NWLL Baseball Division Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right League: Skill Often Matters More Than Age
Each division has a suggested age range, but your child’s experience and skill level are often more important for a good fit.
- If your child is five and new to baseball, Tee-Ball for All is usually the best place to start.
- A seven-year-old who is just starting out may want to begin in the A division.
- A strong seven- or eight-year-old might be ready to move up to the AAA division.
- An 11-year-old who is new to baseball may fit better in AAA, while a skilled 10-year-old is often ready for the Major division.
If you’re not sure, especially if your child is playing for the first time, please contact Scott Anderson, VP of Baseball, at [email protected]. We’re happy to help you find the right division for your child.
Players can also take part in skill assessments. These can help parents decide if their child is ready to move up to a higher division.
Players usually stay in the same division for the whole season. Sometimes, a player may be asked to join a higher division team if there is a need.
NWLL Divisions Table
Note: A player's "league age" is determined by their actual age as of August 31 of the current year.
Division | League Ages | Skill Level / Best For |
Tee-Ball for All | 4–5 | Very young or first-time players; focuses on fun, fundamental skills, and coordination. Players only hit the ball off a tee. A good option even for older first-time players needing confidence. |
Single A | 5–6 | An early baseball experience that introduces players to the game. Ideal for kids who are still developing coordination and baseball fundamentals. |
AA | 7–8 (strong 6-year-olds may play up) | Transitional baseball with machine-pitch ~37mph. Introduces defensive positions and game flow. Great for strong 6- or 7-year-olds or developing 8-9-year-olds. |
AAA | 9–10 (strong 8-year-olds may play up) | The AAA Division is the first time players pitch. Players should catch and throw consistently and be comfortable batting against live pitching. Suitable for strong 8s, most 9s, and developing 10s. |
Majors | 11–12 (strong 10s may play up) | The highest Little League division. Strong fundamentals, field awareness, and consistent hitting are required. |
Intermediate (13U) | 12–13 | Bridge between Little League and larger-field baseball. Larger field dimensions and advanced rules. Great for players ready for a bigger challenge. |
Juniors (14U) | 13–14 | Played on a larger diamond with higher competition. Suitable for players preparing for high-school-level baseball. |
Seniors | 14–16 | Competitive baseball for older teens on full-sized fields. Ideal for players supplementing school teams or seeking continued development. |
Challenger Division | 5–16 | Adaptive and inclusive baseball for players with intellectual or physical challenges. Emphasizes fun, teamwork, and participation at any experience level. |
NOTE: Players' eligibility to play on a summer tournament team is determined by "league age." Northwest Washington Little League forms separate tournament teams for different age groups, such as under 8 (U8), under 10 (U10), under 11 (U11), or under 12 (U12), with specific age brackets depending on the local league's structure. A player playing below the typical age range will not be eligible for All-Star selection or play if they do not meet Little League International’s age eligibility requirements.