Almaden LL All-Star Information

What is the All-Star Tournament?

The Little League® International  is the most widely recognized youth sports tournament in the world. Following the regular season, players have the opportunity to represent Almaden Little League on Tournament Teams, competing against other Little League programs at the District, Section, State, Regional, and World Series levels (depending on age group).  We fields teams for both Baseball and Softball, as player and coaching interest allows.

In addition, our surrounding leagues host 8 year old baseball tournaments, typically with a combination of our A and AA Rules. 

Lastly, for Softball, our All Star Teams also participate in tournaments run by separate softball organizations including USA and PGF.  These tournaments take place over a weekend, with Saturday typically pool play with 2-3 games and Sunday elimination play with up to 3 up games.

Age Divisions Almaden LL Supports:

• 7-8 (8s or 8U Softball).   Baseball Weekend tournaments with surrounding leagues.  Softball Weekend tournaments through USA softball.

• 8–9 (9s).  Baseball Little League District Tournament only.

• 8–10 (10s or 10U Softball). Baseball/Softball Little League District Tournament. Winner can advance to Sectionals / State.

• 9–11 (11s).  Baseball/Softball Little League District Tournament. Winner can advance to Sectionals / State / West Region.

• Little League 10–12 (12s of 12U Softball).  Baseball/Softball Little League District Tournament. Winner can advance to Sectionals / State / West Region / World Series.

• Intermediate (50/70). Baseball/Softball Little League District Tournament. Winner can advance to Sectionals / State / West Region / World Series.

• Juniors. Baseball/Softball Little League District Tournament. Winner can advance to Sectionals / State / West Region / World Series.

First Time Hearing About All-Stars?

All-Stars is a post-season tournament where top players from each division represent Almaden. It’s a competitive and rewarding experience that runs June–August. Families apply mid-season and are selected through a structured voting process.

Player Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for All-Stars:

• Players must reside within or attend school in the Almaden boundary area.

• Must have participated in at least 8 regular season games.

  • Injury or illness may qualify for a game count waiver, at the discretion of the Almaden Board.

• Must be available for all practices and games during the Little League Tournaments (typically the entire month of June). 

• If a player has a conflict during District play, it must be reported to the Board before teams are selected. The Board will determine the appropriate next steps.

For full eligibility details, see:
🔗 Little League International Player Eligibility

How Players are Evaluated

Baseball/Softball Skills

• Fielding: Clean glove work, quick transfer, good footwork

• Throwing: Arm strength and accuracy

• Pitching: Command, control, composure

• Hitting: Contact consistency, approach at the plate

• Base Running: Aggressive but smart running, good instincts

• Stat lines (due to the inconsistency in how stats are recorded - the only stats that are looked at are Hitting: Plate Appearances, At Bats, Strikeouts, Walks. Pitching: Strikes thrown / Balls thrown, Batters faced, Innings Pitched, Strikeouts, Walks)

Character & Attitude

• Sportsmanship: Respect for teammates, coaches, umpires, and opponents

• Commitment: Consistent effort and attendance

• Leadership: Positive presence, hustle, coachability

Almaden does not consider:

• Previous All-Star selections (each year is a fresh start)

Every Season is a New Chapter
Kids grow and develop at different rates. Each application receives a fresh, fair evaluation every year.

The Selection Process

The Almaden All-Star selection process is built on manager evaluation, while adhering to Little League International rules.

1. Player Applications

• In mid April, the Player Agent will send out interest forms to all eligible families.

• Only players who submit a completed application will be considered and placed on the ballot.

• A list of submitted players will be shared with managers and players to support observation and evaluation during remaining games.

2. Voting

3. Voting Timeline (Subject to Change)

4. Roster Selection

• 12 players per team is the standard roster size.

• In rare, case-specific situations, teams may carry up to 14 players.

• The top 10 players from manager voting (where applicable) will be rostered unless:

  • There are sportsmanship issues, availability conflicts, or

  • The selection committee (Manager, Coaches, Board) identifies legitimate concerns.

Expectations for All-Star Families

• Commitment is essential—practices will be daily leading up to tournament play.

• Tournament Schedule

• Travel may be required as teams advance through the tournament tiers.

• All practices and games during the District Tournament must be attended unless previously disclosed.

• All-Star participation is a privilege, not a guarantee—even for returning players.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

We look forward to an exciting and competitive All-Star season ahead. Thank you for your support in celebrating what makes Almaden such a special community.

REQUIRED PLAYER FORMS FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY