Little League Player Evaluations
PREPARING YOUR PLAYER FOR LITTLE LEAGUE EVALUATIONS
So, you’ve signed your kid up for Little League…now what? ASSESSMENTS! EVALUATIONS!
This page will walk you through the evaluations or assessments process, including what to wear, what to bring, and what your player should expect on baseball evaluation day!
When are Little League Tryouts?
The 2025 season's tryouts will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at the Summit Elementary Gymnasium . Make-up tryouts will be held on Sunday February 23rd from 2:30pm - 4:30pm at Summit Elementary Gymnasium . All players interested in playing in BCLL must attend the tryouts. We have designated the following time schedule to better process and flow players thru the evaluation process.
T-Ball does not have to be evaluated!!
Player Evaluations Schedule:
Location: Summit Elementary Gymnasium
830 St Route 716 Ashland, KY 41102
2/22/25
9:30am-10:30am Minor Baseball
10:30am -12:00pm Rookie Coach Pitch Baseball
12:00pm -1:00pm Major Baseball
1:30pm-3:00pm 8U Coach Pitch Softball
3:00pm-4:00pm. 10U Kid Pitch Softball
4:00pm -5:00pm 12U Major Softball
2/23/25
Make-up Slot (All Ages) – 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Why does my young player need to be evaluated?
Don’t be intimidated by the word evaluated. Evaluations (or assessments) are simply a tool for the league to be able to spread the level of talent around to each team fairly, every player brings a unique skill set no 2 alike. Our goal is to pair those skills sets fairly on each team to create more competitive fun games at every age level.
No player will be cut, and ALL PLAYERS WILL HAVE A TEAM TO PLAY ON. In some cases, the league staff and Coaches may agree that, for safety concerns, a kiddo would benefit from playing in a different division level. This may be common for a player with little experience. The goal is for players to have a positive baseball experience. This may mean playing down in the division below to build their confidence and overall skill level or could also be playing up to the next division if their skill level is to advanced for their current division.
It is the Little League’s policy to place players on evenly skilled teams in order to create competitive teams and good game environments for all players.
What exactly is assessed during the evaluations?
Players will be evaluated in each of the following 5 areas:
Batting
Fielding Ground Balls (grounders)
Catching Fly Balls (pop-ups in the outfield)
Throwing / Pitching
Running
How can I prepare my player for the baseball evaluations?
1 - PRACTICE WITH THEM - It is a good idea to knock the rust off the old baseball glove a little sooner rather than in the car on the way to evaluations. Baseball is a difficult game, and reps are the key!
2 - ENCOURAGE THEM
Assure them that they will make it on a team, regardless of their performance at evaluations
Encourage them to HAVE FUN!!!!
3 - SET EXPECTATIONS
Although tryouts typically lasts 60 minutes for each division , each child gets short amount of time to show what he or she can do.
For example, each child will likely only field about 3-5 fly balls and 3-5 grounders
Let them know what activities to expect (see “Evaluation” below)
Encourage your child to always be focused and pay attention to the coaches directions, so they know what’s coming next.
Once your child has completed each station you are free to go. Next step will be coaches reaching out to you to setup first practices.
What to Wear to Tryouts
Tryouts will be held rain or shine! Have your player wear:
Comfortable Athletic Clothes – clothes that they can move in (baseball pants are okay, but not required)
Athletic indoor gym safe shoes (no cleats)
What to Bring to Tryouts
Glove
Baseball Bat, if you have one. We will have bats on site that can be used.
Baseball bats guide if you're buying a bat this season --> Bat Information - Little League
What is the Evaluation Process?
Check-In: Your child will receive a name-plate to attach to the back of his/her shirt so they are identifiable to the evaluation staff.
Wait: Stay in the lobby or cafeteria area until given further instruction by league staff on when your player needs to enter the gym.
Evaluation: The tryouts are generally facilitated by our league board and staff.
The coaches observing tryouts will score players based on the activities (batting, outfielding/pop flies, infielding/grounders, throwing/pitching, catching and running).
Tryouts are held in their respective age groups, and ALL players will rotate through the activities (outfielding/pop flies, infielding/grounders, throwing, catching, running, and batting)in a single file line as they move thru each station .
After Evaluations
The next steps…
BEING ASSIGNED TO A TEAM
No player will be cut, and ALL PLAYERS WILL HAVE A TEAM TO PLAY ON.
In some cases, the league staff and coaches may agree that, for safety concerns, a kiddo would benefit from playing in a different division level than they are registered under. You will receive a call and/or email from the Player Agent or League Staff that your child has been recommended to play in an alternate division than they signed up for. This may be common for a player with little experience. The goal is for all player’s to have a positive baseball experience. This may mean playing in an alternate division to build their confidence and overall skill level.
Teams are usually formed within a week of tryouts. This process is subject to the league having enough coaches assigned to fit the amount of players we have for the season.
After the draft assignment process, your coach will contact their players once he/she has a final roster in hand. The coach will let you know when and where practices are, and will quite possibly have a team meeting to start out the season and get you all the information you need.
For the coming Season Schedule expect game dates to mimic previous years, Mon-Tues-Thur-Fri and T-ball will play Saturdays. Practice times will be based on your coaches selections for practice days.
Opening Day is Scheduled for April 12th at Fraley Field stay tuned for more info on that day.
Still have questions about the process? Contact us at [email protected] or via facebook thru messenger.