Little League has been around for a long time: Since 1938!  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: 

1. Little League doesn’t play “real” baseball.
2. Little League isn’t as competitive as other youth baseball leagues.

The GLL BODs has addressed both misconceptions below and is happy to discuss these topics with anyone interested.   

Misconception #1: Little League doesn’t play “real” baseball. 

The Reality: It’s the exact opposite. Little League has used its extensive experience to identify select rule modifications that allow youth baseball to play more like “real” baseball.   

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.  Little League pitchers will concentrate solely on pitching mechanics and throwing strikes, as opposed be being needlessly distracted by lead-off runners, pick-off attempts, and balks.  Most adult coaches can't define a balk, let alone teach that complicated topic to a youth pitcher.  Little League pitchers hence have the opportunity to concentrate solely on learning the pitching mechanics of one consistent motion (i.e. pitchers don't have to learn both the stretch and the wind up).

What is the problem with easy-to-come-by stolen bases?

• 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 in Little League must meet the USABat Standard.  The USABat standard is designed to mimic the performance of a wood bat, and is also designed with Player Safety as paramount.  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?

• 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?

• 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).       

Misconception #2: Little League isn’t as competitive as other youth baseball leagues. 

The Reality: Little League has established a structure that allows for a level of competition that meets each kid where they are in their baseball experience and skillset.

• GLL has established overlapping age ranges for each Division to ensure each player, regardless of age, skill, or experience, is rostered on a team that will provide a solid level of competitiveness. 
  

• 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. 

• GLL is designed to establish parity among the teams, meaning all teams should be competitive with each other. Blowouts should be rare (vs. a common experience under RMJBL). We don’t believe blowouts are positive for anyone involved, whether winning or losing. Further, parity will ensure talent is distributed instead of consolidated, which allows all kids to develop. For example, under the previous league setup, the 5th best pitcher on a very successful team might get limited opportunities to pitch. However, under GLL, that same player would be the #1 or #2 pitcher and have the chance to develop their skills.  

• GLL Majors Division teams will play a few “inter-league” games each season against other local Little League teams.  These games are expected to be fun, challenging, and competitive. 

• GLL will establish Postseason Tournament All-Star Teams.  The All-Star Teams will practice together at the end of the season and have the opportunity to play other Colorado Little League All-Star Teams.