LEAGUE AGE 4-6 (PRE-K & K)

The Bellevue West Tee Ball Division is a co-ed program that is designed to be an introduction to baseball for all children. 

The primary goal of Tee Ball is to instruct children in the fundamentals of baseball and to allow them to experience the value of teamwork. Coaches (parent volunteers) will introduce players to the basic skills of throwing, catching and hitting. Players will be hitting a ball off a batting tee, and the rules of the game may be varied to accommodate the need for teaching. 

Parents are strongly encouraged to be involved in practices and games at this introductory level. Volunteers to coach are needed for each team.

Season outline: 

• Starts after Spring Break
• Approximately 7-8 weeks, with first 2-3 weeks of practice followed by a 10-game schedule
• 2 events per week (typically one weekday and one Saturday)
• Games play 45-60 minutes or 3 innings, each player bats once each inning, no scorekeeping
• Team sizes 8-10 players

Locations: Games and practices are played at BSD405 elementary and middle school fields, such as:

• Enatai elementary,
• Woodridge elementary,
• Clyde Hill elementary
• Medina elementary, and
• Chinook middle school. 

Teammate requests: Allowed and every effort is made to fulfill these requests. 

Play up requests: Parents of league age 5- or 6-year olds that have already played a year of Tee Ball, or feel they have a skill level which allows them to play at the Coach Pitch level, may register their player for the A Division.

LEAGUE AGE 5-7 (K & 1st Grade)

Coach Pitch baseball for League Age 5-7 year olds (K & 1st grade) introduces players to live pitching.  Coaches throw approximately 25 mph and apply judgment to customize throws based on the level unique to each player.  Players will be instructed in the proper techniques of throwing, catching and hitting, building upon the skills developed in Tee Ball.  Teams in each division will primarily be formed based on school attendance.  We make every effort to accommodate a player’s teammate and coach requests.

Season outline: 

• Starts after Spring Break
• Approximately 9-10 weeks, with the first 3-4 weeks of practice following by a 10-12 game schedule
• 2 events per week (typically one weekday and one Saturday)
• Games play 60-75 minutes or 3-4 innings, each player bats once each inning, no scorekeeping
• Team sizes 8-10 players

Locations: Games and practices are played at BSD405 elementary and middle school fields, such as:

• Enatai elementary
• Woodridge elementary
• Clyde Hill elementary
• Medina elementary
• Chinook middle school

Teammate requests: Allowed and every effort is made to fulfill these requests. 

Play up requests: Parents of league age 6- or 7-year olds that have already played a year of A Ball, or feel they have a skill level which allows them to play at the Rapid Baseball level, may register their player for the AA Division.

LEAGUE AGE 6-8 (1st & 2nd Grades)

Machine Pitch baseball for League Age 6-8 year olds (1st & 2nd Grades) advances players to live pitching with the consistent speed and placement of a pitching machine.  Pitching speed is increased to 30 mph.  Players will be instructed in the proper techniques of throwing, catching and hitting; building upon the skills introduced in the previous year’s division.  Additional baseball skills are introduced, expanding to base running and position play.  Teams in the AA Division will start to keep score and track standings. 

We are thrilled to use the new and innovative RapidBaseball™ format, which our players and their fans have loved. RapidBaseball offers players an action packed, fun experience that develops baseball players through constant repetition. RapidBaseball eliminates the slowdowns a typical game experiences, and provides far more opportunities (at bats and defensive plays) for all athletes. Games will frequently have 100+ AB’s and 80+ balls in play. RapidBaseball games feature the following:

• Time-Based Innings: Each inning will be 20 minutes, divided evenly with each team
  stepping up to bat for 10 minutes.
• Continuous Play: After three outs, bases will clear, but the batting team keeps batting until
  the clock runs down.
• Pitch Count: Batters will receive a maximum of 3 pitches. Pitch accuracy is increased by
  leveraging the use of a pitching machine.
• Enhanced Pitching Development: In each half-inning, guided by a coach, two players will
  take on a 24-pitch bullpen session. This approach is tailored to afford more players increased
  pitching opportunities, thereby enhancing their skills and deepening their understanding of
  pitching fundamentals.
  

Interested in coaching? Prior to the season, coaches and volunteers are provided access to an interactive coaches portal to learn about the format and be prepared for the season. The RapidBaseball program is designed for coaches of all baseball experience levels. Visit the Rapid Baseball site for more information: RapidBaseball

Season outline: 

• Starts after Spring Break
• Approximately 9-10 weeks, with the first 3-4 weeks of practice following by a 10-12 game schedule
• 2 events per week (typically one weekday and one Saturday)
• Games play 1.5-2 hours, Rapid Baseball format, scorekeeping recorded
• Team sizes 10-12 players

Locations: Games and practices are played at BSD405 elementary and middle school fields, such as:

• Enatai elementary
• Woodridge elementary
• Clyde Hill elementary
• Medina elementary
• Chinook middle school

Teammate requests: Allowed and every effort is made to fulfill these requests. 

Play up requests: Parents of league age 8-year olds that have already played a year of A or AA Ball, or feel they have a skill level which allows them to play at the Player Pitch level, may attend the Player Skills Evaluations in February.

LEAGUE AGE 9-12 (3rd-6th Grade)

Player Pitch baseball offers programs for League Age 9 – 12 years old and introduces players to “kid pitch” baseball. Player Pitch games use a 60-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 46 feet. Players will continue to be instructed in the proper techniques of throwing, catching and hitting; building upon the skills introduced in the previous year’s division. The Player Pitch season lasts 10 - 12 weeks, with three events per week. Players will generally practice once during the week with one game on during the week and one on Saturday.

Each player at the Player Pitch level will attend a pre-season skills evaluation (early February) for assessment in fielding (grounds from SS & fly balls), running, pitching and batting; to allow BWLL skill evaluators and coaches to properly place players in the appropriate division (AAA, Coast and Majors).

Season outline: 

• Player Skills Evaluation Day near mid-winter break (February)
• Practices begin shortly after player skills evaluation 
• Games begin in March. Season goes through May. 

Location: Hidden Valley Sports Park

Team formation: Coaches are provided the list of eligible players after the player skill evaluations and will draft teams that week. Coaches will inform their players shortly after the drafts, typically within a week of the evaluations.

Note: At the Player Pitch level we cannot accommodate coach and teammate requests.  Parent and player expectations should be that players will play on a team with others from a variety of schools within Bellevue West.

AAA (League Age 9-10)

The AAA Division is the entry-level Player Pitch program designed for players who are League Age 9 – 10 years old.  Highly skilled League Age 8 year old players may request to “play up” to the AAA Division and must attend the pre-season skills assessment.   At the AAA level, players should have the ability to throw a ball from short stop to first base, have the skill to properly catch and throw, and be able to avoid being hit by a pitch while batting. AAA players are eligible for the 8/9/10 All Star team that represents Bellevue West Little League in the District 9 Tournament.

Coast (League Age 10-11)

The Coast Division is the intermediate program for Player Pitch baseball designed for players who are League Age 10-11 years old. Occasionally, an outstanding 9 year old may play in this division.  Coast players are eligible for the 8/9/10 or 9/10/11 All Star team that represents Bellevue West Little League in the District 9 Tournament.

Major (League Age 11-12)

The Major Division is the most competitive program for Little League Baseball designed for players who are League Age 11-12 years old. Occasionally, an outstanding 10 year old will play in this division. At the Major level, the focus of the game is on advanced skill development to prepare players for baseball in the Intermediate and Junior Divisions and beyond Little League. Major Division players are eligible for the 9/10/11 or Majors All Star team that represents Bellevue West Little League in the District 9 Tournament.

Intermediate 50/70 (League Age 13)

The Intermediate Division of Little League is a program designed for players who are League Age 13 years old and offers a transition for players between the standard Little League field size (46-foot pitching distance and 60-foot base paths) and the Junior, Senior and Big League field size diamond (60-foot, 6-inch pitching distance and 90-foot base paths). At the Intermediate level, Bellevue West is a no cut league and we compete against other District 9 Juniors Little League programs.  Players in the Intermediate Division may use certified BBCOR bats with a maximum 2-5/8" diameter barrel.  Additionally, metal cleats are allowed except when pitching from an artificial turf mound. Intermediate teams are eligible for postseason tournament opportunities, including the Intermediate Little League World Series.

Juniors (Age 14) & Seniors (Age 15) Baseball

The Junior and Senior Divisions of Little League Baseball is a program designed for players who are League Age 14 and League Age 15 years old, respectively.  These divisions play on a conventional field using a 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches.  As a continuation from the Intermediate program, Bellevue West is a no cut league and we compete against other District 9 Juniors  and Seniors Little League programs.  Players may continue to use certified BBCOR bats with a maximum 2-5/8" diameter barrel.  Additionally, metal cleats are allowed except when pitching from an artificial turf mound. Juniors and Senior teams are eligible for postseason tournament opportunities, including the respective Juniors and Seniors Little League World Series tournaments.

1. What is my player's "League Age"?

League Age begins on August 31 and often aligns children with the age they will turn during the school grade year. Please reference the League Age Calculator: League Age Determination - Little League

BWLL encourages all League Age 9 year olds to start Player Pitch (AAA).  All League Age 9 year olds must attend skills assessment.  If a 9 year old has a strong desire to remain with their prior year team and play at the AA level, we will make every effort to accommodate that request.  For 9 year olds not suited for AAA, the League will prioritize their requests to play on a specific AA team.

2. What division should I sign my player up to participate?

BWLL offers several programs for players of all age and experience levels.  Divisions are primarily aligned by League Age and school grade of the players, and build upon the skills taught in preceding divisions from the prior season.  General guidelines:

• League Age 4-5 (Pre-K & K): Tee Ball
• League Age 5-7 (K & 1st Grade): Coach Pitch
• League Age 6-8 (1st & 2nd Grade): Machine Pitch Rapid Baseball
• League Age 9-12 (3rd - 6th Grade): Player Pitch
• League Age 13-15: Intermediates/Juniors/Seniors

Bellevue West Little League serves players who live within the following boundaries:

Bellevue West includes the communities of Woodridge, Enatai, Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point. This includes children whose local elementary schools are: Bellevue Christian, Clyde Hill, Enatai, Medina, Sacred Heart, St. Thomas and Woodridge.   If you live or go to school within the Bellevue West boundaries you are allowed to play in Bellevue West Little League.

Little League International offers a League Finder to help determine whether your home or school address is located within the boundaries of Bellevue West LL or another active Little League program: League Finder - Little League

Yes, if your child attends a school within our geographical boundaries full time during the school year.  Yes also, if your child is League Age 4-7. Children at the youngest levels of Little League Baseball (League Age 4-7) are invited to play in Bellevue West Little League, or any local Little League program they choose, without respect to any geography- or school-related eligibility requirements.  Little League® to Increase Access and Opportunity with League Choice at Youngest Levels of Play Starting in 2025 - Little League

Otherwise no, unless the player meets one of the following conditions and receives exception via waiver: a) A player previously lived within the league boundaries and played in Bellevue West; may qualify to continue to play in Bellevue West under Regulation II(d). You will have to fill out Waiver II (d); or b) A parent lived within Bellevue West boundaries and coached in Bellevue West for at least 2 years prior to moving. The coach’s children may be eligible to continue to play in Bellevue West under Regulation IV(h). You will have to fill out Waiver IV (h).

If you feel you qualify under either of these regulations, you will need to please contact us to fill out the appropriate form.

Please note that waiver players are not eligible for All Star team selection.

5. What are the Washington state-specific educational resources on health & wellness and risks related to youth sports, including concussion and sudden cardiac arrest?

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) provides state-wide policies and resources related to concussion management, recognition and management sudden cardiac arrest in athletes, heat index policy and calculator, as well as Department of Health outside air quality index recommendations.  Please find these at the wiaa.com site here: Health & Wellness - Welcome | Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WA)

In the "Safety" section on the "About Us" page of this Bellevue West Little League website, please find links to valuable information for recognizing the symptoms of a concussion and understanding the risks of sudden cardiac arrest. 

Please scroll up above to see registration fees by division. We offer additional player discounts for families registering multiple children. 

We want every child to have the opportunity to play little league baseball. If your player participates in needs-based school and/or lunch subsidy programs, please contact us for lower cost options.

7. What Is Your Refund Policy?

Our policy is to issue no refunds after a player has:

Prior to the occurrence of the above events, we may issue a refund of the registration fees less an administrative handling fee.

For every player eligible to play in the Player Pitch (AAA, Coach, and Majors) divisions of baseball, Bellevue West Little League holds a skills evaluation.  This evaluation is held in February or March, prior to division drafts for every player. Our evaluation is administered by our Skills Evaluation Coordinators and allows us to assess the skill level of each player for throwing, fielding and batting. Additionally, we time each player to assess his or her speed and rank our players to allow for the coaches to draft and build fairly balanced teams. We set an alternate make-up day to allow players who cannot make the evaluation an opportunity to be assessed prior to the draft. Bellevue West Little League makes every effort for this to be a fun, non-pressure event.

Yes, for Tee Ball, Coach Pitch, and Machine Pitch divisions. We make every effort to accommodate a player’s teammate and coach requests in these levels. Requests will be handled on a best-effort basis and do not represent a commitment. Circumstances may dictate placement on another team. We appreciate your understanding. The ability to request a friend or a coach is contingent on registration fees paid in full.

No, for Player Pitch divisions. Player Pitch divisions leverage a skills evaluation and teams are built using a draft system, so it is not possible to request placement with a friend or coach. Your child will most likely play on a team with many fellow players he or she does not initially know. At this level there is an explicit intent to create diverse, competitive teams without holding groups from similar areas together.

If you’d like to coach or fill one of many volunteer positions with a team, you will be able to indicate your interest during the registration process and we will reach out to you afterward to discuss further.

Bellevue West Little League aligns to Little League® Baseball playing requirements. Little League® Baseball has minimum playing requirements which stipulate that each player must play a minimum of six defensive outs each game (2 innings). This creates a richer and fuller experience for players of all skill levels. It ensures that players get to experience more time on the field at multiple positions during every game.

Bellevue West Little League also uses the following additional requirements:

For the All City Tournament Play, these additional requirements specific to Bellevue West Little League will not apply.  We will use Little League® Baseball minimum playing requirements.

12. What if I have more questions?

Please email us at [email protected]