FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The PLL is an official Little League Community affiliated with Little League International. We offer baseball, softball, and Challenger baseball programs. Challenger baseball is an adaptive program for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities.

• Baseball: The PLL's baseball programs include divisions for all children ages 4-12, regardless of experience, skill, or ability. We offer instructional programs for players ages 4-7 and player-pitch, umpired levels of play for ages 8-12. Baseball is coed, open to boys or girls. Baseball programs are offered in the spring, summer, and fall.
• Softball: The PLL's softball programs are open to girls ages 7-12, regardless of experience, skill, or ability. We offer instructional programs for players ages 7-8 and player-pitch, umpired levels of play for ages 9-12. Softball is for girls only. Softball programs are offered in the spring, summer, and fall.
• Challenger: Any individual ages 4-22 with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. Challenger players play the game with the help of on-field buddies. Buddies are children (ages 12 and up) and adults who guide Challenger players at bat, on the bases, and in the field. Challenger is offered in the spring.

Detailed program information for each age group is found on each program page (Baseball, Softball, or Challenger) under “Sub Program.” Details include a program description, the expected practice and game schedule, and information on equipment.

Tee Ball, Coach Pitch baseball, Machine Pitch baseball, and Rookies softball are considered “instructional level” programs – there are no umpires, and a game score is not kept. For these programs, we make every effort to form teams based on the school a player attends; we also make every effort to accommodate requests for players to be paired with specific friends.

For all other programs – Rookies, Minors, and Majors baseball, as well as Minors and Majors softball – teams are formed by team managers/the League using a draft format. In the interest of creating competitively balanced teams, requests for players to be placed on a specific team are not honored.

The PLL evaluates players’ skills/abilities for our spring Rookies, Minors, and Majors baseball program before placement and creating teams as we aim to create balanced teams in each division. The evaluation is conducted in a low-key, no-pressure environment. This is not a tryout - no player gets cut, and the PLL will provide all registered players with a place to participate. 

We welcome players of all skill levels and abilities. The PLL is not a win-at-all-costs organization. “Mandatory Play” regulations are in effect to encourage participation, ensuring all players get their time on the field and at bat.

When known, schedule information practices and games are provided for each program within the “Sub Program” details (Baseball, Softball, or Challenger).

PLL games and practices are held at PLL, Town of Pittsford, and Pittsford Central School District fields, including:

• PLL Ford Field Complex
• PLL Habecker Field Complex
• Farm View Park (FVP)
• Thornell Farm Park (TFP)

Directions and a summary of the amenities available at each facility can be found by visiting Fields on the PLL website.

Note that PLL softball teams play in leagues with other local Little League organizations within the Rochester community (Fairport, Penfield, etc.), so some travel outside Pittsford for games is expected. 

Regarding player equipment, please note the following:

• Each PLL player receives a team shirt and hat; players provide their own baseball or softball pants, belt, and socks.

• Each player should have their own glove.

• All players are required to wear a helmet when at bat or on the bases.

• The league provides batting helmets and bats that are shared by team members; however, players often opt to purchase their own.

• Bats must have the "USA Baseball" stamp (not "USSSA").

• Baseball gloves and bats are designed to different specifications than softball gloves and bats; baseball and softball equipment are not interchangeable.

• Cleats are recommended for practices and games.

• Batting gloves are optional.

• A backpack-style equipment bag typically works best to transport equipment and to keep players organized; equipment, hats, and water bottles should be labeled with their names.

• When purchasing equipment, the most important characteristic to consider from a safety and performance standpoint is proper fit. The staff of Dick’s House of Sport can assist in this regard; there are also sources online that can be utilized to determine what’s right for your player.