What Is Softball League Age?
When registering for the spring season, a player will request a level of play at a particular level. But what level?
The following provides an overview of Pacific Little League divisions.
While Little League International uses “League Age” requirements to define eligibility for upper divisions,
each local league may define age criteria for younger divisions to ensure safe play.
“League Age” is determined by Little League International.
Pacific Little League is open to all children ages 5–18 who reside within league boundaries,
as defined by residence or school address.
For Little League softball, please refer to the
Little League age chart
.
Which Softball Division Should I Choose?
| Player Age / Grade |
Recommended Level |
Season Start |
Season End |
Practices per Week* |
Games per Week |
| 5–6 | Pre-K–K |
T-Ball (co-ed) |
April |
June |
2 × 1 hour |
2 |
| 7–8 (some 6) | K–2nd |
Rookies |
March |
June |
2 × 90 minutes |
2 |
| 8–9 | 3rd–4th |
89ers |
March |
June |
2 × 90 minutes |
2 |
| 10–11 (some 9) | 4th–6th |
Minors |
March |
June |
2 × 90 minutes |
2 |
| 11–12 (some 10) | 5th–7th |
Majors |
March |
June |
2 × 90 minutes |
2 |
| 12–14 | 7th–9th |
Juniors |
March |
June |
2 × 90 minutes |
2 |
| 14–16 | 9th–10th |
Seniors |
March |
June |
2 × 90 minutes |
2 |
*Once games start, the number of practices may be reduced based on division.
**Divisions may combine with district teams if registration numbers are low.
T-Ball
T-Ball introduces the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, and throwing, along with basic rules of baseball or softball.
Players hit from a tee for most of the season, with possible coach-pitch or soft-toss opportunities later.
If your child is 5 or 6 and has never played organized baseball or softball, T-Ball is a great place to begin.
Six-year-olds with prior T-Ball experience may move to Rookies.
Rookies
Rookies Softball focuses on fun while learning core fundamentals such as fielding, throwing, and hitting.
What to Expect
- Hitting: Underhand coach pitch
- Field size: 60-foot base paths
- Ball type: 11" safety softball
- Team formation: Random, with limited buddy or coach requests
- Postseason: In-house tournament
Player Development
Players develop coordinated swings, improved throwing and catching, basic defensive play,
and awareness of gameplay and safety.
Age Group: 6–8 years old | K–2nd grade
Rookies Softball Rules (Updated 2026)
89ers
89ers Softball builds on fundamentals while introducing player pitching.
What to Expect
- Hitting: Modified coach-pitch when walks occur
- Field size: 60-foot bases, 35-foot pitching
- Ball type: 11" softball
- Team formation: Random with buddy requests accommodated when possible
- Postseason: In-house tournament
Player Development
Improved batting and pitching mechanics, independent baserunning,
and increased game awareness. Facemasks are recommended.
Age Group: 8–9 years old | 3rd–4th grade
89ers Softball Rules – (Updated 2026)
Minors
Minors introduces recreational competitiveness with full-time player pitching.
What to Expect
- Hitting: Live player pitching
- Field size: 60-foot bases, 35-foot pitching
- Ball type: 11" softball
- Team formation: Balanced teams formed by player agent
- Postseason: In-house tournament
Player Development
Players execute defensive and offensive plays independently.
Pitchers consistently throw across the plate.
Age Group: 9–11 years old | 4th–6th grade
Minors Softball Rules – (Updated 2026)
Majors
Majors is a competitive division emphasizing advanced fundamentals and strategy.
What to Expect
- Hitting: Live player pitching
- Field size: 60-foot bases, 40-foot pitching
- Ball type: 12" softball
- Team formation: Draft following player evaluations
- Postseason: In-house tournament
Age Group: 10–12 years old | 5th–7th grade
- All League Age 12 players are guaranteed Majors placement unless safety concerns exist.
- League Age 10–11 players may try out for Majors if roster space allows.
- Majors teams typically consist primarily of 11–12 year olds.
Juniors & Seniors
Juniors and Seniors Fastpitch Softball is a competitive level emphasizing advanced techniques and strategy.
Field size: 60-foot bases, 43-foot pitching
Ball type: 12" softball
Juniors
13–14 (some 12 or 15) | 7th–9th grade
Teams may be evaluated or combined with other District 1 leagues depending on registration.
Seniors
14–16 (some 13) | 8th–10th grade
Teams may be formed as a co-league with nearby leagues (“travel team light”).
Register for a Division of Baseball or Softball