What are the main differences between the AAAA division and the Intermediate division?
| |
AAAA division |
Intermediate |
| Field Dimensions |
Distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate: 46’
Distance between bases: 60’ |
Distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate: 50’
Distance between bases: 70’ |
| Innings |
6 innings |
7 innings |
| Leads |
Leads are not permitted. The runner may only leave the base after the ball is either hit or has crossed home plate. |
Leads are permitted. |
| Stealing |
A player may steal after the ball has crossed home plate, except when the pitcher has the ball on the mound. |
Can steal “on the pitch”, and/or while the pitcher is on the mound. |
| Dropped 3rd Strike |
Batter is not permitted to run. A strikeout and out are recorded. 1 |
A strike out is recorded, however the batter becomes a runner and can attempt to take 1st base if there are two outs, or if there are less than two outs and a runner does not already occupy 1st base. |
| Pitching |
From a 6 inch mound |
From a portable mound 8” above ground |
| |
Balks are not called. |
Balks are called. |
| On Deck Batter |
Prohibited |
Permitted 3 |
| Cleats |
Rubber only |
Metal permitted |
3 Little League Int'l rules prohibit “on deck” batters.
Why move to the bigger field?
The first reason is safety. When players reach 7th grade “school ball”, or play in Little League Juniors (the division following Majors), the players must currently make a transition from playing on 46/60 fields to playing on a full, pro-sized 60/90 field. The throw from 1st to 3rd, or home to 2nd across the 46/60 diamond is 84 feet. The same throws across the 60/90 diamond increase to 127 feet. Due to a noticeable rise in youth baseball related arm injuries, LMLL believes that providing a transition level between AAAA baseball and Juniors baseball is appropriate, and in our players best interests. The larger 50/70 field size also provides more reaction time for the fielders.
In addition to the safety concerns, the move to 50/70 provides for a more realistic baseball experience in which leading, stealing, and pick offs become an exciting and fun part of the game.
Who is eligible to participate in the Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division?
Per the guidelines set forth by Little League International (LLI), the Intermediate Division (50/70) is for ages 12-13, however local leagues may establish the age structure; e.g. 11/12, 12/13 or 12 year olds.
Are there any bat regulations for the Intermediate division?
Junior Baseball bat Rule 1.10 will apply to the Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division.
The maximum diameter of bats in the Intermediate Division cannot exceed 2 5/8 inches, or can they be more than 34 inches in length. Bats certified by USA Baseball, BB-Cor -3, and wood bats are all allowed, all others not allowed.
Composite-barreled baseball bats regardless of barrel size, must meet BBCOR (Batted Ball Co-Efficient of Restitution) standards, and must be labeled accordingly. Please note, all composite-barreled baseball bats that meet the BBCOR standard have a “drop weight” of no more than “minus-3” ounces.
Bats that do not have composite materials in the barrel (metal/alloy, or wood) and meet all other applicable standards (composite handle, barrel size 2 ¼” – 2 5/8”) can have a drop weight greater than 3 ounces.
Do I need to purchase a new bat for my child to play in the Intermediate Division?
Your child may already own a bat that is permissible for play. Please familiarize yourself with the LLI bat regulations for the division before purchasing a bat. All bats must either be USA Baseball certified, or use the BBCOR 1.15 standard.
What are the pitching rules for the Intermediate division?
Little League International pitch/mandatory rest rules remain in effect. Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:
- If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
- If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
- If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
- If a player pitches 21 - 35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.
- If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.
How does this impact “Districts”?
Each year, the top 12-14 players from the Majors division are selected through a formal nomination and voting process to represent the league in tournament play against other leagues in our district. The winner of the district has the ability to advance to Sectionals, then Regionals, and ultimately play for a chance at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Since the field dimensions and rules of play are not the same as the Majors division, the Intermediate division tournament is managed separately. An Intermediate division team will be created per LLI provisions to represent LMLL, and will play into their own tournament with a chance to progress to the World Series in Livermore, California.
What is the length of a regulation game in the Intermediate division?
Games are 7 innings long. The game is regulation after 5 innings or 4 ½ if the home team is ahead.
How do I register to participate in the Intermediate division?
Please visit the registration page or Register
