It is the goal of Tampa Bay Little League to find a place where each child can excel and have fun.  All players grow (athletically, physically, and mentally) at different rates.  Many factors are considered when teams are assembled - the number of positions available, the player's current abilities, and their level of competitiveness.  If you do not want your child drafted into a particular division, please contact the Player Agent of your preferred division.  

The division descriptions below apply during SPRING season.  These formats are generally followed during Fall season as well, but rules may vary slightly.  Spring season is competitive in Minor B1 through Junior divisions.  In contrast, the emphasis in Fall season for all divisions is on player development, and not team standings.  During Fall Season, all players are encouraged to participate at the highest level of play that is reasonable for them.  Specific team requests are considered and granted when possible during the Fall season for all divisions, and for non-competitive Spring season divisions.

Softball division descriptions will be posted soon.  Contact the Softball Player Agent for information regarding player placement.

(Any notation here referring to 'age' refers to 'league age' - consult the Age Chart to determine your child's league age)

T-Ball, ages 5-6:  Some 4 yr olds may qualify - please consult the age Chart.  This co-ed division may be your child's first attempt at organized baseball.  It is completely instructional and done in an encouraging and nurturing setting.  Here we begin to teach the rules and basic skills of the game.  All players bat off a batting tee, through the lineup, in each of 2-4 innings.  All children play in the field every defensive inning.  Coaches play the kids in both the infield and the outfield in all positions they can safely play.  No one keeps score, and there are no season standings.

Baseball Minor C, ages 6-7:  This is an instructional 'coach-pitch' division for those 6 yr olds who have completed a season of T-Ball, and inexperienced 7 yr olds.  With league guidance and approval, managers agree on playing formats each season, based on their assessments of overall talent levels and instructional needs.  Typically, there are no walks or strikeouts.  There is no leading off or stealing.  All players on the team bat during an inning.  Games are usually 4-5 innings long.  Extra players may play in the field.  However, coaches are encouraged not to stack the infield as this severely limits player development.  A good coach will teach the importance of playing assigned positions.  Coaches will play the kids in all positions they can safely play.   Nobody keeps score, and there are no season standings.

Baseball Minor B, ages 7-9:  This is also an instructional league for experienced 7-8 yr olds, and inexperienced 9 yr olds.  There is no leading off or stealing; all players bat in the lineup the whole game.  When the number of registered players allows, this division may be subdivided into B1 and B2 divisions:

B2:  This is the 'younger' of the two B divisions.  It is a combination of 'coach-pitch' and 'kid-pitch' baseball.  Playing formats may be adjusted, with league approval, by manager consensus (managers are reminded that players develop faster and almost always respond well when challenged).  Typically, there are no walks, but there are strikeouts.  There is no leading off or stealing.  All players bat in the lineup the whole game.  Regular infield positions are played; additional players may play in the outfield (but we try to keep the teams small so that it does not get crowded).  Coaches will play the kids in all positions they can safely play.  Game scores are kept, but there are no season standings or post-season park championship games.

 B1:  This is the 'older' of the two B divisions.  It is entirely 'kid-pitch'.  The goal is to prepare players for the faster-paced, competitive baseball they will experience in Minor A and Majors.  Every position, infield and outfield, has a critical responsibility when a pitch is thrown - defensive players will be taught that they can no longer be spectators.  There are strikeouts and walks.  Time-permitting, six 3-out innings are played each game.  There is no leading off or stealing.  All players bat in the lineup the whole game.  Regular positions are played on defense.  Extra players will sit on the bench during defense, but minimum-play requirements will be in effect.  Coaches will play the kids in all positions they can safely play.  Game scores and season standings are kept; post-season park championship games will be played.

Baseball Minor A, ages 9-11: Players must try out and be selected to play in this division.  Here, the focus is on defense, pitching, catching, aggressive base-running, hitting, and bunting in order to prepare them for the Major league.  Before a pitch is thrown, players should themselves know what to do if the ball comes to them and if it does not come to them.  There are strikeouts and walks.  There is no leading off, but stealing is allowed.  Time-permitting, six 3-out innings are played each game.  All players bat in the lineup the whole game during the regular season.  Regular positions are played on defense; minimum-play requirements will be in effect.  Coaches should play the kids in all positions they can safely and effectively play.  The level of competition increases in the second half of the season, when team records determine post-season park tournament seeding.  Game scores and season standings are kept.  Post-season park championship games and City-County championship games (for District park champions) will be played.  City-County tournament rules may vary slightly from TBLL regular season rules.   

Baseball Major League, ages 10-12:  This is a highly competitive division.  Players must try out and be selected to play in the Majors.  Very few 10 yr olds play at this level.  There is no leading off, but stealing is allowed.  Time-permitting, six 3-out innings are played each game.  All players bat in the lineup the whole game during the first half of the regular season, after which substitution rules go into effect.  Regular positions are played on defense; minimum-play requirements will be in effect.  Coaches should play the kids in all positions they can safely and effectively play.  The level of competition increases in the second half of the season, when team records determine post-season park tournament seeding.  Game scores and season standings are kept.  Post-season park championship games and City-County championship games (for District park champions) will be played.  City-County tournament rules may vary slightly from TBLL regular season rules.   

Baseball Junior League, ages 13-14:  This is a highly competitive division.  Players must try out and be selected to play.  The size of the playing field increases significantly; base paths are now 90 ft.  Usually, 'interlock' games with Junior teams from other parks are incorporated in to the season schedule.  There is no leading off, but stealing is allowed.  Time-permitting, seven 3-out innings are played each game.  Starting players or their substitutes bat in a 9-player lineup.  Regular positions are played on defense; minimum-play requirements will be in effect.  The level of competition greatly increases the second half of the season, when team records determine tournament seeding.  Game scores and season standings are kept.  Post-season park championship games and City-County championship games (for District park champions) will be played.  City-County tournament rules may vary slightly from TBLL regular season rules.