PREPARING YOUR PLAYER FOR LITTLE LEAGUE EVALUATIONS 

So, you’ve signed your kid up for Little League…now what?! TRYOUTS! ASSESSMENTS! EVALUATIONS! 

This page will walk you through the tryouts (also referred to as evaluations or assessments) process, including what to wear, what to bring, and what your player should expect on baseball assessments day!

When are Little League Tryouts?

The 2024 season's AL tryouts will be held on Saturday, February 17th at Lake Oswego HS baseball field. Make-up tryouts will be held on Monday, February 19th.  All players interested in playing in the AL must attend the tryouts. If you haven't picked a time that works best for your family, be sure and click HERE to sign up for either Saturday or Monday.

NL tryouts will be held Saturday, February 25th at Lake Oswego HS baseball field, and make-ups will be held Monday, February 26th. Be on the lookout for email from Sign-Up Genius to pick a time that works best for your family.

Why does my young player need to “try out?”

Don’t be intimidated by the word tryouts. Tryouts (or assessments) are simply for the league to be able to spread the level of talent around.

No player will be cut, and ALL PLAYERS WILL HAVE A TEAM TO PLAY ON. In some cases, the Division Coordinator and Coaches may agree that, for safety concerns, a kiddo would benefit from playing in a different division level. This may be common for a player with little player-pitch experience. The goal is for players to have a positive baseball experience. This may mean playing down in the division below to build their confidence and overall skill level.

It is the Little League’s policy to place players on evenly skilled teams in order to create diverse, competitive teams. The diverse teams allow the players more opportunities to meet friends from other schools which filter into LOJ. 

What exactly is assessed during the tryouts?

Players will be evaluated in each of the following 5 areas: (source: LittleLeague.org)

1. Batting

2. Fielding Ground Balls (grounders)

3. Fielding Fly Balls (pop-ups in the outfield)

4. Throwing / Pitching

5. Running

How can I prepare my player for the baseball evaluations?

1 - PRACTICE WITH THEM - It is a good idea to knock the rust off the old baseball glove a little sooner rather than in the car on the way to evaluations. Baseball is a difficult game, and reps are the key!

2 - ENCOURAGE THEM

• Assure them that they will make it on a team, regardless of their performance at evaluations

• Encourage them to HAVE FUN!!!!

3 - SET EXPECTATIONS

• Although tryouts typically lasts 60 minutes, each child gets very little time to show what he or she can do. 

•  For example, each child will likely only field about 3-5 fly balls and 3-5 grounders

• Let them know what activities to expect (see “Evaluation” below)

• Encourage your child to always be focused and pay attention to the group directions, so they know what’s coming next.

What to Wear to Tryouts

Tryouts will be held rain or shine! Have your player wear:

• Comfy/Warm Athletic Clothes – clothes that they can move in (baseball pants are okay, but not required)

• Cleats or athletic shoes

• Cup – only for boys

• Hat – to block the sun

What to Bring to Tryouts

• Glove

• Helmet 

• Baseball Bat: for specific bat information and bat rules, please visit Little League Bat Information (source: Littleleague.org)

What is the Evaluation Process?

1. Check-In: Your child will receive a name-plate to attach to the back of his/her sweatshirt or shirt so they are identifiable to the coaches and tryout facilitator

2. Wait: They will wait for the prior group to finish 

3. Evaluation: The tryouts are generally facilitated by our LOLL Safety Officer

   • The coaches observe tryouts, rank players based on the activities (batting, outfielding/pop flies, infielding/grounders, throwing/pitching, catching and running). 

     • These observations lead to a conversation of which division (AL, NL or PL) is the best fit for your player’s skill-set.

     • To learn more about Little League’s tryouts and draft process, visit “What are Little League Tryouts?”

   • Players will be called out to the field and will start warming up and playing catch with their peers as they wait for the start

     • Parents/Guardians are asked to NOT participate in any part of tryouts including catch/warm-ups

   • Tryouts are held in small groups, and ALL players will rotate through the activities (outfielding/pop flies, infielding/grounders, throwing, catching, running, and batting) as one group 

The next steps… 

BEING ASSIGNED TO A LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM

No player will be cut, and ALL PLAYERS WILL HAVE A TEAM TO PLAY ON. 

In some cases, the division coordinators and coaches may agree that, for safety concerns, a kiddo would benefit from playing in a different division level. You will receive a call and/or email from the Player Agent that your child has been recommended to play in an alternate league. This may be common for a player with little player-pitch experience. The goal is for player’s to have a positive baseball experience. This may mean playing in an alternate division to build their confidence and overall skill level.

Teams are usually formed within a week of tryouts. This process is subject to the league having enough coaches who have volunteered to coach that season. 

After the draft process, your coach will contact the players once he/she has a final roster in hand. The coach will let you know when and where practices are, and will quite possibly have a team meeting to start out the season and get you all the information you need.

Still have questions about the process? Contact us at lolittleleague.org

Thank you and see you out on the diamond!

~LOLL Player Agent