What is the Senior Division?
The Senior Division is made up of 15 and 16 year old baseball players and currently represents the highest and final division for league participants. Eligible players can register online. The Senior division registration remains open after the other divisions close.
The WULL Senior division is comprised of high school age recreational and high school baseball players. The “season” is a short season, with games commencing in late April and proceeding through and until final exams in the 3rd week of May.
The purpose of the Senior season to give WULL players the ability to finish their baseball careers in the league and share a relaxed baseball atmosphere catching up with their peers. Additionally, the Senior division affords other players from proximate leagues to participate should their organization not offer this baseball division.
When does the season start and how many games do the Seniors play?
The Senior division plays a “short season” from late April (start date varies based upon the high school schedules) and completing by finals in about the 3rd week in May. Ideally, the Seniors will play a 12 game schedule during this time (typically double headers on Sunday), subject to weather.
Why is the season so late in the spring?
There are usually more than half of the players signed up for Seniors that participate in high school sports, primarily baseball, but also lacrosse. Once those seasons end in April, enough players are available to have the double-headers.
Who is eligible to play Seniors?
Any 15-16 year old in the West University Little League boundaries as well as 15-16 year old players from other little leagues in the southwest area of Houston that do not offer a Senior program.
Where do the Seniors play?
The Senior division games are played on the Senior field at the South Campus facility off of Stella Link and W. Bellfort. Participants enter off of Stella Link on the north side of the Emery/Weiner school campus and park in the rear of the facility. The gate adjacent to the soccer field on the east of Emery/Weiner leads to the Senior field. (see www.southcampus.org)
How many teams are in the Senior division?
In most years, there will be enough players for about 4 teams, however, due to schedules and other activities for high school age kids, availability will vary by weekend. There are usually enough players to have 2 games each Sunday.
Are there tryouts, or how are teams picked?
There are no tryouts for Seniors, everyone plays. Due to the fluid nature of high school schedules, players will rsvp for each weekend and teams will be divided evenly each weekend. This provides for a fun atmosphere, whereby players get to play with many different players and with different team uniforms from week-to-week.
Who coaches the teams?
Similar to the WULL Junior division, former high school and college players will coach the teams in addition to the WULL Senior staff.
What is provided by the league?
The fee covers the uniform jersey and hat, plus baseballs. Catchers are asked to provide their own equipment for the games.
What do players need to bring?
Players will need to come with baseball pants, socks, metal cleats, bats and gloves and any other equipment they need. Catchers should bring their equipment as well. Cups are required for safety. Also, players will need to bring water or a sports drink for their needs.
What bats are required for the Senior division?
The following explains the bat requirements from Little League baseball:
Senior/Big League: it shall not be more than 36 inches in length, nor more than 2 5/8 inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30”) at its smallest part. The bat shall not weigh, numerically, more than three ounces less than the length of the bat (e.g., a 33-inch-Iong bat cannot weigh less than 30 ounces). All bats not made of a single piece of wood shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be so labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark. The certification mark shall be rectangular, a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color. Aluminum and composite bats shall be marked as to their material makeup being aluminum or composite. This marking shall be silkscreen or other permanent certification mark, a minimum of one-half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.
In all divisions, wood bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not exceeding sixteen (16) inches (18 inches for Junior/Senior/Big League baseball) from the small end. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.
Is there a Senior division all-star team?
Yes, players will be chosen from the available registrants for a Senior team that competes starting in July of 2024. Unfortunately, out of boundary players are not eligible to play on the all-star team.