The 89ers Division is designed for players who are ready to build on foundational skills and take the next step in their softball development. At this level, players continue learning the game in a fun, supportive environment that helps them grow their confidence, strengthen their abilities, and deepen their love for softball.
League age charts can be located here.
*Please note that softball age charts are different from baseball age charts.*
Schedule:
Two to three events per week (2 hours each), including potential Saturdays, as weather and daylight allow.
Format:
- Pitching distance: 30 feet
- Base path: 60 feet
- Ball size: 11" softballs
- Players begin pitching at this level, though a coach may pitch when game situations require it
- Leading off is allowed when the pitch is across the plate (stealing is not allowed in this division)
Player Eligibility:
- Players should have at least one year of Rookie Division experience or demonstrate advanced hand-eye coordination and the ability to follow safety guidelines.
- Players registered for 89ers are required to attend Evaluations for spring season.
- Team rosters are established through a draft process. All players are placed on a team based on skill level to ensure a safe and appropriate competitive environment.
- During fall ball, players can request to be placed with specific friends or coaches. We will try our best to accommodate requests.
- Players who are league-age 7, have completed one or more seasons of Rookies, and receive a League recommendation may be considered for 89ers depending on roster availability. Ideally, 7-year-olds in this division are in Second Grade or have similar experience in structured learning environments.
- Players may be eligible for All-Stars. Attendance at evaluations and meeting Little League International and District requirements may result in an invitation to try out for an All-Star team.
What a player and family should expect:
- Growth & Confidence: Developing pitching, hitting, fielding, and base-running skills while celebrating each player's progress and effort.
- Fun & Enjoyment: Keeping practices and games engaging with real-game situations, friendly competition, and opportunities for players to succeed.
- Skill Advancement: Teaching advanced drills, situational hitting, defensive positioning, and base-running strategies to improve game performance.
- Competitive Edge: Promoting smart in-game decisions, teamwork, communication, and fair competition to prepare players for higher levels of play. At this level, athletes experience structured competition, build confidence, and deepen their understanding of the game while enjoying softball in a supportive environment.
Parents and coaches are strongly encouraged to participate in the facilitation of practices and games that promote a safe, instructive and fun environment.
Required Gear:
- Glove: Make sure your glove is a Fastpitch Softball glove, not a Baseball glove. The pocket of a baseball glove is smaller, and your Fastpitch player will struggle catch the softball with a baseball glove.
- Batting Helmet: For all of our Softball Divisions, all batters must wear a batting helmet with face guard.
- Face Mask
- Rubber Molded Softball Cleats
Optional Gear:
Bat Rules - There is NOT a USA Standard for Softball Bats, so all bats are Little League-approved as long as they meet the softball bats as outlined under Rule 1.10.
Rule 1.10 – Softball
The bat must be a softball bat which meets Little League specifications and standards as noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or a material tested and proved acceptable to Little League standards. The bat shall be no more than 33 inches (34 inches for Junior/Senior League) in length, not more than two and one-quarter (2¼) inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenth (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30 inches) at its smallest part. Non-wood bats shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.20. Bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not exceeding 16 inches from the small end. Colored bats are acceptable. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.
In all divisions, non-wood bats must have a grip of cork, tape, or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.