About LMLL’s Softball Majors Division

The Softball Majors Division is an instructional, competitive softball season for players generally in 5th and 6th grades.

Who can play?  Softball Majors division is available for girls who are generally in 5th and 6th grades.  4th graders can be requested by parents to "play up" with commissioner approval.

How are players assigned to teams?  Softball Majors division players are urged to participate in a pre-season evaluation, on a date expected to be Sunday March 20th.  This is not a tryout, everyone is placed on a team.  Once a player is evaluated, she is then assigned to a team based on a coaches draft system immediately after the evaluations.  The draft system is designed to yield teams of similar overall ability.

When will I learn what team my player will be on?  Parents will be contacted (via email) by the player’s head coach by the last week in March, who will provide field schedule information, team name and other players on it, and any additional logistical information.  Please be sure we have your preferred email address when you register online.

When are games and practices?  Teams will typically play 12 games per season, plus playoffs. Most games are within the Majors division, however there may be some Intra-league games scheduled against teams in other leagues in our district.  There will be one to two games per week, typically on Saturdays depending on weather.  Times vary from week to week; the game schedule is finalized in March, and will be posted under the Schedule tab at the top of the LMLL home page.  There are practices (at most one team practice per week) on either Sunday afternoon or a weekday evening.  The season starts in April and runs until the end of the (LMSD) school year in mid-June.

Where are games and practices?  Majors softball division games and practices are held at different fields in Lower Merion Township; locations vary and will be finalized with team schedules in March.  Directions and locations of all baseball fields are provided at the Field Locations link on the tabs at left.  A detailed schedule will also be emailed by your player’s team coach before the season starts in April.

What do you do in practices?  Coaches develop and reinforce the major softball fundamentals, and begin teaching team plays and strategy.  Fundamentals include:  proper throwing mechanics, batting stance and hitting, fielding skills, above-the-waist catching, proper pitching and base running.  We emphasize having fun together as a team, learning positive sportsmanship, and developing a player's confidence in their athletic abilities.

How do games work?   

• Softball Majors division is kid pitch
• Games are six innings
• Half-innings end after 3 outs, or a maximum of 6 runs scored in the inning
• Official score is kept
• There are playoffs
• There will likely be a District 27 All Star Team

What do we need to bring?  Players need: (1) a softball glove, (2) water bottle, (3) team uniform.  The team uniform (jersey, pants, socks and headwear) will be provided by LMLL and will be distributed to players prior to the first game of the season.  Do not wear shorts -- players in this division are taught to slide into the base on close plays.  We strongly recommend players wear baseball cleats, but sneakers are acceptable.  Players are encouraged to bring their own favorite baseball bats, but the team will also provide bats.

What about drop offs?   At this age group, each player must have a parent (or other responsible adult, e.g., grandparent, nanny, guardian, etc.) present for the duration of the practice and game.

Do we need to be township residents?  Lower Merion Little League is limited to residents of Lower Merion Township and the Borough of Narberth.

Where can I find additional information?  We have a Frequently Asked Questions page about our Spring Season softball programs, on the tabs at left.  In addition, general inquires may be directed to the league at LMLLemail@aol.com.  Softball Majors division inquiries may be directed to the Softball Majors Division Commissioner, whose name and email address are listed on the League Contacts tab at left.