Team Formation
In the Minors and Farm divisions, players are placed on teams by the Player Agent with Assessment scores, input from coaches and parent requests on the registration form. Requests are considered but accommodation cannot be guaranteed. Every child who tries out is drafted onto a team. The Player Agent will attempt to maintain balanced teams and stimulating games, while adhering to the "team first" philosophy noted below.
In 2019, Mukilteo Little League moved away from a coaches draft team formation process to a "team first" philosophy where keeping teams and families together is a priority. This is called a Vested Redraft Plan. It is assumed that players will stay with their team, to the extent possible, as they move through the Mukilteo Little League divisions. However, parents may request to NOT be on the same team as the prior year by noting such on the registration form. Additionally, teams may be split up if, for example, a team manager is moving to an upper division but not all players are eligible to progress to that level. The players remaining in the lower division will be assigned to a new team.
Assessments
The league still holds Assessments for all Minors and Farm division players. Assessments serve two purposes: (1) it is a skills and safety assessment so the coaches can ensure that kids are placed in the correct divisions; and (2) scores are used during the draft for selection of players by the coaches.
During the assessments, 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. Assessments will be conducted in the presence of head coaches and some assistant coaches from the division for which the candidate is registered, who shall observe the ability of each candidate.
All player candidates (ages 9 through 12) must attend their designated session. 2023 Assessments will be conducted the weekends of January 28th/29th and February 4th/5th. See emailed information sheet for details. Assessments/tryouts may be held even if it rains or snows. Dress for the weather. If there is lightning, then the sessions will be rescheduled. For more details see the information sheet and the Registration Dates page for links to sign up for a time slot:
We recommend that players bring their baseball glove, bat, helmet, jacket or sweatshirt. A bat and helmet may also be borrowed if the player does not own these items.
Player Notification
Players should hear from a team manager by mid-February. If you have not heard from a team manager by the designated date, please contact the Registrar at [email protected]