Grafton Little League All- Star Selection Process

It is an honor for players to represent Grafton Little League during all-star and tournament team play. Little League International states that there are only three all-star teams as follows: District 5 11/12 year old Williamsport eligible team; District 5 13/14 year old team; and District 5 15/16 year old team. All other teams are tournament teams. The players that exhibit the most talent, effort and sportsmanship will be given the most consideration to make an all-star or a tournament team. Grafton Little League believes in giving as many players as possible a chance to compete in post season tournaments. It is a wonderful way for selected players to be rewarded for great seasons and to continue playing the game of baseball during the summer. During this time, the player’s skills will be tested against great competition from surrounding communities. No matter whether the players win or lose their games, having fun, playing hard and representing Grafton Little League in the best possible way remain the most important goals.

Grafton Little League will choose its all-star and tournament teams based on the following criteria.

  1. Eligibility- The player needs to be age appropriate for the team he is chosen to participate on. The player must have played 60 percent of his team’s regular season games. The player must be a Grafton resident.
  2. Availability- The players selected for all-star or tournament teams are expected to participate in all practices and games. One excused absence will be granted for reasons other than sickness. If a player is notified about being selected to an all-star or tournament team, the parents should let the head coach know if vacations and other conflicts will prevent the player from participating.
  3. Attitude/Effort- Being an all-star is more than just having the talent to compete. It is also about having the right attitude, being a good sport and a good teammate. Players not exhibiting a great attitude and effort will not be eligible to represent Grafton Little League in all-star or tournament play.

Grafton Little League Division Vice Presidents and Head Coaches in each division will be responsible for all-star and tournament player selection. Input from assistant coaches on player selection will be given to the head coaches prior to the all-star selection meeting. Players selected for all-star or tournament teams will not be notified until after June 18.

In 2011, Grafton Little League will try to field 10 all-star/tournament teams in five divisions. Players eligible for these teams will have played in the following divisions: AA, Bazinet, Dauphinais and Senior League. Senior League will form one team. There will be an A team (top 12 players in division) and B team (next 12 players in the division).

Possible All-Star teams in 2011

  1. 8/9 year old (AA)- A team will play in a Shrewsbury and Webster tournament
  2. 8/9 year old (AA)- B team will play in a Northboro tournament
  3. 9/10 year old (Bazinet/Dauphinais)- A team – District 5 10 year old tournament
  4. 9/10 year old (Bazinet)- B team -Hopkinton Sizzler tournament
  5. 11 year old (Bazinet/Dauphinais)- A team – Millbury District 5 11 year old tournament
  6. 11 year old (Bazinet/Dauphinais)- B team – Oxford tournament
  7. 12 year old (Dauphinais 11-12 year old players)- A team – District 5 Williamsport, PA eligible team
  8. 12 year old (Dauphinais 12 year old players)- B team will play in Northboro tournament
  9. 13/14 year old (Senior League) – District 5 13/14 year old all-star team.
  10. 10.  15/16 year old (Senior League) – District 5 15/16 year old all-star team.

Voting: The Head Coaches will each vote and then discuss whom they think are the top players in each division. Players in the Dauphinais Division will also vote for the players they feel should be eligible. Each team needs at least 11 players but no more than 12. The players receiving the most votes will make the A team. In the event of a tie for the 10th, 11th, 12th spots on a team, the team’s Head Coach will work with the, Player Agent and Division VP to fill the remaining spots. When player selections are made for the District 5 Williamsport, PA eligible team and the Senior League Division teams, emphasis is put on fielding balanced teams with the right amount of pitchers, catchers, outfielders, etc.

Each division should have a pool of 4-6 alternate players, to be chosen in the event that vacations or other conflicts leave some players unavailable.

The selection of the Head Coach and assistant coaches for each all-star or tournament team is up to the Player Agent, President, Vice President and Division Vice President.

Misc: All-Star selection meetings should take place the week of June 6. Players in the Dauphinais Division will vote the week of May 29. The Player Agent will work with the Division Vice President and head coaches to ensure a smooth process. The rules for eligibility will be explained to the players before they vote.