[cid:image001.jpg@01DC6CC6.EEEFCE50] Dear Little League Parents, There is a massive misconception in our area that the Little League experience ends at age 12. It doesn't have to. For the upcoming 2026 season, District 13 (Eastern Washington) is leading the charge to ensure your player's career doesn't end on the small diamond. The journey is just getting started, and the next step is arguably the most exciting one yet, and it's UP TO YOU to help make it happen. Introducing the Intermediate Division (50/70) We are pushing to expand the Intermediate Division for players ages 11-13. This isn't just "more of the same." Intermediate ball is the perfect bridge between the Majors field and the full-sized high school field. It's often called "50/70" baseball because it's played on a slightly larger field-a 50' pitching distance and 70' base paths. It is the "Goldilocks" field for middle schoolers: just right. Why Intermediate Baseball is a Game-Changer This division introduces the elements of "real" baseball that players are craving as they get older and stronger. The competition is higher, the game moves faster, and the strategy deepens. * Real Rules: Say goodbye to stuck runners. In Intermediate, players can lead off and steal just like in the MLB. Pitchers learn to hold runners and realize what a "balk" is. * Bigger Game: With higher pitch counts (95 max) and a larger field, the game demands more athleticism and baseball IQ. * Expanded Competition: Intermediate teams often travel further to find the best competition, playing "Special Games" against non-Little League programs and facing teams from neighboring districts in Idaho, Oregon, and Canada. * Same Great Program Management: Little League is known worldwide as the best youth baseball program period. It offers training, support, organization strengths, consistency, insurance, tools for your teams and league, and more - and this continues to be true for Intermediate Divisions in Little League The Dream is Alive: The World Series Just like the Majors division you see on TV every August, the Intermediate Division has a complete tournament road. Your team has the opportunity to fight through District, State, and Regional tournaments, all aiming for a spot in the true International Intermediate World Series. Teams from all over the world compete in the Intermediate World Series! We Need YOU to Make This Happen in 2026 Every local Little League can offer this program, but it requires parental demand and immediate planning. To launch a successful, competitive district-wide schedule for the 2026 season, we need to act NOW. Our goal is 300 players across the district-roughly 20-25 players per league-to create a robust environment with ample playing opportunities. We have the player count available, now we need the motivation and elbow grease! The biggest barriers are lack of awareness and the need for volunteers. Because the level of play is higher, we need dedicated coaches and organized parents to step up. Your Next Steps to Save Baseball Beyond 12 Don't let your player's Little League career end prematurely. Let's get them on the 50/70 field this year. 1. Register Interest Immediately: Tell your local league board that you want your child registered for Intermediate for 2026. 2. Contact the District: If you aren't sure who to talk to, email us by replying to this message, or call/text 509-995-4200. We will connect you with the right volunteers in your league to get things moving. 3. Volunteer: This is crucial. We need managers, coaches, and team parents ready for this higher level of play. We also need sponsors to help suit up these new teams. Let's open up a whole new world of Little League baseball for our middle schoolers. Get in touch today and let's play ball! Sincerely, JP District Administrator (DA) Washington Little League - District 13 E: dadist13@wadist13ll.org<mailto:dadist13@wadist13ll.org> T:509-995-4200 http://www.wadist13ll.org Follow us on Facebook@wadist13ll [cid:image002.png@01DC6CC6.EEEFCE50][cid:image003.jpg@01DC6CC6.EEEFCE50]
