Salmon Creek Little League
50/70 Division
All District 6 Players 11-13 Invited!
WHAT:
Salmon Creek Little League is hosting a 50/70 Division for all leagues in District 6.
A 50/70 division will be played on a field with a 50' mound and 70' bases as opposed to a LL Major's field which uses 46' mounds and 60' bases. LL Jr Baseball
(where 13 year olds must play if a 50/70 division is not available) uses a 60' mound and 90' bases.
Little League developed this 50/70 division as a "pilot" division two years ago to encourage 13 year old players to continue to play baseball. Little League
realized too many kids were leaving LL to play 50/70 divisions in other leagues and many 13 year olds were not comfortable making the significant jump to a 60/90 field. So the 50/70 pilot division
was born with 13 year olds in mind. As well, the 50/70 division now provides 11 and 12 year olds the option of playing at a higher level. A level of play that includes leading off, balks and
dropped 3rd strike.
WHO:
This division is for any player 11-13 years old who resides in D6. D6 Leagues can have any player ages 11-13 sign up through SCLL. Players currently playing Majors
or Jr's can simultaneously play 50/70 and still qualify for All-Stars for their respective division in Majors or Juniors.
TEAMS:
All players will need to prove they reside in District 6. For those players who want to play 50/70 in addition to Majors or Jr's, they will have to prove their
registration in their home Little League within D6 to get the cost discount. SCLL and D6 will also verify to ensure no players are from outside D6.
This division is not a division for complete teams to sign up.
We will however, allow players to sign up and request a coach. We will do our best to accommodate each request. This is a way to help ensure that players from
certain leagues are placed together, as they should be, for carpooling and other reasons.
For players not requesting a coach, they will be placed on a team based on geographic region…we'll do our best to get players that attend the same schools and live
in the same area on the same team(s). Additionally, teams will be assembled with competition in mind…we will do our best to make the teams as equitable as possible. Teams will be comprised of a mix
of 11, 12 and 13 year olds.
WHERE:
Luke Jensen Sports Park! Did we mention all games will be played at the newest complex in the State of Washington? Luke Jensen Sports Park is the new home of Salmon
Creek Little League and has two fields capable of allowing 50/70 baseball, one natural turf field and one synthetic turf field, both with lights.
Games will be held on Sunday's with practices twice during the week with the understanding that those players playing in other division (Majors or Jr's) may not be
able to make some practices. All players are expected to attend the games on Sundays. It is perfectly acceptable if another league has the capability to play 50/70 and wishes to host games at their
fields. These details will be incorporated when the schedule is drafted.
GAMES:
Games will be held only on Sunday's to avoid conflicts for players playing in either Majors or Juniors. Playing only on Sunday's allows for 10 games plus the
possibility of a season ending tournament the weekend of June 15, 16 & 17. Depending on the number of players who sign up and number of teams, double headers are a possibility on Sunday's.
Friday's could also be incorporated if needed…however both of these scenarios are only possibilities and could be severely hampered by pitch count rules (see below). The double header on Sunday's
and Friday games will be decided at a later time if it is manageable.
COST:
The cost is $40 per player if that player is already signed up with another division in a D6 LL. Cost is $95 per player if 50/70 is the only LL division the player
is playing.
RULES:
Little League Junior Division rules apply with the exception of pitch count. Pitch count will be based on the age of the pitcher and the responsibility of the
manager. Big barrel bats (2 5/8") are allowed in the LL 50/70 Division.
Pitch Count: A coordinated effort will be made between all leagues, divisions, managers, coaches and parents to ensure pitching rules are not violated and players
do not pitch more than the LL rules allow. The safety of our players and the effort to avoid arm injuries is paramount. The emphasis of pitch count cannot be under-stated.
For players only playing 50/70: each team's manager is responsible for player pitch count.
For players enrolled in more than one division: In order to qualify to pitch in a 50/70 game, parents of players enrolled in more than one division will be required
to email (or put in writing) his/her players pitch count to their 50/70 manager in advance of the Sunday game. This communication will likely be provided between Saturday afternoon/eve (following
Saturday games) and Sunday morning/afternoon when 50/70 games are played. The communication to the manager must include days pitched for the prior week (Sunday through Saturday) and pitch count for
each outing. This is required even if the player did not pitch at all. This will provide the manager a list of eligible pitchers before the game that will need to be provided to the umpire. Without
written authorization, a player may not pitch. Communication to the manager MUST include days pitched and number of pitches. A letter or email that simply states a specific player "is eligible to
pitch" does not qualify.
Additionally, parents of any player enrolled in more than one division will be required to also email (or put in writing) his/her players 50/70 pitch count for the
prior week (Sunday through Saturday) to the players Majors or Juniors coach. This includes all days pitched and pitch count for each outing.
Seeing the magnitude of leagues, divisions and players involved, placing this responsibility on the parent is the most effective way to ensure our player's arms are
not over used.
Official District 6 Inter-league Rules will be followed for all 50/70 games played. When final, these rules will be distributed to all leagues and managers
participating.
Umpires will be provided by the home team or other local league volunteer umpires. District 6 will has agreed to provide umpires when they are available.
Questions about 50/70? Contact our 50/70 Commissioner.
