Minors Division of Novato Little League North

Players typically spend two to three seasons in the Minors Division building a solid set of fundamental skills, while also focusing on teamwork and sportsmanship. It is within the Minors that our players transition to fully-rounded athletes, getting ready to compete in the more challenging Majors environment. During this time, players learn what it takes to win baseball games as scores and standings are kept.

Players typically spend their 9 and 10-year-old seasons in the Minors, though exceptions are made for younger players who have advanced through Rookies with high levels of skill. It is also appropriate for older players who have not yet gained enough skill to compete at the Majors level.

Since the 2016 season, we have split Minors into two subdivisions:

AA Minors
AAA Minors

AA Minors Subdivision

This division receives those Rookies alums who have attained enough skill to advance to kid-pitch baseball. While team competition is introduced, there is a continued focus on instruction and development of baseball skills and knowledge. Rules such as coach-pitching after two walks and a limit on the number of runs scored in an inning are designed to quicken the pace of the game. While participation at this level is determined by a draft process, it is typically suitable for 8, 9 and 10-year-olds. The biggest transition occurring here is the introduction of kids pitching regulation Little League baseballs. Scores and standings are kept, umpires manage the game and there are league playoffs. Players are also potentially eligible for selection to post-season All-Stars teams.

AAA Minors Subdivision

As the last stop for players before heading into Majors, AAA Minors is intentionally more competitive. Players at this level are typically at least 9-years-old and to be eligible, the player MUST HAVE:

Played at least one-year in AA Minors
Been drafted onto a AAA Minors team

Typically, this division is predominated by 10 and 11-year-olds, though younger players are occasionally drafted onto AAA teams. Scores and standings are kept while umpires manage games. There are league, city (against Novato South) and TOC playoffs (against other teams in Marin/SF). The league’s 9U and 10U All-Star teams are typically made up of players from this division.