Fairfield American Little League requires all 9, 10, 11, and 12 year old players to attend one evaluation session prior to the start of the Spring season. The only exceptions to this requirement are 12-year-old players who participated in the Majors division last spring as 11-year-old players. 

The new and most updated evaluation schedule for 2020 is as follows. One important change from previous years: all 2020 evaluation sessions will be held inside the gym at Fairfield Woods Middle School. (1115 Fairfield Woods Road)

• Sunday, March 1:10AM - 2PM

• Saturday March 7: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m..

• Sunday, March 8: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Evaluations may seem intimidating, and we know your player might be nervous. Our goal is to make sure every player feels comfortable and confident, and we make sure to keep the atmosphere positive and fun. 

Following are answers to common questions about the evaluations:

Is the evaluation a tryout?

No, it’s not a tryout. Everyone who wants to participate in FALL and attends the evaluation will be placed on a team. 

The evaluation process helps determine the correct division placement for each player, and it gives all managers the opportunity to assess each player's skills in certain areas prior to the season draft. This helps us create balanced teams so that we have a good level of competition throughout the season. 

Managers also have a chance to see how players they know have grown since the prior year, and meet newcomers to our community. 

What will happen during the evaluation? 

• After check in at the front desk, each player will go into the gym and sit in the first row of the bleachers. Parents or guardians will wait outside the gym. 
• Players are evaluated one at a time, and at any given time there may be 20 or so other players waiting their turn. There may also be up to 30 coaches sitting in the bleachers to observe the evaluations.
• All players will field a few ground balls and pop flies. It is possible they may be asked to throw between 3 - 5 pitches.
• Lastly, the player will take about 5 swings in a live hitting station facing pitches from a Fairfield American coach. Pitches will be soft-toss and in the strike zone to allow each player the best possible opportunity to make good contact. 

What should players wear and bring?

All players should wear sweatpants, baseball pants or shorts, T-shirts and sneakers. NO CLEATS!

Players should bring their own glove and are welcome to bring their own bat and batting helmet. By now you are aware that all bats must be approved by USA Baseball, but you can review the information by clicking on this link. You should  be aware that there are new rules for batting helmets in 2019. Learn about this important change by clicking on this link. We will have bats and batting helmets available for players that do not bring their own. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected], or player agent Julia Hood at [email protected]. 

All photos below are credited to Steve Geaney.