F.A.Q.

1.          What is the general philosophy of Little League? 

The goal of Little League is to teach teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play in addition to specific baseball skills. To meet this goal, every player at each game bats in continuous order every game.  Each player also plays the field at least 2–3 innings in every game. Managers, coaches, umpires, and other volunteers strive to provide a safe and positive atmosphere for learning.

2.          How are players placed in divisions?

Players are generally placed according to the age they will be on July 31, 2005. Players can play in a higher division if they have the physical, mental, and emotional ability to do so and doing so would be the safest option. Placement in a higher division requires league approval and may require a tryout. Occasionally, players play in a lower division if special circumstances apply. 

3.          Must I live in Hinsdale for my kids to play in the Hinsdale Little League?

Yes.

4.          Does Hinsdale LL have T-Ball or girls softball? 

Hinsdale LL does not offer T-Ball or girls softball.  Instead, any child (boy or girl) that will be at least six years old as of July 31, 2005 is invited to play.  New player start out in our Instructional American Division, which emphasizes skills development and fun using "coach pitch" and non-competitive games.  Other local park districts offer T-Ball and allow non-residents to participate, including Burr Ridge/Willowbrook Little League. 

5.          What league will my child be in? 

Your child will be placed in a league based upon his/her "baseball age," i.e., their age as of July 31st, and their skill level as determined based upon annual tryouts and past coaches' reviews.  The typical ages for each league are as follows: JUNIORS (13-14); MAJORS (11-12); NATIONAL (9-10); AMERICAN (8-9); AAA

6.         What is Majors/Minors like?
           

a. Majors/Minors is similar to Pioneer except that the pitcher pitches instead of a machine. A league umpire is present to call balls and strikes as well as plays in the field. Almost all normal baseball rules apply. Players bat only if they are also in the field, but all players must get at least one at-bat and 2–3 innings in the field per game. In the Minors, score is kept for each game, but there are no standings, and all teams advance to the playoffs. In the Majors, all scores are reported to the League, which maintains standings during the season. All Majors teams advance to the playoffs but are seeded according to regular-season standings.
b. Minors is typically for children of age 9 to 12, while Majors is typically for ages 10 to 12. All players must try out to be in Minors or Majors, and players are placed according to ability, not age.