RUG Little League Tee Ball and Baseball players range from 4- to 16-years-old, from Tee Ball to the Seniors division. Each division is designed to grow with players as their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game develop. Ultimately, the focus is always on learning the game while having fun and promoting teamwork and sportsmanship.
As players advance, they are introduced to more aspects of traditional baseball, such as live pitching, stealing bases, and defensive strategies. Coaches increasingly emphasize skill development, game awareness, and leadership, ensuring each player continues to improve in a supportive and structured environment.
Spring Season Divisions
The spring season is the primary season of the RUG Little League year. RUG offers seven (7) divisions of play, determined by your player's age. For questions about any particular division, please reach out to [email protected].
Tee Ball - League Ages 4-6
Often a family's first introduction to Little League. Mostly 5- and 6-year-olds in their final year of preschool or kindergarten, plus 4-year-olds if they are physically ready and mature enough to play a team sport. Teams are primarily formed by teammate/coach requests and schools. The entire lineup hits every inning. Scores are not kept and outs are typically not recorded. Parent participation (not just coaches) is expected. Played with Tee balls, which are roughly the same size and weight as a baseball, but much softer. Bases are 60' apart. Typically 1-2 team events (e.g., practices/games) per week. Games are typically three (3) innings.
A Division (Coach Pitch) - League Ages 6-8
The next step up from Tee Ball, where game play involves a coach pitching to his or her own players from a short distance. If no contact is made after about five (5) pitches, the Tee comes back in. Mostly 1st and 2nd graders, with some Kindergarteners. Teams are primarily formed by teammate/coach requests and schools. The entire lineup hits every inning. While scores are still not kept, outs may be introduced. Played with Safety 5 baseballs, a transitional ball between Tee Ball and baseballs. Bases are 60' apart. Typically 2 team events (e.g., practices/games) per week. Games are typically 3-4 innings.
AA Division (Hybrid Coach-Player Pitch) - League Ages 8-9
It's starting to look like real baseball! Players take the mound. Outs are recorded and scores are kept (three outs and the teams switch sides). If the pitcher throws four balls, the batter does not walk; rather, the batter's coach comes in to pitch until contact is made or they throw four pitches, whichever happens first. Mostly 2nd and 3rd graders. Teams are still primarily formed by teammate/coach requests and schools. Played with conventional baseballs. Bases are 60' apart. Pitching distance is 43'. Two team events (e.g., practices/games) per week. Players are rotated among positions so everyone can try it all. All teams participate in a season-ending RUG tournament. Standard games are six (6) innings.
AAA Division (Player Pitch) - League Ages 9-11
A full player-pitch division. In order to provide competitive balance, teams are formed by coach draft based on player assessments conducted prior to season (teammate and coach requests cannot be guaranteed). Mostly 10- and 11-year-olds in 4th or 5th grade, though some 9-year-olds may opt to "play up" in this division. Depending on number of teams in the RUG AAA division, teams may play some games against other AAA teams from neighboring Little Leagues. Bases are 60' apart. Pitching distance is 46'. Two team events (e.g., practices/games) per week. All teams participate in a season-ending RUG tournament. Standard games are six (6) innings.
Majors Division ("Little League") - League Ages 11-12
The pinnacle division of the Little League experience. In order to provide competitive balance, teams are formed by coach draft based on player assessments conducted prior to season (teammate and coach requests cannot be guaranteed). Mostly 11- and 12-year-olds in 5th or 6th grade, though some 10-year-olds may opt to "play up" in this division. Teams play against other RUG Majors teams as well as Majors teams from neighboring Little Leagues. Bases are 60' apart. Pitching distance is 46'. Two or three team events (e.g., practices/games) per week. All teams participate in a season-ending RUG tournament. Standard games are six (6) innings.
Intermediate Division (50/70) - League Age 13
The perfect next step up for baseball, introducing a bigger playing field (50' pitching distance and 70' base paths). Mostly 13-year-olds in 7th grade. Depending on registration numbers, RUG forms its own Intermediates team or co-leagues with a neighboring Little League. Three team events (e.g., practices/games) per week. A district-wide tournament is held at the end of the season. Standard games are seven (7) innings.
Juniors Division (Big Diamond) - League Ages 13-14
Players are introduced to a full-sized playing field (60'6" pitching distance and 90' base paths). Typically 13- and 14-year-olds in 7th or 8th grade. Depending on registration numbers, RUG forms its own Juniors team or co-leagues with a neighboring Little League. Three team events (e.g., practices/games) per week. A district-wide tournament is held at the end of the season. Rosters are generally larger than in other divisions to account for expected scheduling conflicts and absences. Standard games are seven (7) innings.
Seniors Division (Big Diamond) - League Ages 15-16
Typically 15- and 16-year-olds in 9th or 10th grade. Depending on registration numbers, RUG forms its own Seniors team or co-leagues with a neighboring Little League. Three team events (e.g., practices/games) per week. A district-wide tournament is held at the end of the season. Rosters are generally larger than in other divisions to account for expected scheduling conflicts and absences. The Seniors schedule does not begin until after the High School baseball season has concluded, to enable High School players to participate. Standard games are seven (7) innings.