Q: Why do we need to provide so much proof of age and residency?
A: Sadly, many people have cheated in Little League. A team even made it to World Series by fielding a 14 year old, 2 years older than allowed. Consequently, Little League International has established strict rules on the subject that we must follow.
Q: My child has never played before. What skill level is required? At what level should I register?
A: No baseball experience required. For a new player, you should consider the following guidelines:
- 5-6 T-Ball
- 7-8 Coach Pitch
- 9-10 Machine Pitch
- 11 PCL
- 12 Majors
- 13-14 Juniors (players starting baseball at this level or above is rare)
- 15-16 Seniors
Skill evaluations help to place players "playing up" from their default level. The player agents decide placement for all levels except Majors, where players are drafted by team managers.
Although we like to encourage kids to pick up baseball at any age, players at the higher levels have more strength and experience. If you have any questions, you should discuss your child's prospects with the player agent of the appropriate level prior to tryouts.
Q: What does it mean "South", "North", "American League" and "National League"?
A: Palo Alto Little League is actually two independent leagues managed by one Board of Directors. One League is "Palo Alto American Little League" and the other is "Palo Alto National Little League". They are both within the city boundaries of Palo Alto, with the dividing line being Oregon Expressway and Page Mill Road. South of the boundary is American, and North is National. Depending on where you live, you will be in one of these leagues. Currently this information is needed and used during the all-star team creation. Palo Alto has an All Star team representing each of these leagues.
Q: Once I'm registered, what's next?
There is a Parent's meeting in mid March (except Majors, Juniors and Seniors). You should receive an email with the exact date, but just in case, check the web site at http://www.pabaseball.org/calendar/ At the parent's meeting, you will find out more information about the season, which team your child has been placed and practices times. At this point, your manager takes over team-related communication.
Q: When, how long and how often are practices?
A: It depends on the division.
Tball, Coach Pitch and Machine Pitch:
- Practice days and locations are fixed and are set prior to the Parents meeting.
- Practices begin after the Parent's Meeting in mid March.
- Teams generally practice two times per week before the season starts.& Once the season starts, teams have a practice on a weeknight.
- Games start in mid April.
- Practice length depends on the division and the manager's preference, ranging from about one hour in T-Ball and up to 1 ½ hours in Machine Pitch.
- Machine Pitch teams often add a batting practice.
PCL, Majors and Juniors
- Practice days and locations are fixed and are set prior to the Parents meeting.
- PCL will expect players to attend clinics which will be held in late part of February.
- Practices begin after the Parent's Meeting in mid March (after the draft for Majors)
- Teams generally practice 2-3 times per week before the season starts. Once the season starts, teams have two practices per week and possibly batting practice.
- Practice length depends on the division and the manager's preference, ranging from about 1 ½-2 hours
The Seniors season is somewhat compressed with possibly more than two games per week, so there is often only one practice.
Q: When and how often are games?
A: Once the season begins, there are games twice per week. One game will be on a weeknight. The day of week will change from week to week, but the start times will be around 5:00 (although the schedule is not yet set). The other game will be on Saturday, starting at different times each week. Games last 1 ½ hours in lower divisions and 2 hours in PCL and Majors. Juniors and Seniors games may run longer.
Q: Do we need a bat?
A: No. The league provides bats at all levels. If choose to buy a bat, it must be marked "BPF 1.15" to be legal in our League ("Little League Approved" is not sufficient. The bat must comply with all Little League standards, although it does not need to be marked as such. Bats must be in good working condition. For safety reasons, we discourage and, in some cases, prohibit the use of certain high-performance bats. For 2008 season PCL and Majors will only allow players to use aluminum bats provided by the league. Players can also use a personal wood bat that meets LL standards.
Q: What equipment does the League provide?
A: We provide uniforms (jersey and pants), and all playing equipment (bats, bases, Tees, catcher's equipment, batting helmets, etc.).
Q: What kind of glove should I buy?
A: Most importantly, buy a glove that fits properly (big is not necessarily better). It should be small enough so that they can easily raise it and move it around. There's no need to buy an expensive, fancy glove. Often, the most expensive gloves take a long time to break in.
Q: If I choose to buy cleats, what kind of cleats should I buy?
A: Cleats are not required, but can help prevent a child from slipping on the grass. Baseball cleats are slightly different from soccer cleats. Cleats made especially for baseball are not allowed in soccer, and soccer cleats work just fine for baseball at lower levels.
Q: What experience is required for coaches and managers?
A: This depends on level of play.
At the lowest levels, no coaching experience is required. Anyone interested has the opportunity to attend a Coaches Clinic to learn how to teach baseball skills, a Positive Coaching class to learn how to work positively with young children, and a First Aid Training course. If you are good with children, know the basics of the game and have even minimal playing experience, you should consider coaching.
Many managers and coaches start with T-ball and grow with their children. Managing or coaching T-ball is more about children than it is about baseball. If you're interested or are still not sure, contact the T-Ball player agent at agent_tball@pabaseball.org
As you advance through the divisions, more knowledge and experience is required.
Q: How are teams formed?
Teams at all levels are created through processes that are intended to balance teams and create the best environment for the players. The specific process differs depending on the level.
Majors and PCL is described here: http://pabaseball.org/calendar/PALL_tryouts_facts_2008.pdf"> (follow the link for the fact sheet).
In T-Ball, Coach Pitch and Machine Pitch, the Player Agent build teams while considering the following:
- Each team must have a manager and a coach
- Teammate requests
- Grouping players by school
Constructing teams is very difficult and time consuming. There are many competing goals that must be balanced. We do our best to accommodate all requests, but that is not always possible.
Juniors and Seniors have skills evaluations and teams are drafted by the managers.
Q: Do I need to submit a Volunteer Application?
A: If you have a position that will require interacting with the players (manager, coach, umpire, etc.), you must submit a volunteer application prior to commencing your duties. This is a Little League International rule designed to protect the safety of the kids. The form can be found here: http://www.littleleague.org/common/forms/volunteerapp_08.pdf It must be submitted with a copy of government issued picture ID (e.g., driver's license).
Q: My child goes to school in Palo Alto, but we live in a different city. Can my child play in Palo Alto?
A: Generally, the answer is no. Little League has strict rules on this topic. However, if your city does not offer a Little League program for your child, it might be possible. If you think you have an extenuating circumstance, please contact president@pabaseball.org
