National Youth Baseball League Comparisons

KEY POINTS

• There are many youth baseball league organization with separate rules, age requirements and world series formats
• The availability of regional and/or national baseball youth leagues depend on where you reside and the selection made by your local baseball league

INTRODUCTION

Although not required, many towns offer both recreation and travel ball under one of these national youth league organizations:

• American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) – Based in Farmington, New Mexico
• American Legion Baseball – Based in Indianapolis, Indiana
• Cal Ripken – Division of Babe Ruth League – Based in Hamilton, NJ (2)
• Dixie Baseball – Based in Marshall, Texas
• Little League Baseball – Based in Williamsport, PA
• Pony Baseball – Based in Washington, PA
• USSSA Baseball – Based in Kissimmee, FL
• (2) Cal Ripken Baseball, a Division of the Babe Ruth League, is NOT affiliated with Ripken Baseball, Inc; Ripken Baseball Inc. offers camps and tournaments (www.ripkenbaseball.com) in Maryland.

KEY DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUES

There are a lot of similarities between leagues but because each lague has its own tradition, they do have some significant differences in rules and customary practices.

American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC)

AABC was founded in 1935, focusing on younger teenage players in the US, Puerto Rico and Canada. AABC coordinates its programs with USA Baseball and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA).

AABC forms eight divisions with each team grouped with players in age-range brackets. AABC also has five divisions with each team consisting of single-aged players (i.e. 9u, 10u, 11u, 12u, 13u, 15u and 17u).

Some leagues affiliated with AABC may elect to go with divisions that are entirely in age-range.

Under the AABC format, each league has a minimum of four teams with each team playing at least six games. The winner from each league goes on to state-tournament play. The winner of each state tournament games, then goes to regional play and from there to the world series.
 

American Legion Baseball

American Legion Baseball League is intended for 13-19 year old players from US and Canada. The name “American Legion” comes from the fact that the American Legion Department of South Dakota established the program in 1925 to give local kids “an opportunity to develop their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have fun”.

Although Major League Baseball and American Legion Baseball do not have a formal relationship, MLB has sponsored Legion Baseball for many years with American Legion pumping out many quality players who played in MLB like Hall of Famer Ted Williams, Yogi Berra, Bob Gibson, Joe Morgan, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and others.
 

Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth

Cal Ripken League (CRL) was actually known as the “Bambino Division” within the Babe Ruth league (please note: Cal Ripken league is NOT affiliated with Cal Ripken Jr. Cal Ripken Jr. operates an entirely unique entity called RipkenBaseball.

CRL offers 5 divisions for children who are 4-12 years old (T-ball, Rookie, Minors, Major/60 and Major/70).

Players who are 13 years or older begin playing in the Babe Ruth League (13 (Pony), 14-15 (Senior), 16-18 (Babe Ruth).

Babe Ruth and Little League Baseball are the two most recognized leagues in youth baseball. The biggest difference between Cal Ripken and Little League is that players in the major division, Cal Ripken’s pitching distance is 50 feet and the bases are 70 feet apart. Little Leauge on the other hand, the pitching distance is 46 feet and bases are 60 feet apart.

Referred to as 50/70 play, this allows base runners to lead off, stealing is permitted and pitchers work out of the stretch with runners on base.

Click the Complete Reference Guide to Babe Ruth League World Series link to learn more.
 

Dixie Youth Baseball

Originally founded as an off-shoot of Little League, it changed the name to Dixie Youth Baseball. Many accuse the organization of changing its name to hide it’s troubled racist history.

But apparently many parents in the south disagrees because it has roughly 150,000+ active players with over 900+ affiliated town rec leagues in 11 southern states.

Dixie Youth Baseball (http://dybusa.org/) is for kids between six and 12, and hosts yearly tournaments and World Series events that bring together teams from different regions.

Dixie Boys Baseball (https://www.dbbusa.org/) is a program intended for 13 to 14 year old boys playing on a medium sized diamond.

Both programs are geared towards recreation level, rather than tournament play.

Fatherly offers an unque insight into Dixie Youth Baseball League. You can read it here.
 

Little League

Little League has been the gold standard of youth baseball for the better part of a century. Now in its 75th year, Little League remained mostly unchallenged during much of that stretch.

It’s estimated that 2.5 million kids play Little League in 90 countries worldwide. ESPN/ABC televises all major division World Series games, Little League’s showcase event, as well as many of the regional championship games.

T-ball (4 year old)

Usually offered in Spring only. Players learn the basic fundamentals of throwing, catching, hitting and running. Most rec leagues have three innings per game and takes about 1.25 to 1.5 hours to complete.

The number of allowed players on the field varies from league to league but it is common to see four or five outfielders. Batters hit from a hitting “T” placed for the child to hit from and run. No score is kept in this division.

Players in this age group will have 2 scheduled practices during March and 1 weekday practice and 1 Saturday game once the season begins. If Saturdays game gets rained out it will be scheduled during the following weekday.

Coach pitch (5 to 6 year old)

A division for players ages 5 and 6 to continue learning the basic fundamentals of throwing, catching, hitting and running. Games are 3 innings long lasting approximately 1hr 30 min. All players play defense and hit each inning. Players receive 6 pitches from their own coach. If they do not hit any of the 6 pitches they will strike out. Score is kept in a modified format with runs not counting after 3 outs

Machine pitch (7 year old)

A division for players age 7 that starts to introduce baseball at a higher speed while continuing development. Pitching machines are used for accuracy of pitching and set to achieve 34MPH at 40 ft. from home plate. Players receive 6 machine pitches. All players play defense and all players are in a continuous batting order however sides exchange after 3 outs or 5 runs scored. Specific rules may be found in our bylaws. Games are 6 innings or timed with no new inning starting after 1 Hour 20 Minutes.

Machine pitch (8 year old)

A division for players age 8 that introduces baseball at another higher speed while continuing development. Pitching machines are used for accuracy of pitching and set to achieve 36 MPH at 40 ft. from home plate. Players receive 6 machine pitches or 3 swinging strikes. All players play defense and all players are in a continuous batting order however sides exchange after 3 outs or 5 runs scored. Specific rules may be found in our bylaws. Games are 6 innings or timed with no new inning starting after 1 Hour 20 Minutes.

Player pitch (9 to 10 year old)

A division for advanced players ages 9 and all 10 year olds with player pitching. Ten players play defense and all players are in a continuous batting order. Side change after 3 outs or 5 runs scored. Specific rules may be found in our bylaws or Little League rulebook. Games are 6 innings or timed with no new inning starting after 1 Hour 30 Minutes.

Majors (11 to 12 year old)

Little League baseball for ages 11 and 12 governed by Little League rules. Nine or ten players play defense based on roster size and all players are in a continuous batting order. Side change after 3 outs or 5 runs scored. Specific rules may be found in our bylaws or Little League rulebook. Games are 6 innings or timed with no new inning starting after 1 Hour 45 Minutes.

PONY League

The name originally stood for “Protect Our Neighborhood Youth” then later became “Protect Our Nation’s Youth”.

Founded as a non-profit organization in Washington, Pennsylvania, PONY league organizes youth baseball and softball league and tournament games with over 500,000 plaers pariticpating with 4,000 local leagues in the US and 40 countries.

Players aging from 4 to 23 player in the two-year age brackets.

Hundreds of PONY players have gone on to MLB including Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr.
 

USSSA Baseball League

USSSA Baseball or “U Triple S A” Baseball.

The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) is a non-profit which governs USSSA Baseball based on Viero, Florida for players based in US, Puerto Rico, various US Military bases and Canada.

The program offers seven age divisions: 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U (60/90) and 14U (60/90 BBCOR).
 

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS BROKEN DOWN BY AGE

Please note that age designations and program descriptions listed below will vary depending on your league affiliation, your local baseball organization’s bylaws and/or if your child plays on a “rec” and/or “travel” team(s).

You may want to remember that “rec” teams are more casual and are grouped by school grade levels.

On the other hand, “travel” teams are grouped by age and skill levels. In order to determine the age, most leagues use May as the cutoff month. In most cases, players born in May have the flexibility to play with their friends at the same grade level or “play down” to a lower grade. To read more about the pros and cons of this situation, read my post SHOULD MY KID PLAY DOWN by clicking here.

Sometimes you will encounter designations like 11u, 12u, etc. This format is mostly used by travel teams to note the age group (11u = 11 year olds). Rec teams are formed at the grade level.

I have outlined some basic items you need for each age group but you should read my post WHAT BASEBALL EQUIPMENT DO I NEED FOR MY CHILD post here (LINK TBD) for more detailed info.

Ages 1-2 (toddler)

• Description: Most toddlers in this group are simply too young to play in any type of organized sport IMHO. Just make sure they have lots of fun!
• Field Type: Backyard
• Equipment: Simple cushy balls and oversized soft plastic bat (click here to read more TBD)
• League Classification: None

Ages 3-4 (pre-kindergartener)

• Description: For many pre-kindergarten (pre-K) players, this instructional league for both boys and girls to teach the basic fundamentals of baseball and softball. Batters usually hit from a batting tee and uses a low injury factor (RIF) baseballs. You can read more about Age Appropriate Baseballs by clicking here (TBD). Scores of games are not kept and there are no league standings.
• Field Type: Any available dirt or grass fields though it would be nice to play on a small baseball field with throw down bases (LINK TBD) to shrink the field size from 46/60 field (what is this?) to something smaller
• Equipment: Tee ball set and/or plastic bat and RIF baseballs
• League Classification::
  • AABC – officially not supported
  • American Legion – officially not supported
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Pre-K T-ball
  • Dixie – T-ball
  • Little League – Tee-ball (4 year olds only)
  • PONY – Foal
  • USSSA – 3/4U Tee Ball

Age 5 (kindergartener)

• Description: The format for kindergartner players for both boys and girls is still instructional to teach the basic fundamentals of baseball and softball. Batters usually hit from a batting tee and uses a low injury factor (RIF) baseballs. You can read more about Age Appropriate Baseballs by clicking here (TBD). Scores of games are not kept and there are no league standings.
• Field Type: Mostly played on a small field (46/60 field – what is this mean?)
• Equipment: Tee-ball aluminum baseball bats and RIF baseballs
• League Classification::
  • AABC – officially not supported
  • American Legion – officially not supported
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – T-ball
  • Dixie – AA ball
  • Little League – Minor
  • PONY – Shetland
  • USSSA – 5U Tee Ball

Age 6 (first grader)

• Description: In most leagues, the rules will the same as tee-ball program but boys and girls at this age will usually hit off of a tee for the first 4-6 games then graduate to coach pitch (LINK TBD How to Pitch to T-ballers) for the remainder of the season.
• Field Type: Played on a small field (46/60) with dirt/grass/turf infield (LINK TBD)
• Equipment: Bats are no longer restricted by age; most leagues use “USA Baseball” certified aluminum bats that are appropriate for your child’s height and strength (HOW TO SELECT A BAT FOR YOUR CHILD – LINK TBD). Players at this level continue to use RIF baseballs
• League-specific Names:
  • AABC – Rod Carew
  • American Legion – officially not supported
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Farm A baseball
  • Dixie – AA ball
  • Little League – Minor ball
  • PONY – Shetland ball
  • USSSA – 6U Modified Coach Pitch baseball

Age 7 (second grader)

• Description: Seven year olds play in an instructional minor league to teach bit more advanced baseball fundamentals. In addition, for most leagues, a coach will pitch for the entire season. Please note that the coach is not throwing fireballs at these kids! You want to make it easy for batters to make contact with baseballs. Click here to read more about HOW TO PITCH TO T-BALLERS LINK TBD.
• Field Type: Played on a small field (46/60) with dirt/grass/turf infield (LINK TBD)
• Equipment: You will start to see a noticeable uptick in their ability to swing longer and heavier bats. Bats are still not restricted by age. You should read my post HOW TO SELECT A BAT FOR YOUR CHILD – LINK TBD to ensure that you do NOT purchase a bat that is TOO long or heavy for your child.
• League-specific Names:
  • AABC – Roberto Clemente 7
  • American Legion – not offered
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Farm AA baseball
  • Dixie – AA ball
  • Little League – Minor baseball
  • PONY – Mustang-9 baseball
  • USSSA – 7u Coach Pitch baseball

Age 8 (third grader)

• Description: Continue to play in the instructional format but in some leagues players may begin to pitch with coaches stepping into pitch about half the time. Coaches may fungo (WHAT IS THIS? LINK TBD) during practice to simulate batted balls to fielders. Scores are still not used and standings are not kept. Your league may select “all stars” (i.e. kids that are more advanced) who will participate in an end of the year inter-league All Star game.
• Field Type: Played on a small field (46/60) with dirt/grass/turf infield (LINK TBD)
• Equipment: Bat that is approved by your league; some leagues start to use “regular” or non-RIF baseballs
• League-specific Names:
  • AABC – Roberto Clemente
  • American Legion – not offered
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Minors 46/60 baseball
  • Dixie – AA baseball
  • Little League – Minors baseball
  • PONY – Mustang baseball
  • USSSA – 8u Coach Pitch baseball

Age 9 (fourth grader)

• Description: In most leagues, this is where the transition happens to a competitive format where team scores and league standings ARE KEPT which means trophies are awarded to 1^st and 2^nd place teams. Fundamentals of base stealing and bunting may be introduced. Your league may continue to select All-Star players for the end of the year inter-league All Star game.
• Field Type: Small field (46/60) with dirt/grass/turf infield (LINK TBD)
• Equipment: Bat that is approved by your league; most leagues will transition into “regular” or non-RIF baseballs
• League-specific Names:
  • AABC – Jackie Robinson 9s
  • American Legion – not offered
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Minors 46/60 baseball
  • Dixie – AAA minors baseball
  • Little League – Majors baseball
  • PONY – Bronco baseball
  • USSSA – 10u baseball

Age 10 (fifth grader)

• Description: This level is considered to be a minor league which usually means a high level of competition. Player placement is may be determined by tryouts and player draft (WHAT DOES A DRAFT LOOK LIKE? TBD). Trophies and All Star rules stay the same.
• Field Type: Intermediate field (50/70) with dirt/grass/turf infield (LINK TBD)
• Equipment: Bat that is approved by your league; most leagues will transition into “regular” or non-RIF baseballs
• League-specific Names:
  • AABC – Willie Mayes
  • American Legion – not offered
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Majors 50/70 baseball
  • Dixie – AAA minors baseball
  • Little League – Majors baseball
  • PONY – Bronco baseball
  • USSSA – 10u baseball

Age 11 (sixth grader)

• Description: Players at this level continue to learn advanced baseball skills like pitching, batting, strikes, stealing, catching (catcher), running (tagging) and advanced defense skills like making double plays. The end of the season will include playoff games and a Championship game. A rule for pitcher resting days should be enforced (WHAT IS THIS TBD)
• Field Type: Intermediate field (50/70) with dirt/grass/turf infield (LINK TBD)
• Equipment: Bat that is approved by your league; most leagues will transition into “regular” or non-RIF baseballs;
• League-specific Names:
  • AABC – Gil Hodges
  • American Legion – not offered
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Majors 50/70 baseball
  • Dixie – Majors baseball
  • Little League – Majors baseball
  • PONY – Pony baseball
  • USSSA – 12u baseball

Age 12 (seventh grader)

• Description: same information as the eleven year olds. For “travel” team players, this is the age group where your team may play in Cooperstown (All Star or Dreamspark – read my post IS GOING TO COOPERSTOWN WORTH IT LINK TBD)
• Field Type: Intermediate field (50/70) with dirt/grass/turf infield (LINK TBD)
• Equipment: Bat that is approved by your league; most leagues will transition into “regular” or non-RIF baseballs;
• League-specific Names:
  • AABC – PeeWee Reese
  • American Legion – not offered
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Majors 50/70 baseball
  • Dixie – Majors baseball
  • Little League – Intermed 50/70 baseball
  • PONY – Pony baseball
  • USSSA – 12u baseball

Age 13+ (eight grader)

• Description: This is the big transition year where kids play on the same field size (“big field” or 60×90) as the high school, college and MLB teams. Many kids struggle to make longer throws so it is advisable to let them play in fall if possible to get themselves acclimated.
• Field Type: Big field (60/90) with dirt/grass/turf infield (LINK TBD)
• Equipment: Bat that is approved by your league; wood bat may also be allowed
• League-specific Names:
  • AABC – Nolan Ryan (13), Sandy Koufax (14), Ken Griffey Jr (15), Mickey Mantle (16), Don Mattingly (17), Connie Mack (18) and Stan Musial (19+)
  • American Legion – Junior Legion
  • Cal Ripken (Babe Ruth) – Pony (13), Seniors (14-15), Babe Ruth (16+)
  • Dixie – Not offered
  • Little League – Junior baseball
  • PONY – Colt (13-14), Palomino (15-16), Thorobred (17-19+)
  • USSSA – 16u baseball (14-16), 18u baseball (17-18)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cut off age for Little League?

In September 2015, Little League announced the age determination date change. Besides changing the baseball age cutoff date from April 30 to August 31, the rule also prevents anyone who turns 13 during the baseball season from playing in the major division of Little League baseball.

Can a 13 year old play Little League?

This change will make the Little League Baseball Division, also known as the Major Division, truly a 12 and under program – ensuring that no child playing in the Little League/Major Division will turn 13 years old at any point during their final season in that division.Nov 13, 2015

What does 8u mean in baseball?

The abbreviation 8u is the 8 & under league, 14u is the 14 & under league, etc. A player’s age as of January 1st determines the age in which the player is eligible to play the following year.