More About the 6/7/8-Year-Old Division | Coach Pitch (Central Division)
This division is our introductory level of organized baseball. Coaches focus on teaching the basic fundamentals in a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment. Teams typically play two games per week, along with 1–2 practices per week once the season begins.
For the first two-thirds of the season, games are time-limited to 1 hour and 45 minutes. All games are played at Central Field on Parrott Ave. in Portsmouth (across from the Public Library).
Team Structure
The number of teams depends on how many players register in this age group.
- Most teams will have 12 players.
- Coaches are encouraged to include all players in the lineup to meet Little League’s minimum mandatory play standards.
- Because many players are brand new to baseball, flexibility is allowed while they learn the game and grow more comfortable on the field.
Special Division Rules
To keep games moving, maintain player engagement, and support skill development, this division uses a set of modified rules:
- All players are entered into the batting order, and teams bat through the lineup.
- A maximum of five runs per half-inning, except in the final inning.
- Free defensive substitutions are allowed.
- 10 players are used on defense (pitcher, catcher, four infielders, four outfielders).
- Specific rules govern running/stealing on overthrows and passed balls.
- The infield fly rule is not used at this level.
- Regular-season game time is capped at 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Protests are not permitted in this division.