Why Little League?

We run a separate summer league for our 7 -12 year old non-tournament players after our regular season is over. (I don't know how this would work in snowy parts of the country - our regular season ends when school does, in June.) That way, every kid who wants to keep playing can. We form new teams in two divisions and change the age mixes and rules to allow a less formal, more "fun" oriented summer season. Summer is usually the first chance younger kids get to pitch and hit (and almost as often, be hit by) kid pitching.

We've had a good experience running this program, which seems to be immune to most "League politics" - maybe because all of the all-stars (and their parents) are off playing tournament ball. I don't think an extended season and tournament ball are exclusive - it just requires a little more organization. I recommend it.