Dear York Little League Families,
We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are enjoying the last couple days of 2024, a year we wrap up with fond memories from Smith, Beach and Bog Fields. We are very much looking forward to 2025 and excited to showcase an even more exciting season for all little leaguers.
You probably saw that registration is now open for the 2025 season. The season will start in April, and evaluations will be held in March. We wanted to reach out to try to answer any questions you might have. Below are some FAQs, but please, if you have ANY questions or concerns, let us know.
What Division Should I Sign My Child Up For?
You will see options for AA (coach-pitch), AAA (player pitch minors), and Majors for both baseball and softball. We implemented AA baseball last year after hearing parent and coach feedback. It was a huge success in terms of separating the minors program into a more developmental coach-pitch league and a more competitive kid-pitch league. We already had this system in place for softball.
A very basic rule of thumb for little league (both baseball and softball) is:
- 7–8 yr old: AA (coach pitch)
- 9–10 yr old: AAA (kid pitch)
- 11–12 yr old: Majors
*This is not a one-size-fits-all. Exceptions will occur on all sides. Some kids can and should play "up" if it helps their development and fits their skill set. Likewise, some 11-year-olds or 9-year-olds might not be ready for Majors or AAA respectively. We want kids in the divisions that best fit their experience and skill, giving them the best opportunity to succeed and improve as players. Overwhelmed and intimidated players can feel frustrated. We aim to make them comfortable and confident, while also challenged and supported.
Don’t stress too much about which division to sign them up for. This helps us track expected team numbers, but placement will ultimately be determined by evaluations on March 1st and 9th.
Register Now
Evaluations
York Little League strives for fairness, quality of play, and optimal development when making teams and placing players. To do this, we hire independent evaluators from known travel ball clubs who have no ties to YLL. These evaluators score players based on their skills, ensuring impartiality.
Based on these scores and our knowledge of what comprises a Majors-ready player, those above the minimum score will enter a Majors draft. This process helps determine the number of Majors teams needed.
While no system is perfect, it is efficient. Last year, out of 200 players, only a couple were placed in a division lower than they should have been. Similarly, younger kids in Majors can sometimes feel overwhelmed. A more competitive AAA season might help them hone their skills and gain confidence. Players identified as ready for the next level during the season may also have opportunities to "play up" for individual games or permanently.
Coaches and Volunteers
We are fortunate to have a robust baseball/softball community dedicated to volunteering. Last year, over 60 parents offered to coach for our 19 teams. While we traditionally have experienced coaches at the Majors level, we often recruit for the AA divisions. Many of these coaches continue with the league and later coach Majors teams.
If you are interested in coaching, please register as a volunteer Head or Assistant Coach when signing up your child. Our Coaching Coordinators will compile a list and contact you. We also need Team Parents and other volunteers to support the teams. Thank you for your dedication—it makes our league possible!
Register Now
Coaching Contacts
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also reach out to our board members:
Let’s make the 2025 season the best yet!
Sincerely,
Travis Waddell
President, York Little League