Skill Evaluations

Spring 2026 Skill Evaluations - Maryville Little League

The Spring 2026 season will run from March 23, 2026 through May 30, 2026. Before teams are drafted, we hold skill evaluations for most baseball and softball divisions. These evaluations help us place players on teams in a way that is fair, fun, and safe for everyone.

Evaluations for Spring 2026 will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 and Saturday, February 21, 2026. Any changes will be communicated through our Maryville Little League Facebook page and by league email.

There are no skill evaluations for Tee Ball or Wee Ball. All other participants are expected to attend a skill evaluation to be eligible for the draft.

What Skill Evaluations Are (and Are Not)

Evaluations are used to help coaches and the league place players on teams so that teams are as balanced as possible.
Evaluations help us make sure players are in an appropriate division for their age and skill level, and that they can participate safely.

Evaluations are not a pass or fail test and not a tryout where players are cut from the league.

Every player who registers will be placed on a team.

Who Should Attend

Required: All baseball and softball players in Coach Pitch and above (league age 7 and older) should attend evaluation sessions as outlined below.
Not Required: Tee Ball and Wee Ball players do not attend evaluations.
Exceptions: Coach protected players and siblings of previously drafted players do not need to be evaluated.

What Is My Child’s League Age?

A player’s League Age is determined by Little League Baseball® and Little League Softball® using official age charts. League age is not always the same as a child’s current age.

You can verify your child’s league age using the official Little League website:

Determine Your Player’s League Age

Per Little League:

Baseball League Age: A player’s age as of August 31 of the current year
Softball League Age: A player’s age as of December 31 of the previous year

Please use the official age charts to confirm your child’s league age before attending evaluations, as evaluation times and divisions are based on league age.

Attendance and Team Placement

Note: If a player does not attend evaluations, they will be a hat pick at the team draft and placed on a team. Everyone will be placed on a team.

Players should attend the evaluation sessions scheduled for their division. If you have a conflict, please contact the league so we can make other arrangements.

How Evaluations Work

When you arrive at the park, you will check in at the designated area for your division and receive further instructions. Players are grouped by division and will rotate through several stations that focus on basic baseball or softball skills. Evaluations typically take about one hour depending on the number of participants.

During evaluations, players will:

Field ground balls and pop flies, then make throws to first base or an appropriate target.
Hit several pitches, and in some cases may also hit off a tee or use the batting cage.
Run from home to first base, and in some divisions may run additional base running drills.
Pitchers and catchers will have a brief opportunity to showcase their skills at the end of the session.

Families are welcome to stay and watch evaluations from the stands or designated viewing areas.

What to Bring

Baseball or softball glove or mitt
Bat: For league ages 12 and under, all non-wood bats must be USA Baseball certified
Batting helmet
Catcher's gear and protective cup if applicable
Water or sports drink
Comfortable athletic clothing and cleats (if your player has them) or athletic shoes

Evaluation Schedule by Division

Evaluation Dates: Saturday, February 14, 2026 and Saturday, February 21, 2026. Please arrive at the time and location listed for your division. Check in at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time.

Check-In Information

All players should check in at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled evaluation start time.

Softball (all divisions): Check in at the Field 1 Concession Stand
Coach Pitch Baseball (League Age 7 and 8): Check in at the Field 1 Concession Stand
Minor and Major League Baseball: Check in at the Field 4 Concession Stand
Senior League Baseball: Check in at Field 5

Please arrive early to allow time for check-in and instructions before evaluations begin.

Softball Evaluations

All softball evaluations will be held on Field 1.

Please check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time at the Field 1 Concession Stand.

*Pitchers and catchers should come prepared. Any players wishing to be evaluated as pitchers or catchers should plan to attend during the time window between the two Kid Pitch sessions.

Field 1
- Coach Pitch Softball 10:00 am
Field 1
- Minor/Major Softball 12:00 pm
Field 1
- Junior League Softball: 4:00 PM

Baseball Evaluations

Please check in at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time at the check-in location listed above.

Coach Pitch Baseball (Field 2)
- League Age 7: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- League Age 8: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Minor and Major League Baseball (Field 4)
- League Age 9: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- League Age 10: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- League Age 11: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- League Age 12: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Senior League Baseball (Field 5)
- Spring Training and Drills:
- Official Evaluations:

What to Bring - Major League and Below

Baseball glove or mitt
Bat: For 12 and under, all non-wood bats must be USA Baseball certified
Batting helmet
Catcher's gear and cup (if applicable)
Water or sports drink

What to Expect - Major League and Below

Batting (tee work, cage work, live pitching)
Fielding (ground balls, fly balls)
Base running (lead offs, stealing, sliding)
Pitchers and catchers will showcase skills at the end of evaluations

What to Bring - Senior League

Baseball glove or mitt
Bat: -3 BBCOR certified or wood bat only
Batting helmet
Catcher’s gear if your player is a catcher and has their own equipment
Baseball pants and cleats are required
No tennis shoes or shorts
Water or sports drink

What to Expect - Senior League

Batting (tee work, cage work, live pitching)
Fielding (ground balls, fly balls)
Base running (lead offs, stealing, sliding)
Pitchers and catchers will showcase skills at the end of evaluations

Website Manager

Maryville Little League