four outfielders

Question
My son is almost 11. We recently jioned a league and found out that the teams have 12 batters in the lineup. Also that four outfielders are used. The age group is 9, 10, 11. Why would they make these modifications to basic rules. Will it help the players improve?

Answer
Pat:  Thank you for your question.

Modifications like you describe would be made to allow more actual playing time for players, and more players having an opportunity to bat in each game.  

It will allow for more players to develop within each teams' framework.  Down the road, it has the potential of developing more skills, as it keeps their interest up when they actually get to participate in the games.

Yours in baseball,

Rick