About Minors
Minors AA Baseball:
Ages – 9-10 year-olds, with a limited number of 8 year-olds*
Description - Minors AA is a hybrid player/coach-pitch division. The emphasis in this level is development as players continue to learn the fundamentals of hitting and fielding through practices and games, however player pitching is now added. Game situations are also taught for an overall more competitive experience than Minor A "Pee Wee", however the focus is still significantly on development over competition, as a 5-run limit per inning is in effect and Coaches replace player pitchers after allowing consecutive walks. Coaches then have a maximum of 5 pitches, at which point the batter either puts the ball in play, or is struck out. This will help create developmental opportunities in the field and on the base paths. At this level LL Playing Rule is modified so that each player must play at least three (3) innings by the end of the fifth (5th) inning of the game. Player’s innings are to be split evenly between infield (includes pitcher and catcher) and outfield. Also a continuous batting order that includes all players on the team roster present for the game batting shall be used. (Variant of LL Rule 4.04)
Competition Level – Ramped Developmental
Coach Assist Pitching:
● 1st month of season or April to May
When a player pitcher walks 2 consecutive batters a coach pitcher will come into the game from the batting team to pitch to the second batter starting with a count of 0 balls and 1 strike. The batter has up to five pitches to put the ball into play if the batter does not put the ball into play: The Batter is out, the batter is also out on 2 additional strikes called or swinging. There are no walks by the Coach Assist Pitcher. The player pitcher will return to pitching after the batter puts the ball in play or strikes out.
● In affect after May 1st
When a player pitcher walks 3 consecutive batters a coach pitcher will come into the game from the batting team to pitch to the third batter starting with a count of 0 ball and 1 strike. The batter has up to five pitches to put the ball into play if the batter does not put the ball into play: The Batter is out. The batter is also out on 2 additional strikes called or swinging. There are no walks by the Coach Assist Pitcher. The player pitcher will return to pitching after the batter puts the ball in play or strikes out.
● In affect after Memorial Day May 29
There will be no Coach Assist Pitcher
Stealing
● 1st month of season or April to May
No Stealing
● In affect after May 1st
Runners may not take a lead and cannot leave the base until the ball has crossed home plate. (LL Rule 7.13)
Runner will only be allowed to steal 2nd and/or 3rd base and are not allowed to take extra bases on overthrows attempted by the catcher to the base or the pitcher.
● In affect after Memorial Day May 29
Runners may not take a lead and cannot leave the base until the ball has crossed home plate. (LL Rule 7.13)
Runners will be allowed to steal all bases and take extra bases on all overthrows.
Team formation - Prior to the season, ALL players are evaluated for placement, *8 year-olds must score above the minimum threshold set by the league and obtained by the 3rd party evaluators in order to play in Minors AA and there may additionally be a maximum number of 8 year-old spots available depending upon teams and registrations that year. To achieve competitively balanced teams, Team managers, along with SCLL Minors Coordinator and SCLL Player Agent, form teams by way of a player draft; team rosters are posted on the SCLL site in mid-April.
Time Commitment - To start the season Minors AA teams practice twice a week and after two weeks have 3 activities, either one game and two practices or vice versa, per week throughout the season. Postseason extra games start around the first week in June.
See local rules for more details.
Minors AAA Baseball:
Ages - 9-11-year-olds
Description - Minors AAA builds off of the Minors AA program and continues to focus on fundamentals, while games progressively become more competitive. At the AAA level the coach pitching option is eliminated. At this level LL Playing Rule is modified so that each player must play at least three (3) innings by the end of the fifth (5th) inning of the game. At least one inning in the infield (includes pitcher and catcher). AAA teams can be paired with Majors teams to hold joint practices throughout the season. These practices will help players to become comfortable with Majors level competition in addition to furthering their development.
Competition Level – Semi-Competitive – Pitchers will pitch a maximum of 3 inning per game and follow pitch smart guidelines, players will play equally in the field. Umpires will officiate games, game scores will be kept and team records tracked. Season concludes with playoffs and a championship.
Gender: Boys and Girls
Team Formation - Prior to the season, all players are evaluated for placement.
LL Age 9 and 10 year-olds must score above the minimum threshold set by the league and obtained by the 3rd party evaluators at tryouts, to play in Minors AAA.
****LL Age 9 year-olds must have at least one season of kid pitch experience (Spring Minors AA, Summer Kid Pitch, Fall Kid Pitch) to be considered for Spring Minors AAA*****
All 11 year-olds, not currently on a Majors roster, must attend tryouts. To achieve competitively balanced teams, Team managers, along with SCLL Minors Coordinator and SCLL Player Agent, form teams by way of a player draft; team rosters are posted on the SCLL site in early-April.
Time Commitment - Minors AAA teams practice three times a week to start the season and after two weeks have two games and one practice per week. Playoffs start around the first week in June and bracket seeding is based on regular season records.
See local rules for more details.
Useful Links
2023 SCLL Local Rules Minors AA
2023 SCLL Local Rules Minors AAA
Contacts
Minors Coordinators - Jason Gagliardi & Dan Raffeto
Player Agent -Sean Houts and Mike MacNeely