What is Little League?
Little League is the world’s largest youth sports program with more than 2.8 million children and one million volunteers in more than 100 countries.
Little League has been serving the youth of Crescenta Valley for almost 50 years with a variety of baseball and softball programs geared to the skills and capabilities of children of different ages.
Crescenta Valley Little League has been in existence since 1987. Last season we had over 35 teams in five different divisions totaling more than 400 children.
Where does Crescenta Valley Little League play its games?
Montrose Community Park Field #2 is home to Crescenta Valley Little League, hosting the league’s Opening and Closing ceremonies, as well as our Family Fun Day. Other fields are utilized within Glendale as well, including Glorietta Park, Babe Herman Field, Verdugo Park, Scholl Canyon, Dunsmore Park, and Stengel Field.
Is my child guaranteed a place on a team?
If your child is registered and attends a Skills Evaluation / Tryout Session, he or she will most likely be placed on a team, but we can’t guarantee it.
Is there a difference between Tryouts and Skills Evaluation Sessions?
Not really. Tryouts are simply for 10, 11 and 12 year-old players who are not yet in Majors Division and would like to earn a spot on a team. An age eligible player must try out to be considered for Majors. Players who are not drafted onto a Major team are assigned to the Minors and are guaranteed a place on a team in that division (they do not need to try out again). Parents who wish their 10, 11 or 12-year-old children to remain in Minors may request to do so and must inform the appropriate Player Agent at Registration or a Skills Evaluation Session (see below for additional information on players of League Age 12).
For all divisions other than Majors, we call tryouts Skills Evaluation Sessions because the players are evaluated by the managers in their particular division so that we may balance the teams as much as possible. We avoid the word “tryouts.” because no players will be cut (even in Majors, players are not “cut”; those who aren’t selected are simply assigned to the Minors Division). In Tryouts and Skills Evaluation Sessions, managers assess each child’s throwing, catching, hitting and running skills.
Children in the T-Ball Division do not attend a Skills Evaluation Session. Because this is a non-competitive division, we balance the teams based on age, gender, and elementary school.
Tryouts / Skills Evaluation Sessions are scheduled before each season. Please check the Events / Calendar area of the website. Players will be asked to report at different times based on their age. You’ll be notified of your child’s time when you register.
If for any reason your child will have difficulty attending one of these sessions, please let us know as soon as possible.
The boundaries for Crescenta Valley Little League are?
Western border: Glendale city limits (Lowell Avenue in Glendale/La Crescenta) south past Interstate 210 along the Verdugo Mountain Park border.
Eastern border: La Cañada Flintridge city limits (Oak Grove Drive in La Cañada Flintridge).
Northern border: San Gabriel Mountains at the limits of Glendale, La Crescenta and La Cañada Flintridge.
Southern border: La Cañada Flintridge city limits to the Glendale (California State Route 2) Freeway. Pasa Glen Drive from the Glendale (California State Route 2) Freeway to North Verdugo Boulevard. From North Verdugo Boulevard to its intersection with La Crescenta Avenue. From the intersection of North Verdugo Boulevard and La Crescenta Avenue across the Verdugo Wash to the intersection of Country Club Drive and Greenmont Drive. Along Greenmont Avenue to Beaudry Terrace and along Beaudry Terrace to the ridgline of the Verdugo Mountains (including the North facing slopes of the Verdugo Mountains) to the Glendale City limits South of Verdugo Mountain Park (corresponding to the borders of Glendale Unified School District's CV cluster).
View Crescenta Valley Little League's boundaries on a Google map.
What’s the difference between Majors and Minors?
The Majors Division offers a higher, more competitive level of play than the Minors Division. To be eligible for Majors, players must be League Age 10-12 and attend at least one tryout session. A draft is conducted to fill the available slots on our six Majors teams. Players who are not selected to play in the Majors Division will be placed in the Minors draft.
There are advantages and disadvantages to participating in Majors. The most obvious advantage is the chance to play at a higher level of competition, often against (and with) the best players in our community. However, parents should also know that the participation rules are slightly different for Majors than for Minors. In Minors, players are guaranteed six defensive outs and will be part of a continuous batting order (meaning he or she will always be part of the batting order, whether or not he or she is in the game). In Majors, players are guaranteed six defensive outs and one at bat (teams are composed of 12 players, but only nine play and bat at any given time). Because of the competitive nature of Majors, the better players will get most of the playing time and at bats.
If you have any questions about the differences between Majors and Minors, please contact our league President.
Is it true that 12-year-olds must be drafted into the Majors Division?
Yes. any player of League Age 12 will automatically be drafted into Majors, provided he or she has attended at least one tryout.
Parents who believe their 12-year-old child would be better served by remaining in Minors may apply for a waiver to do so.
Players of League Age 12 who do not try out for Majors for whatever reason will be required to apply for a waiver to play in Minors or they will not be eligible to participate in Crescenta Valley Little League during the season.
Can I request that my son or daughter not be considered for Majors?
Yes, but you must do so prior to the drafts. Once you declare your son or daughter ineligible for the Majors Division draft, he or she will not be eligible for the Majors at any time during the season (in the event there is an opening).
If your child is of League Age 12 and you do not wish for him or her to play in Majors – or he or she did not try out for Majors – you must apply for a waiver to participate In Minors.
If I’m a returning player, do I still need to provide a birth certificate and proof of residency?
Yes. Little League requires that birth dates and residency be verified every year.
My child played in Crescenta Valley Little League last year, but I now live outside its boundaries. Can he or she still play in CVLL?
Yes, any player whose residence changes outside CVLL’s boundaries, and who participated at any level during the previous year, may continue as a player in CVLL for the remainder of his or her Little League career, subject to the submittal of a waiver (by the league) along with proof that the player lived within the league’s boundaries when he or she started with the league. However, a player who does this and elects not to participate for a playing season is not eligible to be retained for the subsequent season. In other words, the child must continue playing in CVLL each year or he or she forfeits his or her right to remain part of the league. This also applies to any siblings, even if they are not old enough to participate yet. Once a child is eligible for CVLL, all siblings are also eligible. If you qualify, we must complete the waiver process described above as soon as possible so that your child will be eligible to play.
I live outside Crescenta Valley Little League’s boundaries, but I want my child to play in the league. Is there any way I can do this?
If you live outside CVLL's boundaries, your child may still play in our league IF your child attends a school located within our league boundaries. If you do not live within our league boundaries or your child does not attend a school within our league boundaries, you may not play in the league during our Spring Baseball Season without a district waiver. Also, league boundaries are not enforced during CVLL's Fall Ball Campaign, when children from any area can participate in our league. Please contact the league president for further information regarding this matter.
What do a player’s registration fees pay for?
Registration fees cover most of Crescenta Valley Little League’s operating costs, which include national charter fees, district fees, tournament fees, equipment, uniforms, umpires, Little League supplemental insurance and other expenses. Different levels have different fees based on such factors as the cost of uniforms, equipment, umpires and, most importantly, insurance (we pay a supplemental insurance premium for each division and the cost increases significantly at the higher levels).
With their Spring Baseball registration fees, players receive a basic photo package, a league-logo T-shirt at registration, and a league pin. All players also receive a team jersey, hat, and socks that are theirs to keep.
Crescenta Valley Little League will not deny any child the opportunity to play if his or her parents/guardians cannot afford the registration fee. If you require financial assistance, please contact the league president by email and a Fee Scholarship Application Form will be sent to you. Fee Scholarship Applications are reserved for families that reside within league boundaries only.
What is a snack bar deposit, why is it $75 per child, and why must it be paid with the registration fee?
The Montrose Park snack bar provides revenue to the league — and also aids us in retaining the use of Montrose Park. Because it is staffed strictly by volunteers, we ask all parents to help out by working at least one three-hour shift per child per season. To “encourage” parents to do this, we require a refundable $75 snack bar deposit upon registration for the Spring Baseball Season. We encourage all parents and guardians to work the snack bar because, well, it’s expected (and, believe it or not, it’s fun!). As in years past, there is a simple way to get your deposit back: work one three-hour shift per child at our snack bar and we’ll refund your $75 deposit. The snack bar is closed during our Fall Ball Campaign, so there is no deposit required with Fall Ball registration.
Can I register by mail or online?
Yes. The easiest way to register is online at www.cvlittleleague.com, but you can also mail the registration form and fees to CVLL, P.O. Box 156, Montrose, CA 91021-0156.
If you sign up for the league via online registration or mail, you must bring your child’s birth certificate and residency verification to one of the League’s Skills Evaluation Sessions. Remember, residency verification is not required for Fall Ball.
Can I get a refund of my Registration Fees?
Registration fees will be refunded without question 14 days before the start of the first game (less a $25 administrative fee). After that date, the league has a no-refund policy because costs have already been incurred with equipment and uniform orders.
What do I need to know about Little League Safety and Insurance?
The Little League Insurance Program is designed to afford protection to all participants at the most economical cost to the local league. The Little League Player Accident Policy is an excess coverage, accident only plan, to be used as a supplement to other insurance carried under a family policy or insurance provided by parent’s employer.
If there is no primary coverage, Little League insurance will provide benefits for eligible charges, up to Usual and Customary allowances for your area, after a $50.00 deductible per claim, up to the maximum stated benefits. This plan makes it possible to offer exceptional, affordable protection with assurance to parents that adequate coverage is in force for all chartered and insured Little League approved programs and events.
If your child sustains a covered injury while taking part in a scheduled Little League Baseball or Softball game or practice, here is how the insurance works:
1. The Little League Baseball accident notification form must be completed by parents (if the claimant is under 19 years of age) and a league official and forwarded directly to Little League Headquarters within 20 days after the accident. A photocopy of the form should be made and kept by the parent/claimant. Initial medical/dental treatment must be rendered within 30 days of the Little League accident.
2. Itemized bills, including description of service, date of service, procedure and diagnosis codes for medical services/supplies and/or other documentation related to a claim for benefits are to be provided within 90 days after the accident. In no event shall such proof be furnished later than 12 months from the date the initial medical expense was incurred.
3. When other insurance is present, parents or claimant must forward copies of the Explanation of Benefits or Notice/Letter of Denial for each charge directly to Little League Headquarters, even if the charges do not exceed the deductible of the primary insurance program.
4. Policy provides benefits for eligible medical expenses incurred within 52 weeks of the accident, subject to Excess Coverage and Exclusion provisions of the plan.
5. Limited deferred medical/dental benefits may be available for necessary treatment after the 52-week time limit when:
(a) Deferred medical benefits apply when necessary treatment requiring the removal of a pin /plate, applied to transfix a bone in the year of injury, or scar tissue removal, after the 52-week time limit is required. The Company will pay the Reasonable Expense incurred, subject to the Policy’s maximum limit of $100,000 for any one injury to any one Insured. However, in no event will any benefit be paid under this provision for any expenses incurred more than 24 months from the date the injury was sustained.
(b) If the Insured incurs Injury, to sound, natural teeth and Necessary Treatment requires treatment for that Injury be postponed to a date more than 52 weeks after the injury due to, but not limited to, the physiological changes of a growing child, the Company will pay the lesser of: 1. A maximum of $1,500 or 2. Reasonable Expenses incurred for the deferred dental treatment. Reasonable Expenses incurred for deferred dental treatment are only covered if they are incurred on or before the Insured’s 23rd birthday. Reasonable Expenses incurred for deferred root canal therapy are only covered if they are incurred within 104 weeks after the date the Injury occurs. No payment will be made for deferred treatment unless the Physician submits written certification, within 52 weeks after the accident, that the treatment must be postponed for the above stated reasons. Benefits are payable subject to the Excess Coverage and the Exclusions provisions of the Policy.
We hope this brief summary has been helpful in a better understanding of an important aspect of the operation of the Little League endorsed insurance program.
When is Picture Day?
Check the Events / Calendar area of the website for dates. Picture Day is held at Montrose Community Park, in conjunction with our annual Family Fun Day / Baseball Skills Competition. A basic photo package is included in your child’s registration fees (one 3 x 5 player photo, one photo button, four wallet size and one team photo). You will have the opportunity to upgrade your photo package, if you choose to do so (at additional cost). There is no picture day for Fall Ball.
In addition, the league contracts with a vendor to take “in game” action photos throughout the year. These photos will be available for purchase and a percentage of the sales is donated to the league.
When does the season start?
Check the Events / Calendar area of the website for exact dates. Spring Baseball Opening Ceremonies are typically the last Friday of February / 6:00 p.m. / at Montrose Park. Games begin that night for Majors Baseball and the next day for most other levels and divisions. But the season actually starts in January with Tryouts and Skills Evaluation Sessions followed by practices in February. Fall Ball games start in September.
Closing Ceremonies are typically the first Saturday of June / 6:00 p.m. at Montrose Park. League champions will be presented with trophies, All-Star and Tournament Teams will be announced, and Sportsmanship Award recipients from each team will be acknowledged. The Coach Pitch Baseball All-Star Game precedes Closing Ceremonies.
How are teams selected?
Complete information on how teams are selected for each level in each division can be found in the Crescenta Valley Little League By-Laws, which are available as a download from the league’s web site. The By-Laws govern the way each division and level is operated and include rules and regulations for such areas as league championship determination, practices and the selection of All-Star and Tournament teams.
I have two boys only a year apart. Will they be on the same team?
Siblings who play in the same division will automatically be placed on the same team in all divisions except Majors. In Majors, we strongly encourage managers to keep siblings together (and the draft rules are geared toward doing this), but the possibility exists that they may end up on separate teams. Also, just because a younger (or older) sibling is eligible for Majors does not mean that he or she will be drafted into Majors. The decision is made by the manager of the team on which the older (or younger) sibling plays.
Can I request that my child play on a certain manager’s team or on a team with his or her friends?
Only in Training League / Tee Ball, which consists of boys and girls league ages four, five, and six years old. You can request a manager or placement with friends in other divisions, but we cannot guarantee your request will be honored.
When will I find out what team my child is on?
Drafts are typically held a few days after the last tryout in each division and continue through the next week. Most likely, your manager will notify you during our draft week. Your manager will also be able to provide you with a preseason practice schedule. Game schedules will be available mid-February. If you have not heard from your manager by February, please email the league president.
What time commitment does Little League entail? How many practices and games per week are there?
During February, all teams at all levels will practice at least two times a week, once midweek (Monday through Friday) and once on the weekend, usually Saturday, although some Sunday practices will be assigned. In the upper divisions (Minors, Majors and Juniors), managers may schedule additional voluntary practices.
The game season goes from early March to the beginning of June for all divisions. There will be some Sunday games for all teams in all divisions. In addition, all divisions above Tee Ball participate in District 16 and / or All-Star tournaments, which continue to the end of June, through July and, in some cases, August.
Here’s what you can expect once the Spring season begins in early March:
T-Ball plays one game per week, usually on Saturday mornings at Babe Herman Field. Teams also practice once a week, usually at Rosemont Middle School or Verdugo Park. There are no post-season games or tournaments in Training League.
Coach Pitch plays one game per week, usually on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons at Montrose Park or Glorietta Park. There may even be an occasional midweek game, especially if we have rain on a weekend. Teams also practice once a week, generally at Rosemont Middle School or Verdugo Park. There is also an All-Star exhibition game (featuring 30 players from the league, 15 on each team) that will take place right before Closing Ceremonies.
Minor Baseball teams generally play two games a week, usually on Fridays, Saturdays and/or Sundays (though there will be the occasional weekday game), at Montrose Park or Babe Herman Field. Practices are scheduled by the league on an infrequent basis during the season. However, your manager may schedule voluntary practices on his or her own.
All teams participate in the District 16 Minor League Knock-Out Tournament, a single-elimination competition to crown a District 16 champion. The tournament takes place immediately after the regular season and continues for a team as long as it keeps winning (the finals are generally mid-June).
There are also two Minor Baseball All-Star exhibition games (featuring 30 players from the league, 15 on each team). On occasion, players from Minors are also considered for CV Little League Tournament teams.
Major Baseball teams play two and sometimes three) games a week, usually one (or two) midweek games and one game on the weekend, all at Montrose Park. Practices are scheduled by the league on an infrequent basis during the season. However, your manager may schedule voluntary practices on his or her own.
At the conclusion of the season, the top two teams in Majors qualify for the Tri-Cities Tournament of Champions, a double-elimination competition to a crown a District 16 champion. The tournament takes place immediately after the regular season and continues for a team as long as it keeps winning (the finals are generally mid-June).
There are also Little League All-Star Tournament teams for players League Ages 9 through 14. Thirteen players are selected to each team.
Little League tournaments begin right after the 4th of July holiday and continue as long as a team keeps winning its various tournaments (District, Section, Division and, for 11-12, Region and World).
Junior Baseball teams play two games a week, one midweek and one on the weekend. Because we participate in interleague play (which means we compete against teams from other Little Leagues in Glendale, Tujunga and Burbank), games are at a variety of parks, including Scholl Canyon Park, Stengel Field, Dunsmore Park, Burbank High School and the Tujunga Little League Complex. Practices during the season are at the discretion of the manager.
At the conclusion of the season, the top teams in Juniors qualify for the Tri-Cities Tournament of Champions, a single-elimination competition to crown a District 16 champion. The tournament takes place immediately after the regular season and continues as long a team keeps winning (the finals are generally early June).
How can I be sure that my child will practice at a time and place that is convenient for us?
You can’t. Managers select their preseason practice times from a pool assigned by the league for each particular division and level. Because of the limited availability of fields for our league, there may be be “late” practices (practices that start 7:30 p.m. or later) for Majors and Juniors Divisions and Sunday practices for some teams, regardless of level.
What about games?
We do our best to schedule games fairly for every team, varying the day, time of day and fields so that all levels and divisions get a chance to play at a variety of fields, especially Montrose Park. The only exception is Majors Baseball, which plays all of its games at Montrose Park.
We try to limit the number of weekday “late” games (games that start at 7:15 p.m. or later) for each team in Majors and especially in Minors, but limited field availability means there will be some games at that time. Our limited field availability also requires that all levels and divisions play a portion of their games on Sunday afternoons, but again we do our best to make it equitable for everyone.
Can a game be voluntarily rescheduled?
Games may not be rescheduled at times/dates/locations different from those in the published game schedules, except due to rain, wet field conditions, light failure or any other reason acknowledged and approved by the Board of Directors.The decision to reschedule a game rests with the Board of Directors and no one else.
CV Little League recognizes and appreciates that there may be many important and legitimate reasons that teams may want to reschedule games on any given date. Those reasons could include family responsibilities, religious observations, school commitments, dances, special events, cultural celebrations or holidays, community involvement, health, etc. We encourage each participant to make personal choices about such conflicts and for all involved to respect those personal choices. However, because of limited field availability, difficulties of management and the potential for even greater scheduling conflicts that might accompany any attempted changes to the published game schedule, teams may not cancel, reschedule or make up games that do not conform to the published schedule. If, for whatever reason, a team is unable to field the required minimum number of players, a forfeit will result.
Games that are postponed due to rain, wet field conditions, light failure or any other reason acknowledged and approved by the Board of Directors will be rescheduled at the earliest possible date by the President or Division Director. Though we try very hard not to do so, makeup games may be scheduled during Spring Break or on Mother’s Day or Memorial Day Weekend. Games will only be rescheduled once. If a team cannot make its rescheduled game, a forfeit will result.
What equipment does my child need to play in Little League?
A baseball glove and cleats are required (make sure they are rubber; only players in Junior League Baseball may wear metal cleats), and an athletic cup is strongly recommended. We supply bats, helmets, bases, and catcher’s gear.
Again, we will not deny any child the opportunity to play in our league based on need. If parents or guardians need assistance with fees or equipment, we will be glad to help out.
How much will my child get to play?
Little League has mandatory playing rules for all divisions as follows:
Tee Ball: Everyone bats and everyone plays, regardless of how many players are on the roster (we try to limit teams to 12 or 13 players each). Games last 1 hour, five minutes. There is a five-run limit per inning.
Coach Pitch: Everyone bats and all players must play at least two innings in the field. Games last six innings or 1 hour, 15 minutes, whichever comes first. There is a five-run limit per inning.
Minors: Everyone bats and all players must play at least two innings in the field. Games last six innings or 1 hour, 45 minutes, whichever comes first. There is a five-run limit per inning.
Majors: Players must bat once and play six defensive outs in the field (consecutively, if a substitute). Nine players are on the field and in the batting order at a time. Games last six innings or two hours, whichever comes first.
Juniors: Players must bat once and play six defensive outs in the field (consecutively, if a substitute). Nine players are on the field and the batting order at a time. Games last seven innings or two hours, 15 minutes, whichever comes first.
Who do I contact with questions regarding my child’s team, manager, coaches or practice times?
All questions should be directed first to the manager. As with anything in life, communication is important and if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s team or your child’s place on the team, you should talk with the manager. The next step is to contact the Player Agent, who can help answer questions and resolve issues.
What kind of volunteer positions are available?
Glad you asked. Crescenta Valley Little League is an all-volunteer organization, and the success of our program depends on the efforts of involved parents and other adults. We have positions for league officials, managers, coaches, team coordinators, scorekeepers, field maintenance coordinators, snack bar helpers, and umpires.
To help out, please complete a Volunteer application at Registration, or email the league president.
How to contact Crescenta Valley Little League
League President via E-mail: Justin Kennerly - [email protected]
Via Mail: P.O. Box 156, Montrose, CA 91021-0156