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.
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:
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
Group | Votes? | Notes |
Managers | Yes | Participate in in-person roundtables; vote for top 12 players per age group. |
Coaches / Board | No | No direct vote, but involved in the review/confirmation process. |
3. Voting Timeline (Subject to Change)
Timeline | Action |
February | Regular season begins |
Mid April | Applications sent |
Mid April | Submission deadline |
Late April | Ballots posted |
Mid May | Player voting |
Mid May | Manager roundtables and voting |
End May | Rosters announced (after LLI-approved release date) |
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
Required forms for each All-Star player: