This is the highest most competitive level of Little League baseball, with teams comprised primarily of 11 and 12 year old children. On a highly limited basis, using a skills evaluation and specific parental consent, a small number of 10 year olds may be considered eligible to play in the Major leagues. The teams are assembled using a confidential draft selection process, using a number of skills-based evaluation information to maximize parity among the teams. Normally players remain on the same team from year to year until their little league eligibility ends. There are post-season playoff games to determine a league champion. An All-Star team is selected and plays in tournaments that lead to Williamsport Pennsylvania and the Little League World Series™.
The American League is comprised of players primarily 10-12 years old. On a highly limited basis, including a skills evaluation and specific parental consent, a small number of 9 year olds may be considered eligible to play on an American League team. The teams are assembled using a confidential draft selection process using a number of skill evaluation information to maximize parity among the teams. Players do not remain on the same team from year to year. There are post-season playoff games to determine a league champion. An All-Star team is selected and plays in tournaments that lead to a Pennsylvania State Championship
The National League is comprised of players primarily 9 years old. Based on the number of teams and registered players, along with the results of previous manager's evaluations and player's tryout results, a sizable number of 8 year old players will be assigned to this league. These teams are assembled using a modified draft process determined in advance by the Player Agent. Players do not remain on the same team from year to year. Scores and records are kept. Because of player's ages, certain rules are modified to ensure safety and the highest level of play. There are post-season playoff games to determine a league champion.
The Continental League is primarily for 7 year olds with a year of Tee Ball experience and those 8 years olds not assigned to the National League. Rules are modified; a pitching machine is used to pitch to the batters. A modified Scoring system is used. There are post-season playoff games to determine a league champion.
The Tee Ball league is for players 4, 5 and 6 years old and those 7 year olds without Tee Ball experience. To conform to Little League Baseball age requirements Media Little League will accept 4 year olds to play in Tee Ball on a limited basis for the 2012 season. Media Little League will not advertise the acceptance of 4 year olds in registration materials or on the league website but will accept registrations from 4 year olds. This will allow the league to use the 2012 season to evaluate the issue and its long term effect on the league.
Tee Ball is designed as an introduction to baseball for those who want to learn
the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. In Tee Ball, players hit a ball off a
batting tee. The primary goals of Tee Ball are to instruct children in the
fundamentals of baseball and to allow them to experience the value of teamwork.
Scores and records are not kept.