6U is an introductory, non-competitive level of softball for girls league age 4-to-6 with little or no softball experience. Emphasis is placed on the basics of catching, throwing, hitting and learning a few basic rules of softball. 11" balls are used and hitters hit off a rubber tee with the help of a coach. Teams are formed with a minimum number of players. Teams will play and/or practice two times per week within the DEGSL only. No outs are tracked, and every player bats each inning.

8 years of age & Under (8U)

Primarily 7-year-olds and 8-year-olds with a few 6's. We encourage players to begin in 6U, but athletic 6-year-olds with a high level of interest can play. Any player with average or better skill development and one year of 6U should be ready. Teams are formed by draft pick. 8U is entirely machine-pitch, an 11" ball is used. Teams have 1-to-2 one-hour practices, and 2-to3 games per week both within the DEGSL and with other Babe Ruth ENC D5 leagues, totaling 10-to-15 league games per season. Scores are kept in 8U. Coaches try to concentrate on the fundamentals of catching, throwing, fielding and hitting, and begin to focus on making outs.