NORTHWEST LEON LITTLE LEAGUE
EVALUATION PROCESS
League Age 7 to 12 years olds must go through the evaluation process unless they have been previously drafted by a major league team. By Little League rule, 12 year olds will be drafted to a major league team unless a waiver to remain in minors is requested by the parents. This year, we are including 7 and 8 year olds in the process. It's our hope that by including 7 and 8 year olds, we can identify early on those players that will benefit from the competition at the player pitch level, which will improve their skill levels as they move through our league.
Apart from potential safety issues, separating the groups is necessary as they are being evaluated for play at different levels. 7 and 8 year olds are only eligible for minor league kid pitch. In other words - do they possess the skill level to play at this level. Any 7 or 8 year old not drafted to a minor league kid pitch team will be assigned to a Competitive Coach Pitch team. 9-12 year olds are evaluated for major league level play. 9-11 year olds not drafted to a majors team will be eligible for the minor league player pitch draft.
Players will be evaluated on several skills including hitting, throwing, fielding, and pitching. Managers and coaches will be evaluators. Evaluators have been instructed to evaluate the players accordingly - 7 and 8 year olds for minors only and 9-12 for majors. Players will be assigned numbers during the evaluation process. Outfield drills include fielding fly balls and ground balls and making throws to second base. Infield drills include taking two or three ground balls at short and throwing to second and first. Each player will given 5-8 pitches to bunt and hit. Players will also be given the opportunity to pitch. As a result of the above drills, players will be given a score from one to ten based on the scale provided:
| 1 = Unable to perform |
| 3 = Below Average |
| 5 = Average |
| 7 = Above Average |
| 10 = Superior |
When you arrive at the park for evaluations, please check in at the table between the baseball and softball fields. The players will be given their numbers at that time. We encourage you to arrive at least 20 minutes before your time so the players can stretch and throw before their evaluation. Please make sure to bring a glove and cleats. Bats and helmets will be provided if needed.