When can we register? When does the season begin?
Our registration usually opens in late fall of the preceding spring season. See the "Important Dates" tab for registration deadlines, skills assessment sessions, and other key dates during the season.
What are the league divisions?
In general the divisions are split as following:
T-ball: Only 4-6-year-olds will play in this division. This division is pure instructional baseball, where basic fundamentals and techniques are taught. At this level, the ball is placed on a tee and the child completes the at bat. An offensive player that makes an out is removed from the base, but outs are not recorded for the defense. This is not a competitive division.
Farm Division: Ages 7-8 (6-year-olds who are deemed capable of playing up may do so if approved by coach). Basic skills are refined and stressed. At this level players are taught to hit pitched balls by (non-electric) machine. Players are taught game basics and prepare to play at a faster pace.
Minors*: Ages 9-10 (8-year-olds who are deemed capable of playing up may do so if selected in the draft. This is the first level of kid pitch. Fundamental skills are stressed, games move at a faster pace, game strategies are also taught. Mandatory play is enforced.
Majors*: Ages 11-12 (10-year-olds who are deemed capable of playing up may do so if selected in the draft.) While fundamental skills are stressed, advanced skills are taught and developed. Games are fast paced. Mandatory play is enforced.
Juniors: Ages 13-14 The Junior League is designed to encourage players to continue to play and improve their skill development. The Juniors teams play against teams from other Juniors programs in our District. New rules are introduced, such as lead offs, pick offs and balks. In the baseball division, the game is played on a field with 90-feet between bases and a 60-foot, 6-inch pitching distance. Our Juniors program is determined based on pre-season demand.
*Players must attend a skills assessment session ("tryouts") to ensure players are assigned to the appropriate division for their skill level and to ensure balanced teams.
How is a player's "League Age" determined?
League Age is determined by Little League International. Here is a link to the Age Calculator.
What are the residency requirements?
All players must reside within our boundaries or they must attend a school that is within our boundaries. Our league is open to players residing or attending a school in zip codes 85226 and 85224. Here is the link to the official Little League league finder. A copy of a birth certificate and proof of residency is required at time of tryouts for those registering online. Contact league officials for grandfather exemptions. CALL boundaries appear below:
Where are games and practices played?
Most games and practices are at Nozomi Park - 250 S. Kyrene Road (just north of 202). However, there may be inter-league games scheduled with our sister leagues in District 13 (Chandler National, Tempe South, Tempe Guadalupe, Ahwatukee, and Tempe Rio) where some travel may be required to their respective fields. Scheduling will be determined once tryouts are completed.
When will I find out what team my child will play on?
Minors and Majors teams will be formed after tryouts and assessments take place in February. T-ball and Farm teams will be formed as soon as possible, but usually by mid March. If you get your registration in early, it makes it easier for CALL to get the teams formed sooner.
Can my child be placed on a team with one of their friends?
Chandler American Little League allows friends to request to be on the same team together in the T-ball and Farm divisions, if teams have not already been formed. If teams have been formed, we will do our best to honor requests, but we also need to consider the size of each team. Please indicate friend request with a note on the registration form.
In the Minors and Majors divisions, players are distributed based on skill level and using a balanced draft process that promote evens and competitive teams.
What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game?
Players should arrive at their first practice with a glove, baseball pants, rubber molded cleats, baseball bat with USA sticker and a batting helmet. A baseball bag is recommended to transport bats, batting gloves, water bottles, hats, and other items. Please make sure all personally owned equipment is labeled with a name and phone number so CALL can return it if lost. Each team will be provided catcher’s equipment by the league. However, players are welcome to bring their own catcher's equipment. In light of the COVID pandemic, the league will discourage the sharing of equipment.
Are there any uniform supplies my child needs?
A uniform consists of a pair of baseball pants, belt, a baseball jersey, a hat, and a pair of all-in-one baseball socks. Chandler American Little League is fortunate to offer a hat, jersey, socks, and belt for each player. Players will need to purchase their own pants.
Players must also bring their own batting helmet and athletic cup (no cup needed for T-ball). Rubber cleats are highly recommended, and steel spikes are not allowed. A quality leather glove is highly recommended.
What days and times are the games played?
Teams in Chandler American Little League usually play games twice a week.
Weekday games generally will begin at 5pm or 5:30pm (for T-ball and Farm) and later for Minors and Majors teams. Coaches determine when to show up before game time, but it is recommended that players arrive at the field at least 45 minutes prior to game time so they can properly warm up, and managers can get the line-up cards ready prior to the start of the game.
What volunteer positions are available?
Chandler American Little League is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, and there are a variety of volunteer opportunities such as coaches, team parents, and board members. We are an official chapter of Little League International and managed by an elected Board of Directors that administers the league in accordance with established bylaws and Little League International rules. Please send us an email or come to any board meeting to see how you can get involved! Or, sign up to volunteer when registering.