Ballard Little League Division Offerings

Tee Ball - If your child is of the ages of 5-6 and never played baseball or softball before, this would be the appropriate level. If you feel your 4 year old is more advanced, we do accept 4 year olds. Tee ball is learning the basics of the game such as positions, hitting and throwing. No score is kept during the game and roster sizes will be kept small. Games will be on Saturdays and teams will play roughly 9 games between late April and late June.

Pee Wee (baseball ONLY) - PW level is a coach pitch level which means there are live pitches from an adult throughout the game for ages 6-8 years old. This laid back level focuses on positions, hitting, fielding, throwing and learning situations. No score is kept during the game. Wednesday and Saturday are game days and teams will play 14 games between late April and late June. 

Rookies (softball and baseball) - This level is a transition year for children of the ages 7-8 years old (softball) or 8 year old (baseball) of seeing live pitches from players. A pitcher will throw 4 pitches. If the batter has not struck out or hit the ball, the coach will step in with 4 more pitches. This level has more focus on building confidence with hitting from live pitchers, along with understanding situational plays at a higher level. The score is kept. Teams will play on Wednesdays and Saturdays and play 14 games between late April and mid June. 

Minors (softball and baseball) - Minors is the first year of live pitching from the players throughout the entire game for the ages of 9-10 years old. The score is kept and games are on Tuesdays and Fridays. Teams will play 14 games between early April and early June. 

Majors (softball and baseball) - This is the top level of little league for Ballard. Majors is by far the most advanced level for 11-12 year olds. Each team will play 14 games starting in early April through early June on Mondays and Thursdays.

Central Iowa All-Stars (softball and baseball) - Advanced players, ages 9, 10, 11, and 12 will have the opportunity to try out in the middle of June. All-Star players must be selected and commit to continued play for Central Iowa Little League. Players will have the opportunity to compete against the best little league teams in the state. 10u players can advance as high as winning the state championship. 12u players, if winning the state championship, continue advancing and represent the state of Iowa potentially all the way to winning the Little League World Series on ESPN. We've had Ballard community kids advance to the world series in the past and it is an experience that’s never forgotten. Think of it as the biggest USSSA tournament.

*As you can see there is overlap in levels as it all depends on the birth date of your child. Your child CAN move up levels depending on their skill level, but they can NOT move down a level.