Welcome to Mukilteo Little League's Majors, Minors, and Farm Baseball Divisions. Every year families have many questions regarding tryouts, differences between divisions, how the draft works, playing time issues, plus lots more miscellaneous questions.

We have done our best to answer these questions for you here. If you have any further questions, please contact us at info@mukilteolittleleague.com and will be happy to answer any more questions or issues you may have throughout the season.

What is the difference between Farm, Minors and Majors divisions? How do I know what division I should register my child to play in?

All Minor league levels are an instructional level. There are two levels to the Minor leagues, Farm (AA) and Minors (AAA); one year of Farm (AA) level is required before moving to the Minors (AAA).

Farm (AA) level

• Age: 9-10 year olds; some 8 years old may be able to play at this level after passing a safety evaluation, Rookie ball coach recommendation and being drafted to a Farm team
• Hitting: Players will be hitting off of a player for the first three (3) innings and a coach for the last 3 innings
• Field Size: The field size is 60-foot base path and pitching is at 46 feet
• Team Formation: Players will participate in a evaluation (tryout) and be drafted onto a team
• Competition: Regular season games and small postseason tournament

Minors (AAA) level

• Age: 9-11 year olds; 8 year olds are not eligible for this level
• Requirement: one year of Farm level experience
• Hitting: Players will be hitting off of a player for all 6 innings
• Field Size: The field size is 60-foot base path and pitching is at 46 feet
• Team Formation: Players will participate in a evaluation (tryout) and be drafted onto a team
• Competition: Regular season games, All-stars, and small postseason tournament

The Major league level is a competitive level that continues to stress fundamental baseball and introduce more advance baseball techniques and strategies. At this level, players will remain on the same team once drafted.

• Age: 11-12 year olds; some highly skilled 10 year olds may be able to play at this level
• Hitting: Players will be hitting off of a player for all 6 innings
• Field Size: The field size is 60-foot base path and pitching is at 46 feet
• Team Formation: Players will participate in a evaluation (tryout) and be drafted onto a team
• Competition: Regular season games, inter-league, All-stars, and several postseason tournaments

My son is going to participate in the tryouts, but I do not know if he will be drafted by coaches onto a Majors, Minors or Farm team. Which division should I register him for? The fees are different between the divisions. What happens if I register him for majors and he is selected to a Minors team (or vice versa)?

You may register him for any of the three divisions, unless your child is 12 years old. All 12-year-olds must register and play in the majors division (see below for more details). If your child is chosen for a division that is different from the one in which you registered, then you will either be refunded the difference (if you registered for Majors and he is drafted to a Minors team) or else you will be asked to pay the difference (if you registered for Minors and he is drafted to a Majors team).However, if you do not want your child to be considered for a Majors team and would rather have him play in the Minors division only, please let the player agent know this at registration or at least one week before tryouts if possible. Your request will be noted on your son's registration form.

What happens during tryouts? What skills will each child be asked to demonstrate?

During the tryouts, each candidate will be given the opportunity to (1) hit/bunt, (2) field fly balls, (3) field ground balls, (4) throw and (5) run around the bases.

These tryout periods will be conducted in the presence of all managers, who shall observe the ability of each candidate. All player candidates (ages 9 through 12) not already on a major league team must attend at least one of the two tryout sessions. Players are strongly encouraged to attend both tryout sessions if possible. Check back for specific dates and times of tryouts.

Why is there a requirement of one year at the Farm level in order to play Minor's level baseball?

Over the last several years, we observed and received feedback from managers and coaches that the majority of 9 year olds coming out of Coach Pitch are taking too long to adjust or not ready to face the faster pace of Minor league. We feel player development at this level is very important and a gradual progression of going from Coach Pitch to Farm level helps player's skills, confidence, and overall enjoyment for the game.

What equipment should my child bring to tryouts?

We recommend that players bring their baseball glove, bat, helmet, jacket or sweatshirt. A bat and helmet may also be borrowed for tryouts if the player does not own these items.

Will tryouts still be held if it rains or snows?

Yes, tryouts will be held even if it rains or snows. Dress for the weather. If there is lightning, then tryouts will be rescheduled.

Is it guaranteed that every child who tries out will make a team?

Yes, every child who tries out is drafted onto a team.

Are tryouts different for Majors, Minors or Farm candidates?

Tryouts are the same for all Majors, Minors and Farm candidates. All Majors, Minors and Farm candidates must attend at least one of these tryouts and are strongly encouraged to attend both. Both tryouts will be held at the Mukilteo Little League Complex.

What should we do if there is a coach who our family strongly feels would not be a good fit for our child? Can we let someone know in advance so that our child does not get drafted to that team?

If you have a serious concern, please speak with the player agent for the Majors/Minors/Farm division in which your child will play and explain your concerns. The player agent will discuss the situation with the Board, and the best interests of the child will be taken into consideration.

What if my son played in majors last season and wants to be on a different team this year. May he re-enter the draft?

Yes, but only in extreme circumstances. This special request must be approved by Mukilteo Little League's Board of Directors. Notify the player agent that your child wants to be released from his current team. If approved, your child must then participate in tryouts in order to be drafted to a different team.

When will we find out what team our child is placed on?

You should hear from a coach within three days after the draft occurs. If you have not heard from a coach after three days, please contact the player agent. The 2012 Majors/Minors/Farm Draft date is TBD in mid-February, 2012.

When will practices begin and how often will they be held?

This year, practices will begin in early February for Majors and early March for Minors and Farm and are held at various schools in our area. The frequency of practices is determined by each manager.

What if we register late and tryouts are over? Can our son still be placed on a team?

It depends whether there is still room on any of the teams, and if it is still very early in the season. If your child is under the age of 12, then he will be placed onto a minors or farm team if there is an opening. If your child is 12, he will be placed on a Majors team if there is room.

What should we do if we think our 12-year-old is not ready to play in the Majors division? We feel he is better suited to the Minors division. May he play in the Minors division even though he is league age 12?

Exceptions can only be made with written approval from the district administrator, and only if approved at the local league level by the board of directors and the parent of the candidate.

What supplies or equipment do you suggest my son needs to play baseball?

It is recommended that all players should have a baseball glove, baseball shoes (rubber cleats), and a protective cup. Many players prefer to use their own baseball bat and helmet, although the league has extras available that the players may also use. Many players also like to have an equipment bag to carry their belongings, but this is not required. This year, all players will need to purchase their own baseball pants, socks and belt, which are typically color-coordinated with the team jersey color. The league will provide the jersey and hat for all players.

How are refunds determined?

The refund policy for MLL is determined annually by the board. Costs are incurred by the league for uniforms, equipment, charter fees and other expenses that are based on the number of participants registered. There no refunds are given after the first practice.

How much playing time do players get in the Minors division vs. the Majors division?

Every player on a team roster will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time. The Minors division is considered an instructional level and coaches try to give equal playing time. The Majors division is considered a more competitive level and playing time may not be equal, but all players will participate for at least the minimum amount required.

When do games begin? How many games will there be this season? How long does the season run?

Regular season games for both divisions begin in late March and end in late-May. Majors teams usually play 18+ games and Minors teams play 16+ games, while Farm plays 14+ games. Once the regular season is over, the league's in-house tournament for each division take place at the end of May and early June.

What are the "Invitational Tournaments" and what is the "Tournament of Champions?"

These are Major league level tournaments and invitational tournaments are district-wide tournaments where one or more teams from each of the 16 leagues within District One are invited to compete. The "TOC" or "Tournament of Champions" is a tournament in which the first place teams from all of the leagues within the district compete. The TOC and the invitational tournaments are typically held after regular season games are over and before all-star games begin.

If we have a concern, question or request during the season, what is the best way to handle it and to whom should we speak?

We encourage you to first thoughtfully speak with the people or parties involved if you have a problem or concern. The player agent may also be contacted. Questions and suggestions may be addressed to the manager, coach, player agent, president or any board members.

How many all-star teams will there be?

Three teams: 9/10-Year-Old All-Star Team; 11-Year-Old All Star Team; and 11-12 Year-Old (Majors) All-Star Team.

How will all-star players be selected this year?

The local rules state players are voted in by their peers and coaches; see the local rules for more specific information.

When will the names of the all-star players be announced?

June 15th or shortly thereafter.

How long does the all-star season run?

The District All-Star tournament runs through mid-July. The teams that win the District All-Star Tournament proceed to the State All-Star Tournament. The furthest that the 9/10-year-old and 11-year-old all-star teams may go is the State Level. In the 11-12 Year Old Majors all-star division, the winner of the state tournament proceeds to a Regional Tournament and potentially then to National and International Tournaments. The International All-Star Tournaments are held in Williamsport in August.

Where can I obtain a copy of the 2012 Little League Rules? How do I obtain a copy of the 2012 Local MLL Rules?

The 2012 Little League Rule Books are provided to all of the managers. If you would like to obtain a personal copy, speak to your league president to ask if any extra copies are available. You may also be able to order one at www.littleleague.org. The 2012 MLL Local Rules may be found on the MLL website here for baseball and here for softball.

We moved outside of the MLL boundaries in the past year. My child has always played for MLL in the past. May he continue playing for MLL even though we no longer reside within MLL boundaries?

Yes, a waiver needs to be filled out by the player agent and signed by the president.

My son lost his cap. Is there a way that I can get a replacement?

We only buy the exact amount of hats needed for the kids and coaches. We do not have extras available to replace lost ones. However, we can give you the vendor information so you may purchase an extra hat if you wish.

My son has a health issue that I would like kept confidential. To whom should I speak and how do I know the medical information will be held confidential? Can anyone see the medical release forms?

We encourage you to confide in the coach and/or player agent. Let them know that this information is very personal and should not be repeated unless there is a medical necessity. Medical release forms are read by the player agent and coaches. They are kept in a sealed envelope inside the team medical kit.