Why Little League?

You are correct, as am I, I feel. Certainly the basic fundementals need to be taught (AT ALL levels)--the meaning of Spring Training. Unfortunately, regular league play, with its variety of talent levels on each team, brings players, in my opinion, DOWN towards the least common denominator. I saw this with my AAU players as they went back to their league teams for regular season, as most developed bad habits. What I saw happen was one of two things: either the more talented players were absolutely bored to tears in their practices OR were catered to in practices (meaning some of the drills were structured to meet their talents) and the weaker players were left behind.

Sorry I've gotten off track, but I've seen in some of the responses where some leagues have traveling teams for the more talented players, with league play for the others. Good idea, in my mind, in that players are groupped by ability as opposed to age. Everyone wins and everyone plays: few are over/under matched.

To get back to your main point. Try it sometime. You will see some great ball with AABC rules at 9/10--and the teams don't lack in fundementals. Yes, it does become a "steal-fest," but the games are much more exciting. The pitchers learn at an early age to pitch with pressure (men on base) and the catchers are FORCED to learn proper catching skills from the get-go.

Finally, great discussion you've started. JT.