Albany Little League
Albany Little League was founded in 1956 as a baseball program for 10- to 12-year-old boys. Four teams played that first year. In 2018, more than 800 boys and girls, ages 5 to 14, are playing on 60+ teams.
Depending on where you live, it’s either Albany or NOLL (North Oakland Little League). Not sure why you saw that Albany is only older kids - both leagues start at 5 years old with Tee-Ball! Check with Albany again. Perhaps you live in South Berkeley and so are out of their inclusion zone? We’ve actually done (and coached) both leagues and (in short) they’re great. It’s Too soon to sign up for the spring, however.
Have no worries at all. I cannot say enough good about Albany Little League. Sure, it has its politics just like every organization, but for the kids, it is a tremendous program. There is absolutely no skills requirement or expectation. All your child needs is a willingness to go out there and give it what they have, be a good sport and teammate, and always be learning. The kids in the program form strong friendships and league play is all about the love of baseball. Parents, form strong bonds too because we have all been around one another for many years. There are other more competitive options, like the East Bay Cyclones, but you needn't worry about that now. (Keep it in mind if it turns out your child loves baseball and wants to commit to more development. Plus, until the kids are 13/14, ALL and Cyclones work to complement one another.) When we joined ALL when my son was 7 or 8, there were about 800 kids in the program across all ages and levels. There will be a place for your child. Most of the practices are in or near UC Village in Albany (e.g. NW Berkeley), but it is very easy to get there off the highway.
Our kids are Albany Little League, so YMMV, but we've found that most of the surrounding LL's tend to be about the same. I'd absolutely suggest going for it next spring....I coached my 10 year old this past year, of our 12 kids 6 had played multiple years, 3 hadn't played at all and 3 had played during the extremely short Covid shutdown year. As far as something before that starts, there aren't as many baseball camps over breaks until LL would start mostly because of the possibility of rain. Skyhawk Sports has classes for older kids normally and I'd check there. Lastly, your local LL may run something akin to spring training, which are stations, introductions to the game kinda stuff, starting in February or so. Hope that helps a little bit
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Aug 2013
RE: Fall baseball for a newbie 8 year old
Hi, Please try Albany Little League Fall Ball. My son has done it for two years and it is great. It is non-competitive and skills-based. It is a wonderful introduction to the sport and it will prepare your son to play on a team in the spring, if he likes it. I believe the same coach who led the program last year is doing it this year too. He was very knowledgeable (former pro player), encouraging, and enthusiastic. Fall Ball is also a very manageable commitment - two hours on Sundays for several weeks. Have fun! Hannah
Jan 2004
I would strongly recommend Albany Little League if you are within the border. My son has had a very positive experience there, and I'm sure your son would be fine starting in 3rd grade as long as he's somewhat athletic and enthusiastic. Berkeley is actually divided into two parts--the southern half goes to N. Oakland LL and the northern to Albany LL. I checked the website and there's no mention of the deadline. I would suggest sending them an email. The website is albanylittleleague.org. Also, the University Village Recreation Center offers baseball clinics during the summer. The City of Berkeley offers a summer league but our experience with it has been mixed and I wouldn't personally recommend it (though it is the economical choice at only $35 for the season!). Maria
Parent Reviews
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