- A PARENT’S GUIDE TO Minor League Baseball and Softball
What Is Minor League?
Minor League is a competitive program focused on advancing skills and fundamentals of players ages 9-11. Players begin pitching during games in Minor League. The rules continue to advance from Coach Pitch as the players and games continue to increase in skill level. Minor League begins the introduction of players pitching, base stealing, and other aspects of the game further than Coach Pitch. Baseball and Softball have slightly different in game rules on some things however. Minor League also utilizes skill evaluations for the players, it is encouraged that all players registered participate in one of the skill evaluation dates for their age group. All registered players will still be placed on a team if circumstances do not allow a player to participate in skill evaluations however. All 9 year old players will play in Minor League, 10 and 11 year old players could possibly be selected to the Major League based on Skill evaluations, players must attend a skill evaluation to be consider a Major League prospect at age 10 or 11. Minor League also provides players an opportunity to be selected for a post season All Star Team and Tournament (Please note that not every player will be selected for an All Star Team). Maryville Little League strives to provide an experience focused on teaching the fundamentals of the game in a fun environment while incorporating a high level of physical activity.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A PARENT
REGISTRATION
Maryville Little League has opportunities for online and limited in person events from which they may register players. In order to participate, a player must live within or attend school within a league’s boundaries. Waivers are available in some situations for players outside Blount County, contact MLL for more details to see if you qualify for a waiver. At registration, plan to bring documentation showing that your child lives or attends school within that league’s boundaries. MLL does charge a registration fee to participate in the program. However, there are programs that can assist for players to participate in certain situations. This fee goes to help offset the expenses of operating the program for your league such as uniforms, equipment, field maintenance, etc. Registration fees will vary by division.
All special requests - Needs to be completed in the notes section of registration at time of registration. We will attempt to fulfill as many requests as possible but not guaranteed based on number/type of requests. (Jane Doe needs to be on a team with Janie Smith for transportation reasons, or John Doe and James Doe are siblings)
Required Equipment
MLL provides each player with a jersey and cap from your registration fee.
Items required but not provided are : Bat, Batting Helmet, Glove, Cleats, Baseball Pants.
GAMES AND PRACTICES
1.Minor League games are generally 2 games per week and have a 1 hour and 30 minute time limit. An Umpire(s) will be assigned to Coach Pitch games.
3. Practices are not scheduled by MLL and will be handled by your player's coaches. Due to field constraints practices are held at places other than the MLL fields.
4.Parents are strongly encouraged to stay at the field during Coach Pitch games and practices.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers are the backbone of Maryville Little League. Some common opportunities include coaching, team parent, score keeper, field work day, and more. We can always use more volunteers even if it's only for one day, or project. It takes many different skill sets to run a successful and rewarding program so please use your skills to support your child and community.
FUNDRAISING
MLL will ask families to participate in a fundraiser to benefit the league. Fundraisers help leagues keep registration costs down
and provide resources for improvements to the league. MLL wants to ensure the Little League experience at the local level is affordable for all families, and no child may be turned away from participating due to financial reasons.
PARENT CONNECTION
The Parent Connection newsletter is available on the Little League International website for free. All parents are encouraged to sign up to receive monthly news from Little League International.