[phs1986]

When my son was 9 he played with 12 year olds and to be totally honest it benefited him. He watched and learned quite a bit. Most 12 year olds have enough sense to watch how they pitch to a 9 year old too. NOT by any means saying that they would take it easy on them but they are just more aware. I personally like the 9-12 together thing as IMO it makes your 9-10 year old all-stars MUCH more competitive. They are used to playing with older children therefore they play at a different level. Come tourney time.... you will see the difference!!