Many parents of baseball players in our player pitch divisions (ages 9 through 13) wonder which division is right for their child.
For the Minors, Majors and the 50/70 (officially known as “Intermediate”) ZLL allows players over a range of ages to play at the different levels. Details about the age ranges and the objectives of the divisions are described on the ZLL web site at http://zionsvillelittleleague.org/programs/recreation-baseball.
The decision where a child plays is a combination of the parents and ZLL. The parents decide which level or levels you have your player evaluate for (you may evaluate for more than one level), and ZLL determines, through a drafting process, which level your child will actually play at.
When parents determine which level (or levels) to have their child evaluate for, the parents should consider a variety of factors including:
- The child’s age
- How the child’s skill levels compare to the probable skill levels of players in that division
- The desire to play with friends from school (i.e. in the same grade)
- Potential selection to All-Star teams
- Likelihood of being selected in a draft if playing “up” with older players. Each division fills teams using a draft. If your child isn’t selected in the draft for the division in which they evaluated, they will be drafted in a lower division. Every child is selected in the draft – no one is left out.
- ZLL or Little League International do have some age based restrictions. 9 year olds can only play in minor in ZLL. 13 year olds can only play in 50/70. For 10, 11 and 12 year olds, there is a choice.
Before your player attends an evaluation session, you should consider these factors. If you have any questions, please consult with ZLL Board members or prior coaches you may have had in previous years.
Posted in: Registration and Team Assignments