League Descriptions

Little League Program Overview

South Tonka Little League

South Tonka Little League is a volunteer organization. Our goal is to provide instruction ranging from very basic to advanced skills for the players in our league. This instruction is taught by volunteer coaches who have been involved in clinics that stress the fundamentals of the game as well as techniques that help the coach run an efficient and enjoyable practice. Preseason clinics are provided for all players. Below is an outline of each age group involved in the league.

Starter League 5 yr-olds

This is a newly formed league to introduce children to the fun of playing baseball.   The league provides a T-shirt and Ball cap as a Uniform.  Rosters are formed with friends and neighborhoods in mind.  Additionally, this league offers predictability.  Games and practices will happen on predetermined days.  For more information, call the Starter Director, Lester Coyer 952-401-7580

Rookie League - 6’s
For many six year olds this is their first experience with baseball. The league provides a T-shirt and Ball cap as a Uniform. Rosters are formed with neighborhoods in mind. The proper throwing and catching techniques are stressed. Coaches pitch the ball to the players or the ball is hit off a tee. Teams practice once each week and play one to two games weekly. Teams are kept small to provide more personal instruction. The season is over by the end of June. Games are held at Manitou and Minnewashta fields. For more information, call the Rookie League Director:

Rich Landa (interim) 952-470-6984

Pony League - 7’s
This league builds on the Rookie League experience. These players have advanced in their skills and can begin to make basic plays, i.e. throwing to the correct bases. Rosters are formed with neighborhoods in mind. Games are held at Manitou and Minnewashta Elem. For more information, call the Pony League Director,

Mark Gilk  952-474-1689

AA League - 8’s
Eight year old players begin to hit the ball from a pitching machine. This can be an exciting transition as base running and sliding skills receive more emphasis. Rosters are formed with neighborhoods in mind. Coaches may move to twice each week practices to include some batting practice in the cages. Playmaking and positioning are stressed as the teams build on the basics of catching and throwing. The season ends in June with a low key tournament. Games are held at Minnewashta, Freeman and Cathcart fields. For more information, call the  League director….Kai Pederson 952-474-1608 

AAA League - 9’s
Nine year olds continue to build skills as they move through their second year of machine pitch. Rosters are formed with neighborhoods in mind. Teams play two games each week and may also practice once each week. The season continues to the first week in July and culminates in a tournament. Games are held at Minnewashta, Cathcart and Freeman. For more information, call the

AAA League Director John Bonnette– 952-474-2982

American, National, and Northern Leagues – 10, 11, and 12’s

Players participate in a tryout process at this age.  Tryouts take place on March 15^th and 16^th.  Players are asked to participate at several different stations and are evaluated by coaches who have no relationship to this league.  A total score will be given to the player and this score determines if they will play in the American, National, or Northern level.  The American level assumes the players have some mastery of all the skills required to play in a league that begins to focus on more advance baseball technique.  The National level player may need to continue to develop on or more of the basic skills.  The Northern level is structured to provide additional training for the developing player.  The League will provide more practice and clinic opportunities to the players in the Northern League.

American and National teams play two or three games, along with one or two practices each week.  Teams compete against other STLL teams, East Tonka, and Chanhassen.  These games may be during the week or on Saturday and Sunday.  The games will be played at Freeman Park in Shorewood, Bennett Park on Minnetonka or Lake Ann Park in Chanhassen.

Northern teams play also play two or three games, along with one or two practices each week.  Teams compete against other STLL teams.  These games will be played at Freeman Park in Shorewood or Manitou Park in Tonka Bay.

The season for all three leagues wrap up by the end of June with post season play continuing through mid July.  More information will be provided regarding the selection process for the post season tournaments during the season. 

For more information, please contact the league directors:

American League – TBD once evaluations are completed.

National League – TBD once evaluations are completed.

Northern League – Sam Holmgren  952-474-5392

Tonka Fall Ball – Ages 9-12
Look for more information on this program in mid-June. The leagues give players the chance to extend their season. Practices begin mid-August and the last games are played in early October. This will be the 6th year of Tonka Fall Ball and more than 1/3 of the Spring Players participate in Fall Ball. Fee to be determined. Fall Ball Co-Directors -

Jeff Elder 952-474-1442

Tim Beduhn 952-474-3524