Division Age/Grade Requirements

Discovery League (Ages 5-6)

The Discovery Program introduces children to the game of baseball.  The focus is on developing the fundamentals of the game--throwing, catching, base running, hitting the ball off a tee and understanding the basics of the game. The American League, teams are assigned by the league’s commissioner and we do our best to honor friend requests.  This level is for those new to the game or those wishing to play in a non-competitive fun environment.  The National League is for the experienced player wishing to play a more competitive and advanced level of Tee ball.  Players wishing to play National League will need to attend an assessment and teams will be formed by a draft. Those players attending the assessment and not drafted into the National League will be placed in the American League.  Those wishing to play American League do NOT need to attend the assessments.

General Discovery Program Information:

• Program is available to boys and girls ages 5 and 6 as of 4/30/2025(age 4 only if entering Kinder in the fall of 2022).  
• Detailed information about program structure and rules can be found under Discovery Rules.
• Plan on 2-3 events per week at the Field of Dreams complex on Highway 71 or at an area Middle School.
• Questions about the Discovery program may be directed to Discovery Commissioners.

Equipment/Supplies Needed:

• Helmet (batting and base running)
• Glove
• Baseball pants
• Cleats
• Bat

Please note that LTYA will provide a jersey, cap, socks, and belt.

Prospect League (Ages 7-8)

The Prospect Division introduces children to a more competitive game of baseball.  Players will learn to hit a pitch thrown by a coach, run bases more aggressively, and control runners on defense.

General Prospect Program Information:

·  Program is available to boys and girls ages 7 through 8 as of 4/30/2025 (age 6 only if in the 1st grade).

·  Plan on 2-3 events per week at the Field of Dreams complex on Highway 71.

·  Detailed information about program structure and rules can be found under Prospect Rules.

·  Questions about the Prospect Program may be directed to the Prospect Commissioner.

Equipment/Supplies Needed:

• Helmet (batting and base running)
• Glove
• Baseball pants
• Cleats
• Bat

Please note that LTYA will provide a jersey, cap, socks, and belt.

Rookie League (Ages 9-10)

The Rookie Division provides an increasingly competitive baseball experience. Rookie provides batters their first experience in facing their peers on the mound.  Lead offs will be allowed in the National League only.  Pitchers will learn to throw balls and strikes.

General Rookie Program Information:

• Program is available to boys and girls ages 9 and 10 as of 4/30/2025 (age 8 only if in the 3rd grade).
• Detailed information about program structure and rules can be found under Rookie Rules.
• Plan on 2-3 events per week at the Field of Dreams complex on Highway 71.
• Questions about the Rookie program may be directed to our Rookie Commissioners.

Equipment/Supplies Needed:

• Helmet (batting and base running)
• Glove
• Baseball pants
• Cleats
• Bat

Please note that LTYA will provide a jersey, cap, socks, and belt.

Single A League (Ages 11-12)

The Single A Division teaches participants a balanced mix of baseball fundamentals and how to play competitively.  Players receive further instruction in the pitching game, while advanced training in base running becomes necessary, as there are no restrictions on stealing of bases.  Base distance moves to 70 feet and the pitching rubber is set back to 50 feet.  The emphasis in this program is on teamwork and sportsmanship with a goal of teaching players to win graciously and lose with dignity.

General Single A Program Information:

• Program is available to boys and girls ages 11 and 12 as of 4/30/2025 (age 10 only if in 5th grade)
• Detailed information about program structure and rules can be found under Single A Rules.
• Plan on 2-3 events per week at the Field of Dreams complex on Highway 71.
• Questions about the Single A Program may be directed to our Single A Commissioner.

Equipment/Supplies Needed:

•  Helmet (batting and base running)
• Glove
• Baseball pants
• Cleats
• Bat

Please note that LTYA will provide a jersey, cap, socks, and belt.

Double A League (Ages 13-14)

The Double A Division provides players the opportunity to expand and develop skills in an increasingly competitive yet fun environment.

General Double A Program Information:

• Program is available to boys and girls ages 13 and 14 as of 4/30/2025 (age 12 if in the 7^th grade only)
• Detailed information about program structure and rules can be found under Double A Rules.
• Plan on 2-3 events per week at the Field of Dreams complex on Highway 71.
• Questions about the Double A program may be directed to our Double A Commissioner.

Equipment/Supplies Needed:

• Helmet (batting and base running)
• Glove
• Baseball pants
• Cleats
• Bat

Please note that LTYA will provide a jersey, cap, socks, and belt.

Bat Rules

The official bat shall be round in cross section for its entire length, straight from end to end for its entire length and smooth-surfaced in the hitting area. The maximum diameter shall not exceed two and three quarters (2 3/4) inches. All bats larger in diameter than two and one quarter (2 ¼) inches must be "equal too or heavier" than minus 10 (-10) for U5 thru U14. For example -10, -9, -8, -7, -6 or -5 are acceptable length to weight ratios, whereas -11, -12 and -13 is not. The maximum length shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches. The bat shall be constructed of wood, aluminum, or any other material or combination of materials.  Any material to improve the grip may be used for a distance not to exceed eighteen (18) inches from the handle end. All bats must be commercially manufactured for baseball play; softball bats or bats altered after manufacture to reduce or add weight will not be allowed.

All bats must conform to the above dimensions and include either a USSSA  1.15BPF emblem or a USA Baseball stamp:

FAQ

•         What does BPF Mean?

•         The BPF standard was developed by NYU Physics Professor, Dr. Richard A. Brandt, over 15 years ago. The BPF standard is based on fundamental laws of physics that allow Dr. Brandt’s testing lab to measure the relative performance of bats to be used in USSSA play.

 •         If I have an old bat that has a BPF greater than 1.15 (1.20) can I use my bat? 

•         No bats will be allowed in any LTYA game or practice with a BPF greater than 1.15

 •         When someone references the "drop” on a bat, what does that mean?

•         The drop refers to the amount the bat weighs compared to the length of the bat.  If a bat is 30 inches long and has a drop of -3 then the bat weighs 27 ounces. 

 •         I have a son who plays TBall.  Can he use a 26 inch, -12, 2 5/8 bat?

•         No, all bats that are greater than 2 ¼ diameter cannot exceed a drop of minus 10 (-10)

 •         What size bat do you recommend for my son who plays 8U coach pitch?

•         We recommend that all players swing a bat that is comfortable for them given the requirements mentioned above.  Very few 8U and 6U players will be strong enough to swing a big barrel (2 3/4 diameter) bat with a -10 drop.  We recommend that you look to purchase a 2 ¼ bat with a drop that is comfortable for your son to swing. 

 •         I found a bat that is 2 3/4 but is called a "Senior Bat”.  Is this type of bat allowed?

•         Yes, "Senior Bats” are allowed as long as the diameter and drop meet the requirements mentioned above