It really depends on what division your child is in and your child's birthday. Little League goes by "league age" however old you are on Sept 1 next fall. Some first graders turn 8 before Sept 1. (so started 1st grade at age 7), while some will still be 6 in next summer. For Little League the cutoff is Sept. 1 2017 - so whatever age your child is on Sept. 1 2017 (next fall) that is your child's league age.
So if your kid was born Sept 1 2010 to August 31st 2011 your kid is league age 6
Sept 1 2009 to August 31st 2010 your kid is league age 7
Sept 1 2008 to August 31 2009 your kid is league age 8.
So there might be first graders who are league age 8 playing kid pitch and other first graders who are league age 6 playing T-Ball.
First grade is a great age to sign up. Just keep practicing catching and throwing with him.

They don't need skills at that age, it's a time to learn about being part of a team, having fun, making friends and learning about the game. I coached my son in the 5-6 yr old league this fall in a coach-pitch not t-ball, they get 6 pitches to hit if they don't, they get to hit off the tee to put the ball in play. No scoring, everyone bats each inning, no outs but teams still try to make outs, basically forceouts. No one is able to really catch the ball in the league, that will come later due to safety concerns since we play with a regular hardball. Same with holding a bat, each player must have a helmet on if he or she bats or is on deck, otherwise no one can hold a bat. We did some catching in practice but no fly balls or anything around the head. Most kids on our team got better as the season went on which was neat to see.

Some kids were in the weeds/dirt during games and some paid attention on the field. During practices, I would get the kids involved so they wouldn't be standing around so much. Batting practices, fielding ground balls, running the bases, and even obstacle courses. My son who is in 1st grade was a beginner and wasn't sure if baseball would click for him but he loves it and wants to play again this spring.

DD plays FPYC. It's very relaxed. The coaches are just looking for the kids to pay attention and try to catch he ball. Batting is off the t.

Montgomery County Little League is in the Rockville area and it is a great place for beginners. In first grade they hit off a tee.

it is a fine age and time to start. Don't think twice about it.

I coach a fastpitch softball team at the travel level and have been around diamond sports a long time.

The dad you encountered is correct in the GENERAL sense that fall ball is USUALLY a better time for beginners.

However, not in first grade. In first grade, very few will have actual skills. You're still teaching basic things like running through the bag at first, catching with two hands ((actually, you're still coaching those things in 8th grade too, but I digress!).

Your son will be just fine. No one has a 6U team of all stars.

Anonymous wrote:We're not in Rockville, but in our town, skills are NOT required or expected in first grade!!

Most kids that age have never played before, and the kids who "played" in kindergarten or pre-K are still very much beginners.

To me, the father you spoke with is an example of what's wrong with kids' sports these days. Too many parents take it all so seriously and use it as yet another way to demonstrate status and exclusivity. Ugh.

We pay attention to which parents -- and coaches -- think/act like that and then request to be on other teams.

Through word of mouth, we've found the "low key" teams within our town league. And our kids don't do travel (some 1st graders and many 2nd graders do!)

Our kids have learned a TON from their coaches and also had a great time. If they turn out to have massive baseball talent, I assume that will reveal itself in time. More likely, they'll just be out there having fun with their friends.

Well stated. This is often how little league is in Fairfax County

it's much like herding cats or trying to stuff a large angry octopus into a mesh bag

We're in NOVA. But, I can't imagine anyone thinking a 1st grader needs to be 'ready' for spring ball. WTF! This would be either a 6U or an 8U team. At 6U, they're still hitting the ball off the tee and they don't keep score. If you find a league where they do keep score, RUN. At this age, it's all about teaching the game - and they need a lot of instruction. They have no skill and in many ways it's as hysterical as it is painful to watch. My oldest is 14 and I easily remember how much the boys have developed. Sign him up and have fun!

We're not in Rockville, but in our town, skills are NOT required or expected in first grade!!

Most kids that age have never played before, and the kids who "played" in kindergarten or pre-K are still very much beginners.

To me, the father you spoke with is an example of what's wrong with kids' sports these days. Too many parents take it all so seriously and use it as yet another way to demonstrate status and exclusivity. Ugh.

We pay attention to which parents -- and coaches -- think/act like that and then request to be on other teams.

Through word of mouth, we've found the "low key" teams within our town league. And our kids don't do travel (some 1st graders and many 2nd graders do!)

Our kids have learned a TON from their coaches and also had a great time. If they turn out to have massive baseball talent, I assume that will reveal itself in time. More likely, they'll just be out there having fun with their friends.

Thinking of asking DS if he wants to join a team this spring. He can bat a little, not great at catching. He loves baseball and is always wanting to play in the backyard. I figured it was low key at this age and a lot of the kids would still be learning. When I mentioned it to another parent, he questioned whether DS would be "ready for spring ball". I'm guessing this means they are expected to already have skills?? I was hoping the coaches were doing a lot of teaching at this age.

We are in Rockville and would be looking for a team nearby if anyone has recommendations. Thanks!