Each spring the Associate participate in the Golden Gate Optimist League, which also includes teams from the San Francisco Falcons, Troop 12, the Berkeley Bears, and the Richmond Cubs. These organizations share a long tradition of sponsoring youth baseball focused on sportsmanship and fun. Participation is open to boys and girls alike.

The B Division (7-9 year-olds) focuses on learning the game in a fun, supportive, non-competitive setting. The only awards are for participation and sportsmanship. Game scores are not formally kept. At this level, the ball is pitched by the player's own coaches and there are no strike-outs. Every player bats in an inning, to ensure an equal chance at bat for all.

The A Division (10-11 year olds) adds an element of spirited competition for players with some experience or proficiency. In addition to the individual awards for participation and sportsmanship, game scores and league standings are kept. At this level the pitcher is a player from the opposing team. Walks, strike-outs, and a three-out inning make the game feel very much like real baseball.

The Intermediate Division (12-13 year olds) gives young athletes an opportunity to hone their skills and challenge their limits in a game that closely resembles real baseball in almost every way. Nonetheless, sportsmanship and fun remain the key values.

The Season:
- Games run from March through mid-June.
- There are 8 regular season games plus the season closing picnic and Baseball Jamboree
- Games are generally held on Sunday afternoons. Practice times are at the coach's discretion and somewhat dependent on availability of fields, but are often held on Saturday for the B and A divisions.
- Practices may begin as early as January when the league holds its first organization meeting.