Calgary North West Little League

T-Ball – Ages 4, 5 & 6
Boys & Girls are introduced to the game of baseball/softball. An ‘incrediball’ is hit off a tee for the first half of the season. For the second half a ‘coach’or ‘machine’ pitched ball is used up to four strikes after which use of the tee resumes. Only four year olds with birthdates before April 30th will be accepted. Games are typically scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

American League – Ages 7 & 8
A Coach or Parent of the team batting pitches the ball in a manner that is easy to hit and fun for the players. A pitching ‘machine’ to deliver the pitch at a calibrated speed and position may be used. The players will continue to develop their fundamental skills and learn the rules of baseball. A ‘volunteer’ umpire is introduced using a liberal strike zone. Games are typically scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Minor League – Ages 9 & 10
At this level pitching by the players becomes part of the game and as many players as possible are encouraged to do so, at least in practice. Umpires in this division will allow a fairly liberal strike zone to encourage hitting. The object of the game is to get the ball into play as often as possible. This is also the level where 10 year old players are asked to attend evaluations. Those players who demonstrate an advanced skill level could be drafted into the Major/National Divisions. This is the first age group (if enough players are willing to participate) that an All-Star team can continue with Tournament play till the end of July. Games will be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays plus one practice per week.

National League (AA) – Ages 10, 11 & 12
Teams in this Division will be comprised of 12 year olds who request a less competitive league or have little baseball experience. 11 year olds not drafted onto a Major team. 10 year olds, providing there are roster spots available and they have sufficient skills. Most players are in this Division for a single season. Pitching development continues and umpires have a strike zone more in line with baseball rules. All-Star teams, including players not on the Major All-Star team, can continue with Tournament play after the season ends (July-Aug. long weekend). Games are scheduled according to the District 3 (NW Calgary) interlock committee.

Major League (AAA) – Ages 10, 11 & 12
Teams in the Majors Division will comprise most 12 year olds that register. Those not wishing to play in this ‘competitive’ league will be drafted to a National team. The Division will also comprise some 11 and 10 year olds providing there are roster spots available and they have sufficient skills. Eligible returning players from Majors are encouraged to attend evaluations. This division uses advanced strategies and follows the rules and regulations of Little League precisely. An All-Star team is formed at the end of the season for Tournament play leading to Prairie and Canadian Championships and possibly the Little League World Series. Games are scheduled according to the District 3 (NW Calgary) interlock committee.

Junior League – Ages 13 & 14
Teams in this Division are again evaluated for the purpose of drafting them onto teams. Depending on registration numbers, teams may be tiered based on skill level. The teams would then play a seeding round, as part of the regular playing schedule, to determine the appropriate competitive level. It is the only Division to do so. Leading-off and larger diamonds are two of the biggest changes. Again, All-Star teams can continue with Tournament play after regular season ends. Juniors play up to 3 interlocking games per week against other leagues in District 3 (NW Calgary)

Senior & Big League – Ages 15 to 18
NorthWest LL works in conjunction with other District Leagues to evaluate and assign players to teams that reflect appropriate age and skill levels. Teams play up to 3 interlocking games per week in a competitive city wide schedule.
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