Minor - Player Pitch - Little League Baseball
Who is it for? This division further develops competitive baseball. The core age for the AAA Division 9-10 year old boys and girls who want to continue to develop their baseball skills. 11 year olds may also play in AAA if another year for development is needed before moving up to the Majors Division. Most of the players in AAA played in the AA Division at least one season as an 8 or 9 year old. However, any eligible aged player with appropriate baseball skills is welcome, even if this is his or her first experience with baseball. For spring baseball, player assessments are conducted and a draft selection process forms the teams.
What Skills are Taught? The major difference between AAA and AA is that only kids are pitching and runners can steal bases on a passed ball over home plate, there is no “soft toss”, and third party umpires are present to officiate the games. Leading off is allowed between pitches until the pitcher returns to the mound, at which point the runners must attempt a steal or return to their previously attained base. Also, the fielding and hitting will have improved and an increased element of competition is added. From an instructional standpoint however, the main objective in this division is to continue to develop players in the field and at the plate, teach fundamentals and good sportsmanship, win or lose. Pitching becomes a bigger focus. Pitch counts are recorded and closely monitored for the pitcher’s safety. Key concepts learned at this age are more aggressive plays, both offensively and defensively. Players begin making longer throws, hitting the cutoff, and tracking and catching fly balls. Offensively, they are aware of signals from the coach, know to adjust the approach after 2 strikes, and know when to take the extra base.
How is the Game Played? Every player is in the batting lineup for every game. On defense, players will learn to play a variety of positions he or she can play safely. While all players bat, only nine players take the field on defense. Coaches will play the kids in all positions they can safely play. Everyone sits the bench from time to time but always hit in the lineup. Games are generally held at Green Acres Elementary School on the Majors Field. Directions to the fields are listed under the Locations tab. League standings are kept to determine a regular season champion and a season ending double elimination tournament is conducted to determine the AAA Division Tournament Champion. This enables all players the opportunity to experience post-season excitement! In addition, there are opportunities to make the 9/10, 10/11, and 11/12 year old All Star Teams that participate in the District 39 All Star Tournament. These teams typically play well into July. Players are responsible to bring their own gloves and shoes. Athletic cleats are not mandatory, but highly recommended. Athletic cups are highly recommended for all players and are required for everyone playing catcher.