Juniors Baseball & Softball (Ages 13-15)
Juniors Baseball and Softball is for boys and girls 13-15 years old who have graduated from Majors and are ready to take what they have learned during the past few years and play at the highest level of Little League against teams from other communities. At this level our players and parents have been exposed to the full Little League rules but there are no longer any restrictions put in place. Our teams should be performing at their highest level and we are no longer focusing on the fundamentals but preparing our players to step into the high school level ready to go in a year or two. Just like in majors players hit the ball that is pitched by a player from the opposing team and games last 6 innings or two hours, whichever comes first. Game are played against little league teams from other communities and are usually twice a week. Teams will typically practice during the week in addition to playing games.
The Juniors Division is the first time that our teams are exposed to the big field. For our softball players the field dimensions stay pretty similar but it is a big adjustment for our baseball players. This level continues to build on all of the knowledge and fundamentals that were taught at the lower levels but applies them in a true game setting. Just like in the Majors levels outs are kept and once a team gets three outs the inning is over. Score is kept but a team can score unlimited runs in an inning. Batters can walk or strikeout, runners can advance on errors, passed balls, etc. Fundamentals are still a part of the game but more advanced game strategy and game decisions are the focus. This division is far more advanced than the previous one. Coaches will create lineups and put kids into positions that best fit their skill set. Remember that only nine kids at a time can play in the field so coaches will start to rotate players in and out of the game but each will kid will play at least two innings in the field and get one at bat.
Players should be familiar with the following areas by the end of their Juniors season:
- Players should have proper fielding and catching skills. Players should know where to go with the ball in different situations, how to properly cover or back up bases, what a force out is, tag situations, not to block the base paths, etc.
- Players should be able to run the bases properly and know what to do in certain situations. At this level players are allowed to lead off and steal at any time. Players should also understand any signs or signals given by the coach.
- Players should improve and continue to work on proper pitching mechanics. All players should be able to pitch (some more than others) and should know how to throw from both the stretch and the wind-up. At this level players also need to learn how to properly hold a runner on base, pick-off situations, etc.
- Continue to develop a strong defensive catcher. At this point they should know and understand the proper techniques, what to do in certain situations and they should be able to to direct the defensive.
- Players at this level should be completely focused on what’s happening on the field regardless of if they are on the field or in the dugout. The dugout should not be an issue anymore. Team communication is key to developing strong players.
Please remember that during the game please be supportive to the coach, players, and volunteers. Please ask the coach if they need help with anything. There should be plenty of helpers on the field to make sure the children understand the game. At the end of the day the main goal and objective of Houghton Lake Little League is to make sure everyone has FUN!
Little League Baseball Resources - www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/baseball
Little League Softball Resources - www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/softball