AAA

Players control all aspects of the game. This is a competitive and developmental program, which helps players establish and enhance skills.
ages: 9-11

Q. When will I hear from a coach?

All players registered for AAA are scheduled to attend a fun and friendly skills evaluation session on either Sunday, February 26 or Sunday, March 4.  Players are scheduled with friends, past teammates, and players of similar age and skill level to maintain a low pressure environment.  Commitment for each family should be no more than 45 minutes.

At these sessions, coaches, league officials, and parents can confirm together that players are registered for the appropriate level of play.  Coaches and league officials prepare for a draft on Thursday, March 8.  Teams are formed that night, and players are contacted the next day.

Q. My son/daughter played AAA last year.  Can’t he/she return to the same team without attending this evaluation session?

Your player may return to his/her team from last season, but participation in the evaluation session is required for some, and recommended for all.

Aside from just being a fun time, these sessions really help our coaches and league officials understand how players have progressed, and establish a baseline of the talent level for each team.

11 and 12-year-olds, meanwhile, are required to be made eligible for the Majors division.  They are not allowed to turn down a team that wishes to draft them.  That said, if you wish to remain at AAA, our coaches will respect that wish, but participation in our evaluation sessions is mandatory.

Q: What is the game and practice schedule at this level?

AAA teams begin their practice season on Saturday, March 10.  Expect three practices (at least one in a weekend slot) per week throughout the preseason.

The game schedule will be posted and distributed by March 14.  Though scores and standings are kept for the first time at this level, the first few weeks of games are generally considered “preseason” and don’t count toward records.  The first game is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, with an Opening Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, April 15.  From this point on, teams will have up to one weeknight and one Sunday practice, plus one weeknight and one Saturday game each week.  This is a big commitment!

In late May/early June, the schedule shifts to a postseason tournament.  All teams participate in this tournament, with a champion declared on Saturday, June 16.

Q. What’s the deal with all-stars?

AAA has three different possibilities when it comes to making an All-Star team.

  1. LOCAL – Arlington Little League has an annual AAA All-Star Game, featuring three talented players from each team as voted on by their teammates.  There is no commitment to participating on this team or in this game, other than the game itself on Saturday, June 16.
  2. STARLIPER – The first place team from each of our two divisions (American and National) has the option of staying together to participate in a District 4 tournament against other “champions” from surrounding leagues.  This is a single-elimination tournament which usually involves a practice or two, and ends about a week after the ALL season.
  3. DISTRICT 4 – 9 & 10 year-olds from AAA are eligible for the District 4 all-star teams.  These teams require an almost daily commitment to baseball practice and/or game from the end of the ALL season until early to mid-July.  Talk to your coach and stay tuned to the website for details if you’re interested.

Q. What does a typical game look like?

At this level, a game looks like much more like a real game of baseball.  Players pitch to each other, steal bases, and learn to bunt.  Only nine players play in the field at any time, though all players are in the batting order.  No more than six runs can be scored by a team in any inning.

Games are scheduled for two hour time slots.  No new inning may begin after an hour and 45 minutes.

Q. What does my player need?

The league provides a team t-shirt and a hat for each player, as well as a tee, helmets, catcher’s gear, and bats at each game.  Players at this level need to provide their own glove and baseball pants, and will need to bring their own water, juice, etc. to each game.

Register now! Or,
Contact AAA Commissioner Wayne Berry with questions.