Thank you for your interest in Spring Lake Park Baseball Association (SLPBA). We understand that there are many organizations from which to choose and appreciate that you are considering our community’s Traveling Association for your baseball experience. Traveling Baseball consists of very competitive teams made up of talented and dedicated players. It is our goal to establish teams that will compete at this high level, while continuing to develop the skills of our individual players.

SLPBA utilizes an annual tryout process to identify and select players for all our teams. Although we wish we could offer the traveling baseball opportunity to all kids, please be aware that we have a limited number of teams and available positions on each team. It is very possible that some prospective players will not earn a position and will not be placed on a team. We understand the disappointment this may cause and ask you to consider this possibility and discuss the potential outcome with your player prior to tryouts.

If a player is not selected for a traveling team, we highly encourage the player to continue to play ball in a Recreation level program and consider trying out again next season. Our community has strong youth programs available that will help to further develop skills and offer positive baseball experiences.

Traveling Baseball requires a time commitment from late February or early March through the end of July for practices and games.  For example:  In 2017, most teams played until July 23rd, and some were playing until July 30th. 

If you anticipate numerous potential conflicts or missed games and practices traveling baseball may not be a good fit for you. We understand that some conflicts are inevitable but ask you to plan accordingly.  It is unfair to the coaching staff and players to have a player miss a week of baseball for a camp in another sport like hockey or basketball. Do not schedule another sport's development program on the same night as a baseball game.  

Please consider there are many players who love baseball and would be 100% committed to traveling baseball. Because the interest in traveling baseball is so strong, we urge you to consider your child’s ability to commit before participating in the tryouts and to discuss any potential conflicts with the coaches ASAP. Players are not allowed to be rostered on any other team from May 1 through the last game of the travel season.

Typical Traveling Baseball Schedule & Average Expense
The following information is general and may vary a bit from coach to coach and year to year. Note that some coaches may have some optional winter practices because teams will be named this fall. Most league games and practices are held on weekdays. Tournaments take place on select weekends throughout the season. Typically, teams play about 30-40 games per season.

Late February thru early April - Spring Training at various sites (Approximately 8-10 hours per team)
April - About 3 practices a week and a few scrimmages
May - 2 to 3 games each week and about 1 practice per week, 1-2 tournaments
June - 2 to 3 games each week and about 1 practice per week, 2-3 tournaments (One is usually "out of town")
July - Playoffs and State Tournaments (Play through end of July)

Traveling Baseball typically costs approximately $675-$775 per season (about $350 for registration, $125-$225 for tournaments and about $200 for out of town lodging costs). Your total financial investment will vary and could be higher or lower, based on the number of tournaments, locations of games, equipment you purchase, extra team practice facilities, etc.

Tryouts
The coaches and evaluators take the tryout process very seriously and try to make it as fair as possible. Players will be evaluated on their fundamental skills of the game. Please see the tryout criteria and tryout scorecard listed on the Tryout Page.  We understand conflicts arise but require that you attend your age level’s tryout session.  Please contact us if questions at:  [email protected].

SLPBA will do everything possible give every child an opportunity to display their skills. Traveling Baseball is not REC and not everyone will be chosen for a team. We all agree that this is the hardest aspect of the job and we get no enjoyment out of telling children they cannot play for us. What we do strive for is an even playing field for all candidates. We recognize these are young kids who develop differently, and we will give them every opportunity to perform. Evaluators and coaches will be making some tough decisions and we may make some mistakes. With our limitations, we may miss that "diamond in the rough". Please understand and manage your expectations and your child's expectations accordingly.

SLPBA supports the development of our players and we truly strive to make traveling baseball as fun as possible. While winning is important, we value coaches who can also develop baseball skills, teach the game of baseball and help our players grow as people.

Thank You!
SLPBA Board of Directors