OCLL Division Descriptions
Tee Ball: (4-5 YR OLDS)
Who is it for? Tee Ball is a non-competitive, instructional division, to introduce players to the sport of both baseball and softball. The core ages for this level are 4–5-year-olds. Players will be placed on teams by the OCLL board. Our Tee-ball program will be for both boys and girls at this time.
What Skills are Taught? Little League has developed a curriculum that will be given to each team to follow, this program is a 5–6-week program that will start with practices and transition to games. Skills will include Throwing, grip, hitting, running the bases etc. League days will be one weekday evening and Saturday mornings. Weekday will be consistent.
Pitching Machine: (6-7 YR OLDS)
Who is it for? Pitching Machine is a non-competitive, instructional division, one level above T-ball. The core age for Pitching Machine is baseball age 7-8. Players league age 6, with at least one season of T-ball may consider playing Pitching Machine. Some players are new to the game, although many have played T-ball. Teams are formed by Manager draft.
What Skills are Taught? Managers and coaches further a player understanding of the rules and positions, while working on improving throwing and catching. Key concepts learned in this Division are how outs are made, how to react when a ball is hit in the air and following the base coach’s instructions. When playing the catcher position, proper positioning behind the plate is taught. Use of a pitching machine helps players learn to take aggressive swings and build hitting consistency. The flow of the game is introduced, as players understand how outs are made and what makes up an inning.
How is the Game Played? A pitching machine is used in this Division and players play designated positions. There are 10 defensive positions, as there are 4 outfielders. The pitching machine is operated by a coach of the team at bat. Defensive coaches are in the outfield to help direct plays before and as they happen. The coaches on the field act as the umpires for the game. Score may be kept but is not recorded. There are no standings, and the emphasis remains on building baseball knowledge and strong fundamentals, therefore there will be no end of season tournament at this level. An inning ends when the defensive team records 3 outs, a maximum run limit is reached, or everyone bats in the inning. Everyone sits the bench from time to time but will always hit in the lineup. Coaches will play players in a variety of positions they can play safely. Strikes are called, if a hitter swings three times and misses, then the hitter is out. Foul balls will also count as a strike and the standard two-strike foul ball rule applies. A batter is out after five pitches. Detailed rules are listed on our website when the season starts. Players are responsible to bring their own gloves helmet, bat and shoes. Athletic cleats are not mandatory, but highly recommended. Athletic cups are highly recommended for all players and are required for anyone playing catcher. One weekday game and one Saturday morning game.
12-14 game season.
Minor (8-9 yr olds)
Who is it for? This division further develops their baseball skills. The core age for the Minor Division 8–10-year-old boys and girls who want to continue to develop their baseball skills. Most of the players in Minor’s played in the Pitching Machine Division at least one season as a 7- or 8-year-old. However, any eligible aged player with appropriate baseball skills is welcome, even if this is his or her first experience with baseball. Teams at this level are also selected thru a manager draft, supervised by a board member.
What Skills are Taught? The major difference between Minor and Pitching Machine is that kids are pitching, and runners can steal bases. 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? The Diamond is 60 ft bases with 46 ft pitching distance. 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 Ten 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. End of season tournament will take place if time permits. Players are responsible to bring their own gloves helmet, bat and shoes. Athletic cleats are not mandatory, but highly recommended. Athletic cups are highly recommended for all players and mandatory for catcher. Weekday Games
Season? 12-14 game season.
MAJORS 10-12 yr olds
Who is it for? This is the premier Division for Little League. The core age for Majors is 11-12 years old. The age range is wide to accommodate those that have significant baseball instruction and are ready for Majors, as well as players needing additional instruction on baseball’s complexities before playing full baseball. In this Division, there is a greater emphasis on team play, which includes teams working together to win games. By the time a player is eligible for Majors, he or she generally has played a few seasons of baseball and is very familiar with the way the game is played. Teams at this level are also selected thru a manager draft, supervised by a board member.
What Skills are Taught? Stamina and concentration are important. Longer accurate throws are expected, and full attention is required. Players learn to react quickly, throw properly and accurately on the run and make consistent, hard throws to any base or the plate. Pitching is more sophisticated as pitchers develop more arm strength and improved form.
How is the Game Played? The Diamond is 60 ft bases with 46 ft pitching distance. All players bat in the lineup the whole game, but only 9 players take the field on defense. Coaches will play the kids in more than one position but look for overall balance on the team and develop players accordingly. Everyone sits the bench from time to time but always hit in the lineup. Players are responsible to bring their own gloves helmet, bat, 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.
Season? 12-14 game season
Junior (13-14 yr olds)
Who is it for? For girls and boys ages 13 to 14 yrs. old. The field size for this division is 90 ft. bases and 60’6” pitching distance. In this division, there is a greater emphasis on team play, which includes teams working together to win games. Teams at this level are also selected thru a manager draft, supervised by a board member.
What Skills are Taught? Longer accurate throws are expected, and full attention is required and greater emphasis on baseball’s complexities is taught. Communication between infielders and outfielders is consistent, effective, and results in improved defensive plays. Players are expected to make accurate, hard throws from second base, shortstop and third base to any other base. Experience at the lower Divisions has given players in the Senior Division improved ability to judge the ball as it comes off the bat and react instinctively.
How is the Game Played? Players at this level are exposed to the full baseball experience, leadoffs, pickoffs, stealing, balks, etc. The number of registered players determines the number of teams. Players are responsible to bring their own gloves helmet, bat 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.
Season? Season will run from early May to mid-July 12-14 game season.
Softball
Who is it for? For girls ages 7 to 16 yrs. old. The field size is the same for all softball division, the 60 ft base paths. The only change is the pitching distance:
Minor Softball (7-10 yr olds) – 35’-0” pitching distance
Major Softball (11-12 yr olds) – 40’-0” pitching distance
Junior Softball (13-14 yr olds) – 43’-0” pitching distance
The skills taught and how the games are played are the same as for baseball divisions.