Local Little League to field 2012 upper division teams

Bainbridge Island Little League is chartering upper divisions of play for baseball and softball before 2012 seasons, offering play for the first time beyond the Majors level and up to 18 years of age.

Bainbridge Island Little League is chartering upper divisions of play for baseball and softball before 2012 seasons, offering play for the first time beyond the Majors level and up to 18 years of age.

Boys and girls interested in registering for an upper division league may do so at the BILL website, www.bilittleleague.com

The makeup of  the leagues in both the softball and baseball divisions are:

Girls Softball

• Junior/Senior Division (ages 13-16 before Jan. 1) is a more advanced level of softball offering girls a chance to play on a competitive, although recreational level prior to high school. Minimum playing time does not apply. Games are mostly played on weekends in double-headers and some weekdays against other teams within District 2 (from Port Orchard to Sequim).

Boys Baseball

• Junior League Division (boys 13-14 before May 1) offers a step up from the Little League-sized field to a conventional 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches. Games will be scheduled across Kitsap County against other Little Leagues in the District 2 area.

• Senior League Division (ages 15-16 before May 1) offers a much higher level with players improving their individual baseball skills and strategic thinking, maintaining a fun and lively developmental atmosphere. Games will be scheduled against other Little Leagues in the District 2.

If there are not enough players to field a Bainbridge team, BILL may join other district players to create a combined team.

• Big League Division (ages 16-18 before May 1) offers another level of development at the highest level offered by Little League.

The team will be overseen and administered by District 2 and will play other teams in the Puget Sound area.