Juniors (Ages 13-14) OBJECTIVE: THE AGALL JUNIORS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO SERVE 13- AND 14-YEAR-OLD YOUNG MEN LIVING IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY SEEKING TO PLAY RECREATIONAL (BUT STILL COMPETITIVE) BASEBALL ON THE ADULT 60’/90’ DIAMOND. Introduction: The Juniors Program is the next stage of baseball for teenagers (ages 13 and 14) in our community who desire to continue playing baseball on Little League 46/60 dimension fields. Junior Division games are played on a conventional 90 foot diamond (High School / Pro dimensions) with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches and 90’ basepaths. The Juniors Program allows players to participate on both High School and Juniors teams. Further, participation in high school games counts toward eligibility for all-star and tournament play, so your son will not be penalized or prohibited from competing in tournaments or all-stars while participating on a middle or high school team. Most Middle or High School baseball games are played in the afternoon shortly after school. AGALL Juniors games are played in the evenings or weekends with the earliest start time around 5:30 or 6PM.
REAL BASEBALL: Playing on the 90' diamond brings many different aspects of the game into play - it's REAL Baseball! Lead offs, Hit & Run plays, Pick-offs, Designated Hitters. The Juniors program is a very competitive level of play for teenagers. Players utilize BBCOR certified bats and will have to bring their game up a notch from the Little League 46/60 limitations designed to help develop young players growing up. Speed, strength, agility, discipline, focus, knowledge of the game and consistent practice all are important aspects of playing baseball on the regulation size field.
TEAMS: The AGALL Juniors Program is comprised of players aged 13 and 14 for a stronger, more competitive program for players who rose through Avon Grove Little League divisions. Teams will compete against Juniors teams from other leagues in District 28 and the region, such as West Chester, Kennett and Downingtown. PLAYING UP: In the event a parent requests a league age 12 player to play in the Juniors Division, AGALL will hold evaluations to determine if the player possesses the baseball skills and maturity required to ‘play up’ in the next division.
Minimum requirements include:
- At least one (1) year of experience in the Majors Division. This experience must be with Avon Grove Little League or an equivalent program from another little league as determined by the AGALL Board.
- Player must attend in-person evaluations (Junior/Senior Director and league personnel to review and evaluate player’s ability).
- Player must demonstrate the ability to compete effectively at the Junior Division (fielding, hitting, throwing/pitching, etc.).
- Player must demonstrate a sufficient understanding the game and the maturity to take instruction from coaches at the Junior Division and participate as a teammate in that age group.
Provisions to playing up include: - Approvals for these cases will be infrequent and shall be limited to a small number of players each year.
- Eligibility to play up to the next division will also depend on the overall registration volume at the Juniors & Seniors Divisions to ensure adequate field space and playing time for all eligible league players.
The final decision to allow a player to "play up" is at the sole discretion of the AGALL Board of Directors. RULES: AGALL Juniors follows the Little League International Juniors Rules and Guidelines.
PRACTICES: AGALL Juniors Teams will have one to two practices and typically one to two games per week depending on field availability.
MINIMUM PLAYING: In the AGALL Juniors Division, there is no minimum defensive inning or at bat playing requirements. Game time at this level is earned through hard work, determination and demonstrating your ability to make a contribution to the team.
COACHING: If you are interested in Managing or Coaching a team, please indicate as such when you register your player. AGALL strongly recommends attending coaching and umpiring clinics and informational sessions to learn Division-specific rules and how to hold effective practices. Prior coaching experience and playing experience at the high school level is strongly encouraged, particularly for head coaches and managers.
PLAYER TRYOUTS: Evaluations for new Juniors Players will be held if necessary, around mid-late February. A draft (if necessary) will be scheduled by the Division Director allowing Managers to fill open positions in advance of practices that typically start mid-March, weather dependent.
ALL-STARS: AGALL Juniors program will participate in District 28 Tournament Play. The culmination of the International Tournament is the Junior League Baseball World Series, featuring teams from around the world. All expenses for the teams advancing to the World Series (travel, meals and housing) are paid by Little League International. |