Divisions of Play
Northwest Little League currently offers Spring and Fall programs for Weeball, T-ball, Coach Pitch, Minor, Major, Junior, and Senior League divisions of baseball and softball. Based on experience, players ages 3-4 will be placed in Weeball divisions and players 4-6 will be placed in T-ball. Experienced players ages 6 and up may choose between baseball and softball divisions. All baseball divisions are coed. Softball is offered for girls, typically starting from the Coach Pitch division upwards. A quick description of each division can be found below.
Weeball
League Ages 3-4
Intended for our newest and youngest players, the WeeBall division focuses on teaching the game of baseball and softball, and preparing the players for the next levels of the sport. Players will learn the very basics of hitting, fielding, and base-running.
These games are all about fun and building a love for the game.
Teams are formed by the League.
Batters will hit exclusively off a batting tee, and the game is played with a softer teeball.
All players will bat each inning, and roster sizes are made to allow for more on-field participation.
Weeball practices and games happen in earlier time slots for the fields.
Our weeball program relies on volunteers to run. If you are interested in volunteering, check out our volunteer opportunities.
T-Ball
League Ages 4-6
Intended for our young and new players, the T-Ball division focuses on developing the basic skills of the game, and preparing the players for the next levels of the sport. Players will learn more about hitting, fielding, base-running, and sportsmanship.
No game scores are kept.
There are no season standings, nor participation in the post-season tournament.
No player evaluations.
Teams are formed by the League.
Batters will be pitched 4 pitches and then be offered a batting tee, and the game is played with a soft teeball.
All players will bat each inning, and roster sizes will allow for more on-field participation.
Games and practices happen in earlier time slots, and games last 2 standard innings.
Coach Pitch
League Ages 6-8
This division of play builds on the fundamentals that players received in T-Ball. It is also a good age group for new players of the sport to begin participating. This division is offered for both coed baseball and girls' softball. Players will continue to develop in baseball/softball, social and leadership skills.
During Spring play, game scores and season standings are kept.
Game play consists of a maximum of 6 innings, if time permits.
Players receive up to 6 pitches, thrown by their coach. (Softball pitching mechanics may be introduced depending on coach recommendation).
A maximum of 10 hitters will bat each inning. Otherwise, normal baseball/softball rules apply, adapted for the age group.
Spring and Fall game times are typically assigned the earliest time slots available after younger divisions are scheduled.
Players are eligible to participate in Little League All-star Tournaments after the Spring season.
Minors League
League Ages 9-10
Once players reach the Minors division, they will likely understand the fundamentals of the sport, and will receive further instruction and development in the next-tier elements of the game. This division features both coed baseball and girls' softball. In this division, players will begin to pitch (baseball and fastpitch softball), field the catcher position, and steal bases.
With a few exceptions, traditional game rules apply (using appropriate baseball or softball rulesets and field dimensions).
During Spring play, game scores and season standings are kept.
Game play consists of a maximum of 6 innings, if time permits.
A maximum of 5 runs can be scored per inning, for the first 5 innings.
Spring and Fall game times are typically scheduled in the earliest time slots available after younger divisions have been scheduled.
Players are eligible to participate in Little League All-star Tournaments after the Spring season.
Majors League
League Ages 11-12
The oldest of our traditional Spring Little League players participate in the Majors division. Both coed baseball and girls' softball are offered. At this stage, Northwest Little League play very closely mirrors "real" baseball or softball. Players will receive coaching and assistance on the advanced elements of the game. Following their years in Majors, players will look to enter Junior/Senior divisions of play and/or will participate in their Middle School programs.
With a few exceptions, traditional game rules apply (using appropriate baseball or softball rulesets and field dimensions, e.g., 40' pitching distance for softball, 46' for baseball; 60' bases).
During Spring play, game scores and season standings are kept.
Spring and Fall game times are typically later time slots.
Players are eligible to participate in the Little League All-star Tournaments after the Spring season.
Junior League
League Ages 12-14
The upperclassmen of our players participate in the Junior division, available for both coed baseball and girls' softball. These games are played on larger fields than Majors, and introduce elements of the game not seen in the younger Little League divisions. This level of play allows for leads by base runners, pick-offs and balks by the pitchers (baseball). Junior League gives players a great opportunity to prepare for middle school/high school seasons or get a second/third season once school is over.
Traditional game rules apply.
Little League pitch counts and days of rest must be adhered to.
Larger Fields: (Baseball: Typically 60'6" mounds, 90' base paths. Softball: Typically 43' pitching distance, 60' base paths).
During Spring play, game scores and season standings are kept.
Spring and Fall game times are typically played at the earliest time slots available on the larger fields.
Players are eligible to participate in Little League All-star Tournaments after the Spring season.
Senior League
League Ages 13-16
This division accommodates the oldest players within the Little League program, offering both coed baseball and girls' softball. It serves as a competitive environment and often prepares players for high school baseball or softball. Play is governed by conventional rules.
Traditional game rules apply.
Little League pitch counts (baseball) and days of rest rules must be followed.
Regulation Fields: (Baseball: 60'6" mounds, 90' base paths. Softball: 43' pitching distance, 60' base paths).
During Spring play, game scores and season standings are typically kept.
Game times are usually scheduled based on field availability, often later slots or on dedicated regulation fields.
Players are eligible to participate in Little League All-star Tournaments after the Spring season.
Note: The League Ages listed are guidelines, implemented by Northwest Little League to ensure that players are grouped with other players their age. Specific rules, field dimensions, and equipment will differ between baseball and softball within each division. If you have questions about what division of play is most appropriate for your player, please contact us.
Note: Following open registration, Northwest Little League may cancel or change a player's registration for a given division of play, issuing any appropriate refunds, if we have not received sufficient player registrations to field a team in that division (either baseball or softball).
League Age is determined by locating the player's birth month and year in the official Little League Age Determination Chart (separate charts exist for Baseball and Softball).