Milford Youth Baseball Travel Team
This document explains how the MYB Travel Team program works and outlines the expectations of all who participate in the program. Please read this document in its entirety and sign in the space provided indicating that you understand the expectations and that you agree to adhere to them whether participating as a player, parent or coach. Thank you.
What is the Travel Team?
The Travel Team is an opportunity for more advanced or competitive players to continue playing baseball during the summer. Practice usually begins late May and the season has the potential to run into the beginning of August (most seasons typically end by late July). The level of play is higher and, therefore, the expectations of those who participate are also much higher than those during recreational baseball.
Who can participate?
Any player wanting to continue playing baseball during the summer months is eligible. Any player wishing to tryout for the Travel Team who meets all Cal Ripken league requirements is welcome to do so. MYB will hold evaluations at multiple times and suggest the players attend as many sessions as possible to minimize the chances of having a "bad" tryout day.
How many teams will be formed?
Typically one Travel Team consisting of 12-15 players is formed for each age group. This team would be eligible to participate in the Cal Ripken Tournament Trail. If there are enough players trying out for a given age group to form another summer team, that 2nd team would be placed in a local summer baseball league. If there are not enough remaining players to form a team, MYB will do their best to find a program for these kids to play in during the summer. All of this is contingent upon the number of players trying out for each age level as well as the number of volunteer coaches available at each level.
How are players chosen for the TravelTeam?
Each player will have several opportunities to participate in evaluation sessions. These workouts will cover the full range of skills, such as fielding, catching, throwing, batting and situational play. In addition, the player’s attitude, focus and behavior will factor into the evaluation. The players will be graded in each discipline by a group of independent evaluators. Based on the evaluations, the top 9 ranked players from each level will be placed on the final travel team. The remaining 3-6 players will be selected by the tournament team coach for that level.
How many games will they play?
Each Travel Team will participate in a minimum of three tournaments throughout the summer. Some of these are part of the Cal Ripken Tournament Trail. These are the most important tournaments we play in and participation in these is critical. All teams will participate in a District Tournament. If successful, the team would advance to the State tournament and potentially a Regional tournament. For the 10 and 12 year old teams there is also a World Series tournament for those advancing past the Regional round.
Teams will also participate in additional tournaments outside the Cal Ripken Trail. Most tournaments will last from 3-6 days depending on the tournament structure as well as the team's performance in the event. Travel Team coaches will provide you with all known tournament dates as soon as possible after the team is selected. You will be asked to provide any dates the player would not be available between June 1 through July 31. If chosen for the Travel Team, we ask that you not plan any further activities that will conflict with the dates you are given. Baseball is a TEAM sport and to be successful we expect full commitment of the entire TEAM. Every player and every coach must put every effort to be at every practice and game.
What will summer ball cost me?
Families are responsible to cover the uniform costs,the three tournament fees, umpires and equipment for the travel season. The cost to participate will be $180.00 this year. Cal Ripken rules require all coaches to be in full uniform when participating in the Ripken Tournament Trail. Those uniforms will be paid for by the league.
Parents and coaches are also responsible for any expenses incurred while attending tournaments. This could potentially include hotel and dining expenses, depending on the location of the tournament
Should a family have a financial hardship, they should contact Milford Youth Baseball to discuss their situation. If approved by the Board of Directors, scholarships can be provided to those in need of one.
How much and what positions will my child play?
The spring recreational program is designed to teach kids how to play the game of baseball, allow them to play numerous positions, and to provide equal playing time to everyone. In contrast, the travel team program is designed around competition with the goal of advancing as far as possible in the Ripken Tournament Trail. Playing time is not guaranteed and players will be placed in the positions that the coaching staff determines will provide the team with the best chance for success. During the Ripken Tournament Trail games there is no continuous batting order as there is in the recreational program. 9 players play the field and 9 players bat. There are strict substitution rules that must be followed during the Ripken Tournament Trail games.
All players and parents must understand these aspects prior to agreeing to participate on the team if selected.
What is the time commitment?
Travel team games and practices should be prioritized over summer vacations. In the past, there have been no exceptions to this requirement, however, in the interest of balancing competitive baseball with family traditions, we will consider exceptions in cases where summer vacations have already been booked. That said, if your vacation time will conflict with any tournaments, especially those on the Ripken Tournament Trail, please do not consider accepting a spot on the travel team.
In addition to all of the tournament games and extra practices, families are expected to volunteer their time assisting with various duties during any Milford hosted tournaments. Duties vary from concession stand help, preparing and maintaining the fields during the tournament, running the scoreboard, or any other tasks required to keep a tournament operating smoothly.
2014 TournamentsTourney #1 / Tourney #2 / District / State
9's / N/A / N/A / N/A / N/A
10's / Sharon
6/13-6/15 / Uxbridge
6/26-6/30 / Upton
6/19-6/22 / Sutton
7/5-7/8
11's / Hudson Invitational
6/19-6/24 / Milford Invitational
6/25-6/30 / TBD
7/11-7/14 / Uxbridge
7/18-7/21
12's / Milford Invitational
6/25-6/30 / TBD / Uxbridge
6/19-6/22 / Milford
7/5-7/8
Milford Youth Baseball Travel Team
Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the expectations of Milford Youth Baseball Travel Team players, coaches, and parents. Signing this form means that you agree to make the commitment to the program to the best of your abilities whether as a player, coach or parent.
Players/Parents:
I have read the "Milford Youth Baseball Travel Team" document and understand what is expected of my child and myself.
Parent Signature: ______Date: ______
Parent Signature: ______Date: ______
Coaches:
I have read the "Milford Youth Baseball Travel Team" document and understand what is expected of me as a Milford Youth Baseball Travel Team coach.
Coach Signature: ______Date: ______