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League Descriptions - Regular
Season Baseball
(Scroll down
for Fall Ball Lg & Challenger Lg Descriptions)
Atlantic League
This minor league program is for 8 and 9 year old players. This
is a pitching machine program which is designed to develop the
player's defensive and offensive skills and understanding of
baseball strategy from the perspective of different positions. A
primary emphasis will be on the individual's enjoyment of the
sport. This league plays with 10 fielders (4 outfielders)
to provide more playing time for each player.
Pacific League
This minor league program is for 10 year old players. This is an
individual's first exposure to live pitching by players. During
this year, the player will continue to improve defensive and
offensive skills as well as the understanding of the game of
baseball. While maintaining the emphasis on enjoyment of the
game, the level of competitiveness is slightly increased in this
league. One or more 9-year olds may be selected to play on
each team depending upon registration numbers.
Central
League
This major league program is for 11 year old players. There will be a continued emphasis on the improvement
in defensive and offensive skills, as well as the understanding
of the game of baseball. Although competitive in nature, this
league will still maintain a focus on the enjoyment of the
sport. One or more 10-year olds may be selected to play on
each team depending upon registration numbers.
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Philosophy and implementation guidelines
for the
Atlantic, Pacific, and Central Leagues
The Atlantic, Pacific and Central leagues,
although competitive in nature, are instructional
leagues intended to develop each player's understanding
of baseball strategy and her/his offensive and defensive
skills. The primary emphasis in on each
individual's participation, the exposure to a range of
defensive positions and the enjoyment of the game of
baseball .
Implementation
The following are guidelines for coaches to use in
implementing the WMLL philosophy of participation.
In creating these guidelines it is recognized that
coaches require and deserve latitude and flexibility to
create an environment that achieves the WMLL philosophy.
It is further recognized that player factors affecting
teamwork and skill development, such as attendance,
sportsmanship and effort. may affect the implementation
of these guidelines.
· Defensive playing time rules are recognized as absolute
minimums, not guidelines or suggestions. No
player or groups of players should be singled out,
either positively or negatively, by consistently
receiving either the maximum or minimum amount of
playing time and
*Generally when 10 or fewer players are present and six
defensive innings are played, every player should play
more than the minimum number of defensive innings.
*Generally when 11 or more players are present, no
player should be in the defensive lineup for six
innings.
· Positions in the batting order should rotate. No
player or groups of players should be singled out,
either positively or negatively, by constant placement
in the most desirable or least desirable positions in
the batting order.
The instructional goals of these leagues are achieved by
beginning to focus on a number of positions at which
each player receives instruction and playing time in
both practices and games. Instruction in the
skills of all positions should be available to all
players. Effort should be made to give game
playing time at all positions which a player has the
skills to handle safely and at which he/she, through
their effort in practice, expresses a desire to play.
As a minimum, over the course of the season, all players
should receive significant playing time at both infield
and outfield positions. Coaches should look for
opportunities, such as in one-sided games, to rotate
players to positions less familiar to them.
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Major League
This major league program is primarily for 12 year olds, but
one or more 11-year olds are typically selected to play on each team
depending upon registration numbers. Major League baseball is
the highest level of play for this age group on the Little
League-sized diamonds (60 ft. bases). Player skill levels are
advanced and, while enjoyment is still promoted, the competitive
aspect of the sport increases significantly.
Badger League
This junior league program is for 13 and 14 year olds who want
to further develop their skills in preparation for participation
at the high school level. The game is played on a full-size
baseball diamond (90 ft. bases) and follows many high school rules. The need
for more sophisticated skill development and the introduction to
the larger diamond makes this league both challenging and
entertaining. Position assignments are determined not only by
skill but also by physical capabilities. Note: 14 year
olds in high school have the option and generally do play in the
Senior Lg.
Senior League
This senior league program is primarily for 15 and 16 year olds,
but 14 year olds attending high school may also opt to play in
this league.
Most league players will have played on a high school team or
will, in the future, be playing interscholastic baseball. This
league is designed to continue a player's preparation for a high
school team and is WMLL's highest level of competition and
player skill development. Individuals will become more
specialized in the positions that they will play and
participation time will vary.
League
Descriptions
- Fall Ball
Season
Baseball & Softball
Fall Ball leagues are broken down
by wider age ranges than regular season leagues:
Minor Baseball -- 7,8,9's (Softball -- 7,8,9's)
Major Baseball -- 10, 11, 12's (Softball -- 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
Junior Baseball -- 12, 13, 14's
Senior Baseball -- 14, 15, 16's
Note: If there is room, some 9 year
olds may request to play up in Major Lg baseball. 12 year
olds have the choice to stay in Major Lg (60 ft bases) or move
up to Junior Lg (90 ft bases). 14's can opt to play in the
Jr or Sr league.
Challenger League
The Challenger Division of baseball is for children with
disabilities. Ages range from 7 to 16 and children will be
placed on teams based on their abilities and amount of
assistance needed. This program is a part of WMLL's
Fall Balll Program. Each player will be assisted, as needed, by
a "buddy." Registration begins June 15 online.
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