to wear cleats and have a glove.  Boys must wear an athletic cup.

Player assessments will be in early February.  Practices and games will start in March and games will continue until early June. Players in AAA are eligible to try out for All Stars, which takes place from May-July each year.

"Majors" is for players league ages 12 (sixth grade) with a limited number of 11 and some 10 year old players (fifth grade), based on skill level.

Teams are created through a draft process and player assessment workouts are conducted. Participating in a player assessment is required. New teams are drafted each year with an emphasis on skill parity among the teams.

Scores and standing are kept culminating with a league championship tournament. Games are umpired by volunteer umpires. 

Majors teams typically have practices and/or games 4-5 days days per week (weeknights and weekends). There are approximately 20-25 games, including interleague games with other Little League District 8 teams. 

Practices and games are typically at Gilman Playfield. 

Complete baseball attire (baseball pants, socks and belt) are required. Players are issued a jersey and cap. Cleats and a glove are required. Boys must wear an athletic cup.

Player assessments will be in early February. Practices and games will start in March and games will continue until early June. Majors players are eligible to try out for All Stars, which is a highly competitive team that competes in our region, with a season running from May to July.

"Juniors" is generally for players league ages 13 and 14. 

Teams play on a full-size, 90 foot diamond.  .

Assessments may be required.

Scores and standings are kept. Games are umpired by volunteer umpires.

There are approximately 20-25 games during the season. Interleague play with other District 8 (Ballard to Woodinville) teams. High school players are encouraged to play Little League as well, for playing time.

Complete baseball attire (baseball pants, socks and belt) are required. Players are issued a league-owned jersey, cap and are required to wear cleats and to have a glove. Boys must wear an athletic cup.

Practices and games will start in March and games will continue until early June.

"Seniors" is generally for players league ages 15 and 16. 

Seniors is played on a full-size, 90 foot diamond. 

Assessments may be required.

Scores and standings are kept, and games are umpired by volunteer umpires.

There are approximately 20-25 games. Interleague play with other District 8 (Ballard to Woodinville) teams. High school players are encouraged to play Little League as well, for playing time.

Complete baseball attire (baseball/softball pants, socks and belt) are required. Players are issued a league-owned jersey, which must be returned at the end of the season, and are required to wear cleats and to have a glove. Boys must wear an athletic cup.