LITTLE LEAGUE DRAFTS

Question
Hello,
 My question is about leagues keeping players on the same team. Our league is going to re-draft all players this year except for managers options, for the first time. What is your opinion on re-drafting or keeping players together on the same team for multiple years which is only 2-3 years at most.


        THANK YOU
        KEVIN NEITZEL
        WEST LITTLE LEAGUE MANAGER

Answer
Kevin,

This was a discussion that come up in our league this year.  The main reason was due to the new regulation stating all twelve year olds must be drafted to the Major Division.

The main argument is that it would be a lot easier to start over, with every team getting an equal opportunity.  This is because what happens this year to the team that only has to draft 3-4 players compared to the team that has 8-10 draft picks.

Also, in our league, there are players drafted as 9 year olds, who will play 5 years in Majors (due to age change).  I can tell you, some managers are kicking themselves for drafting young, and having to keep them.

There are pros and cons to redrafting every year:

PROS:

--A child who was drafted young, who needs more time in a developmental division, can be drafted by a minor team, without going through the embarrassment of having to talk to the child and the parents.

--Redrafting players allows for a change in the balance of talent from year to year.  Many teams have come to "work the system" and have drafting down to an art.  This allows teams that might be dominating to change over each year.

--It allows for players to experience other coaches and players, which helps in the development and growth of the young children.


CONS:
--An opportunity to draft a young player and work with him/her throughout their years in Majors.

--The Major Division is a competitive division, and being that, must allow individuals to grow and become a team.  By throwing those individuals back into a draft, you do not accomplish this.

--Some would argue that the friendships a child develops on a team is the most important aspect of Little League.


My opinion:  It's up to your Board of Directors.  I know of many league that use redrafting... I know many leagues (including mine) that use property teams.  Your league needs to find what works best for itself.  I am positive that redrafting wouldn't work for my league.  However, Wrightwood LL, a league in my district, would not so well with property teams.

Honestly, it just depends on the size, and talent strength in the league to determine if redrafting works for your league.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have any more, please feel free to ask.

-Martin Hoover