WHY CHOOSE WEST HARTFORD LITTLE LEAGUE? Here in West Hartford, we are fortunate enough to be able to choose from a number of excellent town-sponsored athletic programs for children. In 2003, charter members founded The West Hartford Little League. Associated with Little League International of Williamsport, PA, West Hartford Little League is now the largest baseball league in the Town of West Hartford.

ABOUT WEST HARTFORD LITTLE LEAGUE…

“FAIR BALL”

We believe our “Fair Ball” philosophy is the best approach to baseball (and youth sports in general), both in terms of fairness and competition. Our approach ensures that no player “owns” a particular position; all players get experience and opportunities at all positions; and no player is ever relegated to a minor role on a team. Our coaches subscribe to minimum requirement rules in terms of field play and all batters remain in the lineup for every game. We believe that the life lessons and leadership opportunities inherent in allowing all children to participate are not in conflict with developing good baseball skills, but in fact enhance players’ overall experience. Furthermore, our local philosophy corresponds well to the Little League motto:  “Courage, Character, and Loyalty.”

POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE (PCA)

Our league is proud to be affiliated with Positive Coaching Alliance, a national program that partners with over 3,500 sports leagues to spread their message about the power and efficacy of a Positive Approach to coaching that encourages competition and player development and improvement while also fostering life lessons and a love for sports. 

BUILDING TEAMS

Rather than hold a “draft” for incoming players, we take great pride in our annual system of rating players and building competitive teams in each division. Each year, players ages 8–12 participate in our pre-season “Group Practice,” during which experienced coaches rate players in various aspects of the game. These ratings not only determine which division is best suited for each player, but provide the data we use to compile our teams each spring, thus ensuring an equitable distribution of talent on each team every year. Our players love the fact that each spring brings a renewed sense of hope and promise, along with new friendships and coach experiences. We believe our system helps ensure that each season’s competition is a friendly one focused on the players rather than on coaches and their draft picks.

COMPETITIVE SUMMER & FALL BASEBALL

WHLL offers several levels of competitive summer baseball against local teams.  Our top players compete as District All Stars (10U, 11U, and 12U) against the best young baseball players in central Connecticut. (Our Little League District 7, among the strongest in the state, includes all-star teams from Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Newington, Rocky Hill, East Hartford, and Hartford.)  In addition, we offer opportunities to play on competitive summer travel teams from 8U to 12U. WHLL also offers a “Fall Ball” travel program by fielding a number of teams competing in the Central Connecticut Fall Baseball League. 

UNIFORMS

Because we budget our expenses very carefully each season, we are able to offer players the highest quality jerseys designed in accordance with Major League Baseball teams. There’s nothing like the look of pride on a Little Leaguer’s face when he or she dons the uniform of an MLB team! Players get to keep their high-quality “WH” hats.

FIELDS

Simply put, our playing fields are top notch! Stop by the WHLL Complex at the corner of Trout Brook & Asylum any Sunday during the season, where the complex becomes a hub of activity and excitement. In addition to our three fields (one of which is 50/70 compatible), we also proudly house the Miracle League of Connecticut field for children with special needs, together with a fully stocked concession stand and an all-accessible playscape.