Many of you know that the dream of any Little League All-Star Tournament team is the earn a trip to the Little League World Series (LLWS) in Williamsport, PA. What many of you don't know is that these same LLWS teams had to win several tournaments in order to get there; Districts, Sectionals, States, Regionals, and finally the LLWS.
BLL has 5 All-Star Tournament teams: 8U, 9U, 10U,11U, Majors (12U), and Juniors (13-14). Every player eligible for a BLL All-Star Tournament team must reside within our district boundary or attend a school located within our district boundary. Each player must play in BLL and play in at least 60% of their BLL games. Toward the end of the BLL season, All-Star Tournament Team coaches hold tryouts and determine their team. Every BLL All-Star Tournament player must be committed and understand that the season could easily continue on until the latter part of July.
District games traditionally begin just after the 4th of July. At the 9U level, there is only one season-ending District Tournament - once that is complete the All-Star season is complete. At the other age levels, District champions normally advance directly to The State Tournament, which normally culminates the last week in July. In some instances, District Champions will need to play a sectional tournament vs. another District Champion before advancing to The State Tournament. The State Tournament is the end of the line for the 8U, 10U, and 11U age groups. For Majors and Juniors, the State Champion continues on to the Great lakes Regionals, which generally begins the second week of August. Majors Regional Champions then move on the the ultimate venue, the LLWS! This commences the 2nd to last Thursday in August. The Juniors Regional Champions advance to the Junior LLWS in Taylor, MI.
BLL takes great pride in it's All-Star Tournament teams. Our success include a multitude of district titles, sectional titles, several Michigan semi-finalists and finalists, and even some state titles. More important than these titles are the lifelong memories that are created all while playing for your hometown of Birmingham. The camaraderie shared and the friendships gained are unforgettable. It is a truly remarkable experience.
The goal of BLL All-Star Tournament teams is a Michigan State Championship. This is extremely difficult to accomplish and would be more than most could expect. However, the dream is a LLWS Championship! One of the great things about children is their limitless dreams. It has to happen to somebody, why not you? Why not BLL? Be the next Birmingham team to make it to the LLWS. Yes, the next. BLL sent a team to Williamsport in 1973! It has to happen to someone. Why not you? Why not us?
See you at tryouts in June.
Go Birmingham!!!