Traveling vs. In-House

Traveling Baseball is for players and families that would like to travel to other communities to play baseball at a higher level than the in-house program. Coaches will determine where players will be positioned defensively and placed in the lineups to provide the greatest strength to the team. Playing time will NOT be equal in Traveling Baseball.

Traveling - Metro Baseball

Metro Baseball is the organization that the Traveling Baseball program plays under. There are rules that must be followed for each age group as determined by the league. These rules can be found on their website here. More information can be found on Metro Baseball's website.

Age Groups

Players must be in the 3rd grade to play Traveling Baseball. Traveling Baseball has divisions for 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U(VFW), and 18U. Players will try-out with other players in their grade unless they are too old to play with that age group. See the Traveling Baseball Age Requirements document for exceptions.

Classes

Teams are divided into three classes: AAA, AA, and A. The AAA class competes at the highest possible level of play. Players selected to play at the AAA level are focused, have good attitudes, already have good knowledge of the game, and can compete with other players at this level. Players selected to play the the AA level should also be focused and have good attitudes, but could benefit by not playing at the AAA level at this time. Players in the A level still compete to the best of their abilities, but are not ready to compete at the higher levels.

Note: It's important to realize that not all players are AAA class players. Players may actually get more playing time in the lower classes than at the higher classes.

Coach Selection

Coaches for the AAA teams will be picked before the try-outs, pending on their player making that team. Coaches for the AA and A teams are selected after the try-outs. If you are interesting in coaching, please fill out the coaching forms and disclosure form at registration.

Try-Outs/Team Selection

Try-outs for teams will be held March 29th and April 6th. Refer to the Try Out Schedule for the times and places. There will be scheduled practice times before the try-outs at the Middle School Gym. Players will be picked based on ability and attitude. Players will be scored during the try-outs by the High School Baseball Staff. Coaches will NOT evaluate for the teams they are coaching, but may be asked for input as needed by the evaluation staff. Players may be called back for a second look if the scores were close. Those players that don't make a team will be placed on an in-house team if available. The price difference between in-house and traveling will then be refunded.

Note: Teams are NOT pre-selected.

It is the responsibility of each player to prepare themselves for the try-outs. HYAA understands that there is not much time to prepare for the try-outs due to the spring weather. There are various camps throughout the winter months. Older players should also consider playing school baseball. Although not mandatory to make a team, players who have taken advantage of school ball have typically done well in the try-outs. Please find time to play catch.

Practices

The coach will determine when and how often the team will practice. Players are expected to make practices. Players need to contact their coach when they cannot make a practice or game.

Games

Coaches will provide a game schedule. Game schedules and results are also kept on the web at http://www.mbl.bz. Follow the links on the page.

Parents are responsible for getting players to the games. Try to carpool with other families when you cannot get your child to the game. Please don't rely on the coach to get your player to the game.

Tournaments

Each team will be allowed to play in one tournament included in the HYAA fee. Tournaments are scheduled by the coach of the team. Coaches may schedule additional tournaments and may request the players to help with the costs. Check with the coach to find out tournament plans. Teams that qualify for state tournaments will also have part of that fee paid through HYAA.

Play-Offs

Every team makes the play-offs at the end of the season. Please try to schedule your vacations after the play-off season so that there are enough players to play.

Uniforms

Each player will be issued a cap, a jersey, pants, a belt, and socks. The jersey and belt are to be returned promptly following the seasons. Players will be charged a replacement fee for those uniforms not returned. PLEASE MAKE SURE you get the correct size when you register!

Conduct

Players, coaches, parents, and spectators are expected to follow the HYAA Code Of Conduct. If any issues arise, please inform the traveling director during the season.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Traveling Baseball program, send your question via email to traveling-baseball@hyaa.info.