T-BALL
T-Ball is designed for children ages 5 and 6 who are ready to learn the fundamentals of baseball in a fun, low-pressure environment. Players will be introduced to the basics of hitting and fielding, with all batting done from a tee. The rules are specifically adapted to support instruction and skill development.
As a non-competitive league, T-Ball focuses on teaching the core principles of the game, fostering teamwork, and giving children the chance to enjoy baseball alongside their friends.
Program Highlights:
- Teams consist of 8–9 players
- One game per week
- No base stealing or umpires
- A soft, safety ball is used
- All players bat each inning
- All players participate on defense
- Emphasis is on fun, learning, and teamwork
T-Ball is the perfect introduction to the sport, helping young athletes build confidence and a love for the game.
ROOKIE
The Rookie division is designed for children ages 6 and 7 who have ideally completed a year of T-Ball. The rules are similar to T-Ball, with the key difference being that coaches pitch to the players from one knee, adjusting speed and location to suit each child’s ability. The primary goals are to help children develop a love for the game, play with their friends, and learn to be good teammates. Sportsmanship is strongly emphasized.
Program Highlights:
- One game per week
- Some coaches may hold practices; others may choose not to
- No base stealing or umpires
- A soft, safety ball is used
- All players bat each inning
- All players participate on defense
- Emphasis is on fun, learning, and teamwork
The Rookie Division continues to build foundational skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
SINGLE A
The Single A division is designed for children ages 7 and 8. In this division, players hit from a pitching machine as they continue to develop fundamental skills in hitting and fielding. The primary goals are to build baseball knowledge, foster teamwork, and prepare players for the next level of play. Teams are formed through a player draft.
Program Highlights:
- One practice and one game per week
- No base stealing
- Games are managed by junior umpires
- Reduced Injury Factor (RIF) safety balls are used for both practices and games
- Playoffs are held at the end of the season, but we do not keep regular-season standings
- Emphasis is on skill development, teamwork, and having fun
Single A offers a supportive environment where players continue to grow in their abilities while enjoying the game with friends.
DOUBLE A ("AA")
The AA division is designed for children ages 9 and 10 who are transitioning from machine pitch to live pitching against youth players. This level introduces the fundamentals of pitching and hitting while continuing to build skills in fielding, teamwork, and game awareness. Teams are formed through a player draft to promote balanced competition.
Program Highlights:
- Youth pitching introduced from a 46-foot mound
- Two practices per week (one field and one batting cage)
- One or two games per week
- One professional umpire and one Junior umpire per game
- Limited base stealing
- Playoffs held at the end of the season
- Regular-season standings are not kept
AA focuses on developing baseball fundamentals in a supportive and instructional environment, helping players grow their confidence and prepare for higher levels of play.
TRIPLE A ("AAA")
The AAA division is designed for players ages 10 and 11 who are advancing their skills in a more competitive baseball setting. This is Hermosa Beach Little League’s highest Minor division before players move up to Majors. Teams consist of 10–12 players and are formed through a player draft to ensure balanced competition.
Program Highlights:
- Youth pitching from a 46-foot mound
- Nine players on the field at a time
- Two practices per week (one field and one batting cage)
- One to two games per week
- One professional umpire and one Junior umpire per game
- Playoffs held at the end of the season
- Regular-season standings are not kept
- All-Star selections made from top players at season’s end (please visit the HBLL website for more info on All-Stars)
In mid-December, there will be a tryout for11-year-olds interested in playing up to the Majors division. More details about the tryout will be provided closer to that date.
- 11-year-olds who play in the Majors division are best positioned to qualify for the 11U All-Star team, given the higher level of competition.
AAA provides a fun, challenging environment that emphasizes teamwork, skill development, and preparation for Majors-level play.
MAJORS
The Majors division is designed for experienced players who are ready to compete at the highest level of Hermosa Beach Little League. This division features advanced play, faster pitching, and competition against teams from other leagues. Teams are formed through a player draft to ensure balanced rosters.
Eligibility Requirements (No Exceptions):
- Played in Majors last season
- Little League age 12 (DOB between 9/1/13 and 8/31/14)
- Completed two full seasons in the AAA division
Program Highlights:
- Competitive, interleague play
- Youth pitching from a 46-foot mound
- Two practices per week (field and batting cage)
- One to two games per week
- One professional umpire and one Junior umpire per game
- Playoffs begin at the end of the season
- Regular-season standings are not kept
- All-Star selections made from top players at season’s end
Additional Information:
- 11-year-olds interested in playing up to Majors will have the opportunity to try out in mid-December. Details will be provided closer to the date; until then anyone who is Little League age 11 should register for AAA.
- Even if a player meets the eligibility criteria, participation in Majors is optional. Some players—such as 6th graders or 12-year-olds—choose to remain in AAA for an additional season to continue building skills and confidence in a less intense environment.
Majors provides a challenging and rewarding baseball experience for advanced players, emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and preparation for future levels of play.
JUNIORS
The Juniors division is designed for players ages 13 and 14 who are developing their skills at an advanced level of competition. Games are played on a full-size baseball field with 90-foot bases and a 60-foot, 6-inch pitching distance. This division bridges the gap between youth baseball and higher levels of play, preparing athletes for high school and Senior Little League competition.
Program Highlights:
- Full-sized baseball field (90-foot bases, 60'6" mound)
- Competitive play following full baseball rules
- Rosters of 10–14 players per team
- Professionally coached teams with parent volunteers assisting
- Games officiated by professional umpires
- Scores and standings are tracked throughout the season
- Playoffs held at the end of the season
- All-Star selections made from top players at season’s end
Juniors offers players a challenging and rewarding baseball experience, emphasizing advanced skill development, sportsmanship, and preparation for the next level of competitive play.
SENIORS
The Seniors division is designed for players ages 15 and 16 who are competing at the highest levels of youth baseball. Games are played on a full-size baseball field with 90-foot bases and a 60-foot, 6-inch pitching distance. This division provides experienced players with a competitive environment to further refine their skills and prepare for advanced play, including high school and beyond.
Program Highlights:
- Full-sized baseball field (90-foot bases, 60'6" mound)
- Competitive play under full baseball rules
- Rosters of 10–14 players per team
- Professionally coached teams with parent volunteers assisting
- Games officiated by professional umpires
- Scores and standings tracked throughout the season
- Playoffs held at the end of the season
- All-Star selections made from top players at season’s end
Seniors offers a high-level baseball experience focused on advanced competition, player development, and teamwork—helping athletes elevate their game for the next stage of play.