Minor – Double AA Modified Player Pitch AND AAA Player Pitch/Lower Majors
NEW FOR 2026!!!!!!! Player Pitch from previous years will now be divided into two separate subdivisions based on league age and player’s development journey. Adding a new subdivision allows the league to ensure players are playing with other players closer to their development journey. The two divisions will be as followed and are described in more detail below:
1. Double AA Modified Player Pitch
2. Triple AAA Player Pitch/Lower Majors
Registration will be combined for participants that will play in these sub divisions but will be divided up after assessments occur.
DOUBLE AA MODIFIED PLAYER PITCH DESCRIPTION
· Most 8- and 9-year-olds will play here.
· 7-year-olds will be allowed IF determined the player is ready by the parent and General Manager
.· Will follow player pitch rules as years past except players will pitch but after ball 4, coach will pitch until ball put in play or strike 3.
TRIPLE AAA PLAYER PITCH/LOWER MAJORS DESCRIPTION
· Most 10-year-olds will play here.
· Less developed 11- and 12-year-olds play here.
· 8 and 9-year-olds will be allowed IF determined the player is ready based on player assessments.
· Will follow player pitch rules exactly from years past.
Both of these sub divisions are instructional and developmental in nature with the introduction of players pitching and baserunning advancement. It is an excellent stepping stone for future years in the competitive Major and Intermediate divisions. NLLL views these divisions as a developmental league focused on skill development and not winning or losing. Records will not be published.
WHO
Players are league ages 8-12 as described and broken out above (based on age on August 31, 2026). All players MUST attend one of the "League Assessments" that will be held in February 2025 to be placed on a team. Players that do not attend a “League Assessments” will be refunded. Some players that registered for Player Pitch may actually be drafted by a Major team. See "HOW" section for more details.
WHEN
Practices will start in early March and games will start in mid-April. Expect two practices lasting 90 minutes each from March until games start in mid-April. Once games start, expect 2 games a week and 1 practice a week. Games will be one hour 45 minutes long. The goal is 2-3 activities a week. Games will finish at end of June. Expect 16 regular season games and there MAY be a single elimination end of season league tournament for the Triple AAA subdivision only. No end of season tournament for the Double AA subdivision.
WHERE
All Player Pitch practices and games will be played at NLLL fields located at 13950 York St Thornton, CO 80602.
HOW
NO TEAM MANAGER OR TEAMMATE REQUESTS ALLOWED.
Players that register for Double AA/Triple AAA MUST attend one of the "Player Assessments" offered in February 2025. The assessment aims to ensure that players are put on teams for the division that best matches their playing level and to assist in forming balanced teams within each division.
All players that register and attend one of the “League Assessments” will be placed on a team. Teams will be formed after the League Assessments are over.
Once all Major teams are formed through a draft, these Double AA/Triple AAA teams will be formed by League Personnel and not a draft with the primary goal of ensuring team balance. The following process will be used:
· League personnel will assign the Team Manager’s kid and the kids of up to TWO assistant coaches on the team immediately (No more than 3 total. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS).
· Team Manager and Coach kids MUST attend an assessment even if held on a team. This will ensure a full understanding of each player’s ability to ensure better team balance.
· League personnel will review the results of the League Assessments for each player.· League personnel will review pitching results from the League Assessments to ensure at least one solid pitcher is put on each team.
· League personnel will assign players to the teams to ensure the most balance among all the teams.
NOTE: PLEASE REVIEW THE ABOVE CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS INFORMATION BEFORE REGISTERING.
Pitch counts will be STRICTLY counted and enforced to protect players' arms. One umpire will be provided per game.
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
NLLL will provide a jersey, hat, socks, and belt. Families must provide pants and cleats. NLLL will provide all needed equipment except a glove. Although at this level we start to see players purchase their own helmet and bat. That works also. All bats must be USA stamped and be free of dents. No USSSA bats will be allowed.
ALL STAR ELIGIBILITY
Players 9- and 10-years old are eligible for selection to a Little League Tournament Team (aka, "All Stars") that will participate in a post season starting right around July 4th.
VOLUNTEERS
NLLL will need volunteers to be Team Manager (Head Coach) and Assistant Coaches. You can volunteer during registration.