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 one evaluation session.
• 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.

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. Coach protected players and siblings of previously drafted players do not need to try out.

Players should attend one of the two evaluation dates for their division. If you cannot attend either scheduled date, 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 your player is a catcher
• 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 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

Softball Evaluations

Please check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time at the Field 1 Concession Stand.
*Pitchers and catchers will be evaluated at the end of the session and should come prepared.

• Field 3:
  • Coach Pitch Softball (League Age 7-8): 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Field 1:
  • Minor and Major League Softball (League Age 9-10): 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Baseball Evaluations

Please check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time at the Field 4 Concession Stand (for all baseball divisions except Coach Pitch, which checks in at the pavilion behind Field 3).
*Pitchers and catchers will be evaluated at the end if time allows. Please come prepared.

• Coach Pitch Baseball (Field 2) - Check in at the pavilion across the creek behind Field 3
  • League Age 7-8: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Minor League Baseball (Field 4) - Check in at Field 4 Concession Stand
  • League Age 9-10: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• Major League Baseball (Field 4) - Check in at Field 4 Concession Stand
  • League Age 11-12: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Senior League Baseball (Field 5) - Check in at Field 4 Concession Stand
  • League Age 13-16: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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: Must be -3 BBCOR certified or wooden (no USA bats allowed)
• Batting Helmet
• Catcher's Gear and Cup (if applicable)
• 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