Menlo-Atherton Little League
Divisions
Menlo Atherton Little League is comprised of eight baseball divisions:
and three girl’s softball divisions:
Player placement is generally a function of age and ability. Age for eligibility purposes is determined by a player’s age as of April 30, 2010.
Players interested in playing baseball in either the T-Ball, A, AA, AAA or Majors division must register by January 19, 2010. As part of the registration process all players (except T-Ball) must also participate in the league’s “Player Evaluation Day” in order to be placed on a team for the 2010 season. “Player Evaluation Day” is to be held on January 30, 2010.
Players interested in playing baseball in either the Juniors, Seniors or Challenger divisions must register by April 4, 2010.
Players interested in playing softball in either the Minors, Majors or Seniors division must register through the AMA Girl's Softball web site.
Formation of Teams
The primary objective in the formation of teams is to provide balance within each level. At the T-Ball and Challenger levels, this is accomplished by placing children on teams. A "draft" system, as specified by Little League Baseball, is used to form teams at the upper levels. This system is most effective where different skill levels are more readily apparent and where play becomes progressively competitive. The general format for establishing teams at each level is outlined below. Specific procedures are prepared for each level before teams are selected since the number of teams and returning players vary each year.
Baseball Divisions
Note: All players wishing to play in the A, AA, AAA and Majors divisions must participate in the “2009 Player Evaluation Day.” Division roster spots will be assigned based on age, experience and professional/independent player evaluation.
T-Ball Division
Recommended Age: 6-7
The T-Ball division is an instructional/developmental program designed for 6-7 year old boys and girls. Five and a half year olds are eligible to play in the T-Ball division as long as they are 5½ by April 30, and currently enrolled in kindergarten. Children will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of throwing, fielding, catching, hitting and base running. Hitting T’s will be used to introduce basic hitting mechanics and will be augmented by “coach pitching” mid-season. The season will start with league organized “Player Development” clinics and practices for each team. Games that follow are considered learning opportunities where fun and sportsmanship will be stressed. Consequently, scores are not kept. Practices are generally held during the week and games are played on Saturdays at Laurel School and or Las Lomitas School. Teams are formed by random assignment. Coaches will contact their selected players by early March.
Note: Children interested in playing T-Ball DO NOT participate in the league’s “Player Evaluation Day.”
Recommended Age: 7-8
The Single A division (A) is an instructional/developmental program designed for girls and boys between 7-8 years of age. Emphasis is placed on furthering hitting, fielding, throwing and base running fundamentals and good sportsmanship stressed in T-Ball. Pitching Machines will be used to consistently pitch to batters at speeds ranging from 30-35 mph allowing players to learn the intricacies of hitting fundamentals. In addition to the emphasis placed on “hitting” fundamentals focus will also be placed on basic defensive infield skills. Team practices will be augmented by league sponsored team clinics conducted by baseball professionals. Games are considered learning opportunities where fun, sportsmanship and skills development are stressed. Consequently, scores are not kept during the general season. Generally, practices, Player Development Clinics and games are held at The German-American School. Children 7 years of age, interested in playing Single A must have played one year of T-Ball or the equivalent and must demonstrate an appropriate level of skill at the league’s “Player Evaluation Day.” Children 7 years of age, participating in “Player Evaluation Day” will either be assigned to play in the Single A division or in the T-Ball division based on league evaluation. Teams in Single A are formed by a "draft" system, with new teams formed from scratch every year. Coaches will contact their players in late February.
Note: 7 Year Olds participating in “Evaluation Day” are not guaranteed a roster spot in the Single A division.
Recommended Age: 8-9
The Double A division (AA) is an instructional/developmental program designed for girls and boys between 8-9 years of age. Emphasis is placed on furthering hitting, fielding, throwing and base running fundamentals and good sportsmanship stressed in Single A. Pitching Machines will be used to consistently pitch to batters at speeds ranging from 40-50 mph allowing players to hone their hitting fundamentals in preparation for AAA. Additional emphasis will be placed on defensive infield and outfield skills development. Team practices will be augmented by league sponsored team clinics conducted by baseball professionals—with particular emphasis on hitting fundamentals. Games are considered learning opportunities where fun, sportsmanship and skills development are stressed. Consequently, scores are not kept during the general season. Generally, practices, Player Development Clinics and games are held at Las Lomitas School. Children interested in playing “AA” must have played one year of “Single A” or the equivalent and must demonstrate an appropriate level of skill at the league’s “Player Evaluation Day.” All players wishing to play “AA” must participate in the “Player Evaluation Day.” Teams in AA are formed by a "draft" system, with new teams formed from scratch every year. Upon player selection, coaches will contact their players in late February.
Note: 8 Year Olds participating in “Evaluation Day” are not guaranteed a roster spot in the “AA” division.
AAA Division
Recommended Age: 10-11The Triple A division (AAA) is an instructional/developmental program designed for girls and boys between 10-11 years of age. Further emphasis is placed on teaching the fundamentals of baseball and sportsmanship, but in a competitive live pitching environment as preparation to compete at the Majors division level. Team practices will be augmented by league sponsored team clinics conducted by baseball professionals. Particular emphasis will be placed on advanced hitting fundamentals and basic pitching/catching fundamentals. While games are competitive in nature, in keeping with our league philosophy, fun, sportsmanship and skills development remain paramount. Generally, practices, Player Development Clinics and games are held at Encinal School, Holbrook Palmer Park and or Willow School. Children interested in playing “AAA” must have played one year of “Double A” or the equivalent and must demonstrate an appropriate level of skill at the league’s “Player Evaluation Day.” All players wishing to play “AAA” must participate in the “Player Evaluation Day.” Teams in AAA are formed by a "draft" system, with new teams formed from scratch every year. Upon player selection, coaches will contact their players in late February.
Note: It is recommended that in preparation for AAA, interested AA players participate in the Fall Ball program.
Recommended Age: 11-12
The Majors division is an instructional/developmental program designed for 12 year old girls and boys and the most experienced 11 year old girls and boys. Further emphasis is placed on teaching the fundamentals of baseball and sportsmanship, but in a competitive live pitching environment as preparation to compete at the Juniors/Seniors division or middle school level. Team practices will be augmented by league sponsored team clinics conducted by baseball professionals. Particular emphasis will be placed on advanced hitting fundamentals and pitching/catching fundamentals. While games are competitive in nature, in keeping with our league philosophy, fun, sportsmanship and skills development remain paramount. Generally, practices, Player Development Clinics and games are held at Burgess Park or St. Joseph’s school. Children interested in playing “Majors” must have played one year of “AAA” or the equivalent and must demonstrate an appropriate level of skill at the league’s “Player Evaluation Day.” All players wishing to play “Majors” must participate in the “Player Evaluation Day.” Upon evaluation, returning players will be placed on their previous season team. New Majors players are selected by existing teams using a "draft" system. Upon selection, coaches will contact their new players in late February.
Note: All returning Majors players must participate in the league’s “Player Evaluation Day.” They will still be placed on their previous season team.
Recommended Age: 13-15
The Juniors division is an instructional/developmental program designed for player’s ages 13-15. Games are played on a regulation/full-sized baseball field. Junior teams play in a District-wide league that includes teams from San Francisco to Palo Alto. The season begins in April and ends in early June. Each Saturday in February is dedicated to Spring Training. All players train together in all phases of the game. Teams are then selected to provide balanced competition. There are 12 to 14 players on each team. The division provides a full range of tournament play, including a Junior League Baseball World Series
Recommended Age: 15-16
The Seniors division is an instructional/developmental program designed for player’s ages 15-16. The Senior teams play in a District-wide league that includes teams from San Francisco to Palo Alto. The season for Senior League begins in May after the high school season ends in late June. There are 12 to 14 players on each team. The division features a full range of tournament play, including a Senior League Baseball World Series.
The Challenger Division of Little League is a program open to children with physical and mental disabilities of ages 6-18 years old. No skill level is required. Games will be played on Sundays against teams from surrounding towns. Practices will be limited to a few prior to the start of the season. Players may use the “Buddy” system to assist them during games. There will be one Challenger team in the League and it is formed on a first-come (i.e. first to register) basis. A team will consist of no more than 15 players. The MALL Challenger team will play its games with teams from the surrounding towns whose Little League offers a Challenger program. Teams include towns from Foster City, Palo Alto, San Carlos and San Jose.
Softball Divisions
Note: Girls Softball programs are managed in conjunction with the Alpine Little League. Registration for all Girls Softball divisions is handled through the AMA Girl's Softball web site.
Softball Minors/Majors DivisionRecommended Age: 7-12
The Minors/Majors softball division is designed for 7-12 year old girls, regardless of experience. Teams are formed by the commissioner. Games are played at Sacred Heart, Woodside High and Menlo College. In addition, consideration to join with other leagues for additional games is underway with active efforts to increase participation with all ages a primary goal. Registration for Softball Minors/Majors divisions is handled through the Alpine Little League.
Recommended Age: 13-15
The Seniors Softball division is designed for 13-15 year old girls, with some previous softball experience. Teams are formed by the commissioner or by draft. Games are played at the same sites as the Majors/Minors divisions. Registration for Softball Minors/Majors divisions is handled through the Alpine Little League.
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