PURPOSE:  The purpose of this page is to provide a clear understanding of the Birmingham Bulldogs program and how it relates to and supports the post-BLL season District Tournament teams.  

TEAM FORMATION:  Each summer, the Bulldogs coaches for each age level will conduct a tryout to determine the upcoming season's Bulldogs team.  In recent years we have fielded teams in the 7U-12U divisions and may have a 13U and/or 14U team as well depending on interest level.  The BLL Board of Directors strongly encourages two Bulldogs teams where possible to provide more opportunities for players in our league to supplement their baseball. These teams will consist of players who are (a) age-eligible*, (b) committed to play BLL regular season, and (c) have sufficient commitment/talent/interest in baseball.  Roster sizes for Bulldogs teams typically range from 10 to 13 players.  Inclusion on the Bulldogs team will likely help a player make the District team, but the District teams are subject to a separate tryout in June of each year once the BLL regular season is complete. Please see the separate "BLL All Star Tournament Teams" tab for more information on District teams.  

*The term "age eligible," means a player can't be older than the team's age classification by September 1st which is the age cutoff for the Little League International (LLI) program.  For example, players in the 10U division for 2026 must be born on or after September 1, 2015.  If it's helpful, consider August 31st as the "WORST" Little League birthday and September 1st as the "BEST."  As many know, travel baseball uses May 1 as the age cutoff but the Bulldogs form teams based on LLI rules.  

GENERAL TEAM GOALS:  While each coaching staff can craft its own set of goals, teams will usually work to improve players' skills, determine potential player roles for the District Tournaments and promote good sportsmanship and camaraderie in a healthy competitive atmosphere.  While Bulldogs teams will play in many tournaments before Districts (and want to win them), the paramount competitive goal is to prepare to win the District 4 tournament in July (and then advance as far as the team can go).  

FRAMEWORK FOR BULLDOGS SCHEDULE:  Each coaching staff sets its own schedule, but typically teams will practice in the fall and perhaps play in a tournament or scrimmages, conduct winter hitting and defensive training, practice outdoors in the spring, and ideally play in a half dozen tournaments before Districts (including tournaments designed specifically to prepare for Districts with Little League Rules).  Coaching staffs encourage athletes to play other sports and participate in other activities but, when it comes to spring, Bulldogs baseball is expected to be the child's primary sport and availability for the District Tournament (and at the 10U and above level, the State Tournament) is non-negotiable when it comes to the District teams.  

For any questions about the Bulldogs program, please contact Wendy McIntyre-Peard, [email protected]; 734.395.6968.