Little League has been around for a long time: over 85 years! Anything with that kind of history is sure to draw different opinions. Little League is no exception. There are two major “misconceptions” about Little League:
Rule Modification: No leading off. On the surface, this rule seems like a major break from “real” baseball, but it does just the opposite on closer inspection. The no-lead-off rule makes it harder to steal bases, which solves probably the biggest problem in most youth baseball leagues: stealing bases is far too easy. For reference, the average number of stolen bases per game in MLB is 1.7. In youth baseball, the number of stolen bases can easily top 20 per game when leading off is allowed. What is the problem with easy-to-come-by stolen bases?
Rule Modification: No leading off. On the surface, this rule seems like a major break from “real” baseball, but it does just the opposite on closer inspection. The no-lead-off rule makes it harder to steal bases, which solves probably the biggest problem in most youth baseball leagues: stealing bases is far too easy. For reference, the average number of stolen bases per game in MLB is 1.7. In youth baseball, the number of stolen bases can easily top 20 per game when leading off is allowed.
A single or walk becomes a triple after two quick stolen bases, causing an inflated number of runs. When a runner that makes it to 1st base easily steals 2nd on the next pitch, the force (including the double play) is unavailable to the defense. Players miss out on one of the most significant strategies/challenges in “real” baseball: moving the runner from 1st into scoring position. Strategies such as the hit & run or sacrifice bunt are unnecessary when the runner can simply move into scoring position with an easy steal. When it is too easy to steal a base, the runner doesn’t learn the art of assessing the catcher’s arm, timing the pitcher, making an efficient path to the next base, or executing the slide. When stealing is too easy, the catcher doesn’t get the repetitions of attempting to throw out the runner. Often, catchers are taught to “hold the ball and get it back to the pitcher” because a throw down to 2nd or 3rd is not worth the risk, given the low likelihood of throwing out the runner attempting the stolen base.
Rule Modification: Bats must meet the USA Standard. In contrast to the USSSA Standard, which allows for maximum forgiveness, the USA bat standard is designed to mimic the performance of a wooden bat. This means the batter must square up on the ball to cause a solid line drive. Batters must develop their skills to make not just contact but also “good”contact. Base hits in “real” baseball are hard to come by. For reference, The top hitters in MLB get base hits in 1 out of 3 at-bats. It’s common in youth baseball to have top hitters obtaining hits in 5, 6 or even 7 out of 10 at-bats. What is the problem with easy-to-come-by base hits?
Rule Modification: Bats must meet the USA Standard. In contrast to the USSSA Standard, which allows for maximum forgiveness, the USA bat standard is designed to mimic the performance of a wooden bat. This means the batter must square up on the ball to cause a solid line drive. Batters must develop their skills to make not just contact but also “good”contact. Base hits in “real” baseball are hard to come by. For reference, The top hitters in MLB get base hits in 1 out of 3 at-bats. It’s common in youth baseball to have top hitters obtaining hits in 5, 6 or even 7 out of 10 at-bats.
Making it easier for batters to get hits causes unrealistic hardships on the defense in making three outs. Easy hits both extend innings and allow for an inflated number of runs. Easy hits harm pitching development. A pitcher could make a solid pitch to get out of a jam. But, because of the forgiving USSSA bats, an easy pop fly or a soft grounder to an infielder becomes a hard ground ball through the gap or line drive base hit. Ideally, pitchers are allowed to develop their skills in a realistic environment. Rule Modification: Base path distances in Little League are 60 feet, vs. 65 feet for 9U/10U and 70 feet for 11U/12U under RMJBL. What is the problem with longer base paths?
Rule Modification: Base path distances in Little League are 60 feet, vs. 65 feet for 9U/10U and 70 feet for 11U/12U under RMJBL.
Hitters are rarely thrown out on ground balls to 3rd or even Shortstop (at the lower levels) because of the distance across the diamond. This makes it easier to get a hit, which is addressed above (see previous rule modification regarding bat standards).
The Minors Division is generally for 9 to 10-year-olds. However, 9 or 10-year-olds can be drafted to a Majors Division team based on their evaluation score (and with parent approval). On the flip side, 11-year-olds who might need more development/experience can also continue to play in the Minors and are not required to join a Majors team only because of their age. The Majors Division is the most competitive and comprises experienced 12 and 11-year-olds. But, based on experience/skill 10 or even 9-year-olds are eligible to be drafted to a Majors team. (note: parent approval is required to draft a 9 or 10-year-old to a Majors team). The evaluation and draft, along with the allowance for overlapping age ranges, ensures the Majors Division is a high level of baseball, consistent with or greater than other leagues of similar ages.