Welcome to Serra Mesa Little League!
If you are new to Serra Mesa Little League (SMLL) or to youth baseball in general, you are in the right place.
Our goal is simple:
We want kids in our community to have a safe, fun place to learn baseball, make friends, and build confidence.
On this page you’ll find:
- Who can play
- How to register
- What happens after you sign up
- What your player needs (and what the league provides)
- Parent and family expectations
- Where to find more information
Who Can Play at SMLL?
SMLL is chartered through Little League International and serves players based on:
- League age (determined by Little League’s age chart)
- Home or school address (must fall within SMLL boundaries)
Most players are ages 4 through 14.
Not sure if you are in our boundary?
Use Little League’s League Finder or check our boundary map on the Resources page. If you are still unsure, email our Player Agent or Info inbox and we are happy to help.
How Our Seasons Work
Spring Season (Core Program)
- Evaluations/assessments in winter
- Practices begin late winter
- Games run through spring
Fall Ball (Developmental)
- A shorter, more relaxed season
- Focus on learning and trying new positions
Exact dates change each year.
See our League Calendar for this season’s key dates.
Step-by-Step: How to Register
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Create or log into your account
Click Register at the top of our website and add your player’s information and parent/guardian contacts.
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Complete player registration
Select the correct division for your player’s league age and answer medical and emergency contact questions.
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Upload or provide required documents
Proof of age (birth certificate) and proof of residency or school enrollment (if requested).
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Choose your payment option
Pay online or request financial assistance if needed.
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Watch for emails from SMLL
You’ll receive confirmation once registration is complete. Before the season starts, you will hear from your player’s coach.
If you get stuck at any step, please reach out through our Contact page or email our Player Agent.
What Happens After You Register?
Here’s what you can expect, in order:
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Evaluations / Assessments (for certain divisions)
Older divisions usually have player assessments so teams can be formed fairly. Tee Ball and some younger divisions may be formed by age and school.
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Team formation and coach assignment
Teams are formed according to Little League rules and our local policies. Once teams are approved, coaches receive their rosters.
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You hear from your coach
Your coach will introduce themselves by email or text and share practice schedules, game schedules, and communication plans.
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Practices begin
Practices usually start a few weeks before games. Frequency varies by division and field availability.
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Games and Opening Day
The season kicks off with our first games and, for spring, Opening Day ceremonies.
If you have not heard from a coach by the date listed on our League Calendar (for example, “Coaches Contact Families By ___”), please contact the Player Agent or Info email so we can help.
Divisions and Age Guidelines
Division names can be confusing if you are new, so here is a simple guide. Age ranges are approximate and may vary based on league age and evaluations.
- Tee Ball
Introductory, coach-led hitting off a tee. Typical ages: 4 to 6.
- Rookies / Coach Pitch
Transition from tee to coach pitch. Typical ages: 6 to 8.
- CAPS / Machine or Coach Pitch
More structured baseball, machine or coach pitch. Typical ages: 7 to 9.
- Minors (Player Pitch)
Live pitching, more advanced rules. Typical ages: 8 to 11.
- Majors
Full Little League rules, higher level of play. Typical ages: 10 to 12.
- Juniors
Larger field, older players. Typical ages: 13 to 14.
Final division placement is based on league age, assessments, safety, and Little League rules.
What Do We Need to Buy?
Every family asks this. Here’s a simple breakdown.
The league typically provides:
- Team jersey or shirt
- Team hat
- Sometimes: belt and socks (varies by season)
Families usually provide:
- Glove
- Baseball pants (coach will share preferred color)
- Athletic cup (required for boys in certain positions)
- Cleats (molded, no metal for younger divisions)
- Optional but helpful: batting gloves, bat, helmet
If cost is a concern, we often have donated gear or can help you find what you need. Please contact us privately; we never want cost to be the reason a child cannot play.
See our Gear and Fields page for more detail on recommended equipment.
Parent and Family Expectations
SMLL is a volunteer-run, community league. We rely on families to keep things running smoothly.
Volunteering
Each family is asked to support the league through volunteer hours or a non-volunteer fee (see our Bylaws and Volunteer page for details).
Common volunteer roles include:
- Snack bar shifts
- Field maintenance and workdays
- Special events (Opening Day, tournaments, picture day)
- Board-approved projects
Coaching, managing, and team parent duties are incredibly valuable, but we often track separate volunteer hours to keep snack bar and field needs covered for the whole league.
Sideline and Dugout Behavior
We ask all families to:
- Model positive sportsmanship
- Cheer for effort and growth, not just results
- Respect umpires, coaches, and volunteers
- Follow our Code of Conduct and Little League rules
Dogs, parking, alcohol, tobacco, and other field policies are described on our Field Locations and Local Rules pages. Please review them before the season starts.
How We Communicate
You can expect information from us in several ways:
- Website – league-wide updates, calendar, and resources
- Email – registration reminders, league announcements, team updates
- Team apps (such as GameChanger, if your coach uses it) – game and practice reminders, live scoring, and messages
- Social media – announcements, photos, and last-minute updates
- Field status and weather – league emails are the primary source of communications on rainy days or if conditions change.
Where to Go for More Information
You can find a lot of answers in these sections:
- Team Central – season timelines, “what happens next,” and division-specific info
- Resources – rules, bylaws, forms, and league documents
- Calendar – important dates for this season
- Contact – send a question to the board, Player Agent, or league officers
Still Have Questions?
You are not bothering us. Everyone is new at some point.
If you are unsure about anything — division, schedule, gear, financial assistance, volunteers, or expectations — please reach out. We are happy to walk you through it.
Welcome to Serra Mesa Little League. We are glad you are here.