Introduction
Ballard Little League Baseball & Softball All-Stars is a unique experience designed for dedicated and passionate players who have shown a strong commitment to BLL throughout the regular season and are ready to represent Ballard Little League in a more competitive environment. Teams will have approximately three weeks of practices, scrimmages, and pre-tournament games to prepare for the official District 8 Little League Tournament, which begins in mid June for Juniors and 12s, and the first weekend of July for 11s and 10s.
The Ballard Little League Board intends to field teams that will best represent the league in both competition and character. The priorities for Ballard's All-Star Teams are as follows:
- Sportsmanship and Character
- Player Development
- Inclusion
- Results
By definition, all-star baseball & softball is a selective process. Although we would love to include all of the kids, unfortunately, this isn't possible because we can only field one all star team per level. We encourage all players to try out and to consider each year a new opportunity to make an all-star team. Ballard Little League will assess players with “fresh eyes” each season. There may be players who make the team one year and do not make it the following year, and vice versa. Players should not let their selection (or non-selection) define their character or dedication. Kids learn and grow at their own pace, and team selections are not indicative of a player’s future success.
The process below is primarily for baseball. For softball, we will send out a sign up form in May to AA and older divisions. If we have enough players to form our own BLL teams, we will follow the steps below. If there are not enough players, we will work with our neighboring leagues. It is our goal to make sure every softball player who wants to try out for All Stars has that opportunity.
All Star Head Coach Selection
The Ballard Little League All Star Manager/Coach Selection process is designed to be objective, fair and ensure the best possible individuals are selected to lead BLL All Star teams.
All Star Head Coach Selection Committee
The All Star Coach Selection Committee will include the League President, each respective Divisional V.P., the All Stars Coordinator and the BLL Player Agent. Depending on the division, coaches can also play a role in the committee.
Coaches - both head coaches and assistant coaches - interested in managing an All Star team must register their intent with BLL no later than March 1 (teams will not be formed until after May 15). This can be done with an email to the BLL board.
The Selection Committee may interview coaching candidates if needed.
All Coaches must be in good standing with Ballard Little League and must be willing and able to fulfill the obligations required of the All-Star Manager position.
All Coaches must commit to be with the team for as long as the team continues to win – this could be through the Little League World Series (late August).
With recommendations from the committee, per the Little League Rulebook, the League President will appoint All-Star Managers and Coaches for each team and will bring the selections to the BLL Board of Directors for final approval.
The League President will officially announce all of the All Star Coaches by mid-March. (Being appointed a Head Coach is not a guarantee that the coach's child will make All Stars. All Stars teams cannot be formed until after May 15.
All-Star Player Selection
A selection committee made up of one representative from each team in the AA, AAA and Majors divisions, and will assist all-star coaches in selecting the players for that division’s all-star team. Representatives will have an opportunity to advocate for players; all-star coaches will be able to consult with representatives about player performance and character, and some representatives will be present to assist during the tryout.
Players MUST try out for all-stars to be considered for a team. Tryouts are held in mid May.
Each player will be assessed using the following criteria:
- Player's skill level and performance during the regular season
- Coaches' recommendations
- Performance at tryouts
- Player's overall character, integrity, and sportsmanship
- Availability for practices and games mid May - mid July
Juniors
The Juniors (14U) baseball and softball all-star teams are comprised of the strongest players league age 13-14 years old, and will have the opportunity to compete in the District, State, Regional, and Juniors Little World Series Tournaments (mid June - mid-August). Each tournament is double elimination. At this level teams will likely be a combination of neighboring leagues (“co-leagued”).
Intermediates
The Intermediates (13U) baseball all-star team is comprised of the strongest players in Ballard Little League age 13-14 years old, and will have the opportunity to compete in the District, State, Regional, and Little World Series Tournaments (mid June mid-August). Each tournament is double elimination. At this level teams will likely be a combination of neighboring leagues (“co-leagued”).
Majors Team
The Majors (12U) baseball and softball all-star teams are comprised of the strongest players in Ballard Little League age 10-12 years old, and will have the opportunity to compete in the District, State, Regional, and Little World Series Tournaments (late June - mid-August). Each tournament is double elimination.
11s Team
The 11U baseball and softball all-star teams are comprised of the remaining strongest players league age 9-11 years old, and will have the opportunity to compete in the District and State Tournaments (month of July). Each tournament is double elimination.
10s Team
The 10U baseball and softball all-star teams are comprised of the remaining strongest players league age 8-10 years old and will have the opportunity to compete in the District and State Tournaments (month of July). Each tournament is double elimination.
Selection Announcement
The selection committee meets as soon as possible after tryouts and head coaches will notify all players whether they made the team or not within forty-eight hours.