Travel Baseball Team Overview
Teams are split up by grade level. The number of teams per grade level will be determined based on the total number of sign-ups. The MBL offers leveled play (AAA, AA, and A) at all age groups (10U-14U). Because of this, player skill evaluations will be held to determine team rosters. Whenever possible, outside evaluators will assess player skills. Coaches will be asked to evaluate players after each season.
It is important to note that PCR is acting strictly within the best interest of the entire group of players. This approach may not always align with an individual parent’s viewpoint. Only under unique circumstances will PCR reserve the right to ask players to play up or down a grade level, permitting the child lands within the required age range, parental consent, and that the child goes through the evaluation process to determine skill set. This process will only be considered in situations where the current numbers of the teams in question are not at an ideal or manageable size.
All participants will be evaluated and assigned to a team based on their grade and skill level. At that point, it will be determined what level of play to assign each team (AA or A), and potentially what league is best suited for that particular team. Skill levels and participation numbers range from year-to-year, therefore, PCR reserves the right to make decisions on what is best for the kids on a case by case basis.
Travel Baseball Team Creation Process
If there are enough players in a grade to form multiple teams, they will be evenly split until 7th grade. Players will be split evenly based on Coaches Postseason Evaluations.
If it is determined there isn’t enough depth of talent in the grade based on previous season results, PCR will tier teams using the Evaluation Process.
If there are not enough players for multiple teams, the following process will be followed.
- If the grade above or below is in the same situation, each grade will have a top team and the rest of the kids in both grades will form a team. This would require evaluations done for each grade.
- If grades above or below have enough for multiple teams, then the team with not enough players for multiple teams will form one team and there will be a pod system.
Evaluation Process:
Coaches Postseason Evaluations:
Player evaluations will be done by the coaches after each season. All coaches per team will collaborate on the ratings per metric per player to provide a fair evaluation.
3rd Party Evaluations:
High School coaches perform evaluations and are anonymous.
Player Selection:
There is a weighted value of 60% Coaches Post Season Evaluations and 40% 3rd Party Evaluations. The weighted values are added up which determines how players are tiered.
Players Playing Up:
The goal of PCR is to keep players in the same grade together but there are times when numbers don’t work out that way. If a grade is short on players to form a single team, and the grade below can support losing a player or more, then PCR will entertain moving player(s) up a level. In this scenario, the evaluation process would be invoked AND the player(s) moving up need to be willing to play up.
Travel Baseball League Selection
In most cases, the Traveling Baseball teams will compete in the Metro Baseball League (MBL) – a competitive community-based league that includes teams from across the Twin Cities Metro Area and parts of Western Wisconsin. However, PCR reserves the right to place a team(s) into a different league that may be better suited for the younger or more developmental teams. PCR is aware of the sensitivity around playing in different leagues. Therefore, if this occurs, PCR will notify the parents immediately to discuss the reasoning behind the decision and a full refund would be available if desired.
Travel Baseball League Options
10U MBL AAA, AA, A
11U MBL AAA, AA, A
11-12U Pony League
12U MBL AAA, AA, A
13U MBL AAA, AA, A
14U AAA, AA, A
13-14U WWBL
Travel Baseball Practices
Practice dates will begin after Spring Break, pending weather and/or gym space availability.
Player Expectations
- Kids are expected to be at all practices and games with exceptions
- Kids are expected to show proper sportsmanship and respect to players, coaches, fans and umpires
- Each player is required to have a glove, helmet, cleats and game socks
- PCR will provide full uniform that includes hat, jersey, pants and belt.
