The Wilmington Baseball Association offers a wealth of baseball divisions designed to allow area boys  to develop their skills against other children who are at a similar stage of development. As a skills-based league, baseball capabilities are the primary determinants of division placement. Here's what you can expect at each division:

All players league age 6 thru 16 (including children of coaches) MUST attend skills evaluation EACH SEASON in order to determine proper placement within league divisions. 

The Wilmington Baseball Association Player Agents, in coordination with the Wilmington Little League President and Coaching Coordinator(s), determines which division is most suitable for a player.

2024 Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth League Age Chart

CAL RIPKEN DIVISIONS

Coach Pitch/T-Ball 

(Primarily players age 4-6 years old) 

Our COED Coach Pitch/T-Ball Division is operated through Coastal Carolina Athletic Association (CCAA) bringing together tee ball players from Wilmington Baseball Association and Wilmington Little League Softball. In our Coach Pitch/ T-Ball Division, we focus on building upon the skills introduced in our Smart Start Division while adding an extra element of challenge. Similar to traditional Tee-ball, we aim to teach our players the essential aspects of offense and defense. However, we take it a step further by helping them learn to hit a moving ball before transitioning to hitting off a tee.

During practices and games, our dedicated coaches take on a special role, kneeling just a short distance in front of home plate. From this position, they gently toss the ball towards the eager hitter. If a player does not hit one of three tossed pitches, the player will transition to hit of a batting tee for their "at bat." This technique not only enhances hand-eye coordination but also trains our young hitters to swing confidently at a moving ball.

To ensure a smooth transition to the Rookie Division, where machine pitch baseball awaits them, we utilize a soft level 5 training baseball. This ball offers the perfect balance of safety and skill development, allowing our budding athletes to practice their swings with ease and confidence.

• General Age Range: Most often league age 4-6 
• Important Note: While Wilmington Little League determines division-placement based on skills evaluations, the general expectation is that only league age 4-6 will participate in tee ball. By the time each child is league age 7, the hope is that they will be ready for our entry-level Rookie division. However, we realize there is variance in the capabilities of players who are in their league age 7 season. 

Rookie

(Primarily players age 6-9 years old)

The Rookie Division is the perfect starting point for young baseball enthusiasts. In this division, we introduce the use of a Louisville Slugger pitching machine, which ensures consistent and accurate pitches in the strike zone, allowing hitters to sharpen their skills. To add a touch of competitiveness, we also have dedicated umpires overseeing the games.

Within this division, players have the opportunity to focus on honing their skills for specific positions, fostering their development as well-rounded athletes. Base running becomes more exhilarating as players learn to navigate the bases, with the chance to advance more than one base on well-executed hits.

Defensively, the players continue to grow and improve. A play will be deemed "dead" once the ball has been returned to the infield, presenting an opportunity for the defense to halt the runners. Although making the play is not mandatory, the possibility of stopping the runners encourages players to strategize and work together as a team.

• General Age Range: Most often league age 6-8
• All Players will be evaluated to be placed in appropriate Divisions
• If you feel your player would be better served in a particular division, please indicate your preference in the "Special Requests/Comments" section during registration. Additionally, players must attend skills evaluation in order for Wilmington Little League for any request to be reviewed and approved.

MINORS DIVISION 

(Primarily Ages 8, 9, 10, and 11)

Players that have advanced to teams in the Minors division will play on 60-foot base paths, with the pitcher’s rubber located 46 feet from home plate. The game is played on a 60-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 46 feet.  In order to encourage the league to train more pitchers, there are rules that set the maximum number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a calendar week.  Regulation games consist of six innings or four innings if a game is called.  Special base running rules are also in effect.

Consideration may be given for 8 year old players of appropriate skill level with the approval of the Board of Directors).

• General Age Range: Most often league age 8-10
• Only players ages nine and ten year old, which participate in this division, may be considered for 10U all star competition.
• All Players will be evaluated to be placed in appropriate Divisions
• If you feel your player would be better served in a particular division, please indicate your preference in the "Special Requests/Comments" section during registration. Additionally, players must attend skills evaluation in order for Wilmington Little League for any request to be reviewed and approved.

MAJORS  

(Primarily players age 10,11, and 12 years old)

The most experienced level of Cal Ripken Baseball.  Players that have advanced to teams in the Majors division play under the Official Baseball Rules, with open bases.  The game is played on a 70-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 50 feet.  In order to encourage the league to train more pitchers, there are rules that set the maximum number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a calendar week.  Regulation games consist of six innings or four innings if a game is called.

Consideration may be given for 10 year old players of appropriate skill level with the approval of a League Variance. 

• Players ages 10, 11 and twelve 12 years old, which participate in this division, may be considered for 11U and 12U All Star competition.
• All Players will be evaluated to be placed in appropriate Divisions
• If you feel your player would be better served in a particular division, please indicate your preference in the "Special Requests/Comments" section during registration. Additionally, players must attend skills evaluation in order for Wilmington Little League for any request to be reviewed and approved.

Babe Ruth Divisions: 

 (Baseball age 13-16 years old) 

Our Babe Ruth division is designed for players aged 13-16 (Select League age 12 players may be eligible) who are ready to take their game to the next level. In this division, we transition to the "big field", giving players the opportunity to adapt to the dimensions of a major league size field. With base paths extended to 90 feet and the pitcher's mound set at a distance of 60' 6" from home plate, players will experience the same playing conditions as in high school baseball. This prepares them not only physically but also mentally, as they gain valuable experience and skills necessary for success at the high school level. By providing this challenging environment, our High School Prep division ensures that players are well-prepared and equipped to excel in their future baseball endeavors.