We call them "little people" these days

The second level of youth softball is the "midget" league, known also by names such as "little league" or "player pitch." It usually hosts girls in the 10-11 age group. Many of those players have already played coach-pitch, so they have some understanding of softball rules and concepts.

But there are also a number of girls who are just beginning. Those players either weren't interested in the game at a younger age or were persuaded by their parents or friends into giving softball a try. Either way, midget is still a junior level of softball although umpiring such games is in many ways similar to advanced levels.

In midget leagues, coaches take their traditional places in the dugout, as players start becoming pitchers. Although there are some fast pitch leagues in this age group, most leagues remain at slow pitch until the girls reach 12 or 13. Fast pitch is much different from slow pitch, and many leagues feel it is unsafe for girls under 12 to play that game. Additionally, the fast pitch delivery can be detrimental to young arms, and the game can be a lot more difficult for inexperienced players to understand.

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