The goal of the Rookie Division is to teach baseball fundamentals while having fun. The focus is on hitting, fielding, throwing, catching and the introduction of hitting pitches from a coach pitcher and tee. At this level all players will hit from a coach pitcher that is set to an age appropriate distance. If after 3 pitches, the batter has not put the ball into play, a tee will be used for the batter to hit. If the tee is used the batter may make up to 3 attempts to put the ball in play. After 3 attempts, without putting the ball in play, the batter will be called out.
Player Ages
The Rookie Division is designed for all league age 5 and 6 year old players. Your child must turn 5 or 6 years of age between September 1st 2024 and August 31st 2025 to qualify. Please click here to determine your players league age
Season
Teams will be formed in late February with a couple of practices scheduled. Games will begin on Saturday March 22nd and run through the end of May. In the Fall, teams will be formed on August 23rd with practices starting the week of August 25th. Games will begin on Saturday September 6th and run through the end of October.
Games
- Each team will be scheduled at least 8 games per season (6-7 games for Fall Ball)
- Games last about 1 hour
- All games will be scheduled on Saturdays starting March 22nd. (1 game on Saturdays for Fall Ball starting September 6th)
Practice
Practices will begin in early March. Prior to Opening Day (March 22nd), each team will be scheduled for around 2 practices. Practices generally last for 1-1.5 hours and start at 6:00 PM during the week. After Opening Day, each team will generally have 1 practice a week. In the Fall, practices will begin the week of August 25th with roughly one practice scheduled a week through the end of October.
Field Size
The Rookie division uses the standard Little League field size with 60 Feet between bases with a pitching distance of 46 feet.
Uniforms
Central Chesterfield Little League provides a T-Shirt Jersey, pants, socks and a cap. Parents must provide athletic shoes or cleats (rubberized cleats only).
Playing Equipment
Parents must provide a ball glove and T-Ball bat. We also recommend a batting helmet with mask.
Team
Teams typically consist of 12-14 players, a volunteer manager, two volunteer coaches, and a volunteer team parent.
Rookie FAQs
Q: Do you keep score and are there umpires?
A: No scores are kept. The Rookie Division is structured to teach the very basic fundamentals of baseball only. The games are self umpired by the volunteer coaches and managers.
Q: Can I request my child play on a team with their friends?
A: Yes. We will make every effort to accommodate requests at this level. Please contact our Player Agent at [email protected] with your player friend/coach request as soon as possible after registering your child.
Q: Can my child play up or down a level?
A: Maybe. A parent of a child that is league age 4 may request to play at the Rookie division by contacting our Player Agent at [email protected]. A player that is league age 6 has the opportunity to play up to the Coach Pitch division (Ages 7-8). Please reference the Coach Pitch page for further information on the process. All player assignments are ultimately determined by the Player Agent and President.
Q: Will my child get to play all the time?
A: Yes. But, our rules require the manager to bat the entire line up and all players play in the field each inning.
Q: Is my child eligible for an All-Star or Tournament Team at this level?
A: No, there are no Tournament Teams at this level.
Q: What kind of baseball is used at the Rookie level?
A: A soft core baseball is used at this level to help prevent injury and provide for a good learning experience.
Q: Can I manage or coach a team?
A: Absolutely!! Prospective managers and coaches must register as a volunteer (follow the link below) and be approved by Central Chesterfield Little League's Board of Directors.