SUMMER BASEBALL PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Ages 8-14 Travel Summer Baseball

Needham Baseball provides a highly competitive summer travel baseball program for players in the 8U - 14U  age groups.  These teams are for dedicated baseball players.  The program stresses skill development and competition. 

Travel Season

The summer starts in late June and extends in to August. Teams that make the playoffs could play in to the middle of August. 

Player Expectations

Players will be expected to attend practices, regular season games, playoffs and possible tournaments. Parents should not consider this program if their player will be away for more than two weeks in July.  Except for tournaments and playoffs, the teams typically do not play on weekends during the summer.  The high level of commitment is necessary to be able to field teams and make our program successful.

Travel Teams

Teams at 8U will be playing the Friendship League.  The Friendship League does not have tiers and our teams will be as balanced as possible. Friendship League teams typically play two games per week and all teams qualify for playoffs. 

Teams from 9U through 12U will compete in the Suburban Youth Baseball League.  There will be an “A” team and a “B” team at each age level.  Teams at the age levels may play at least one weekend tournament.  Depending on registration numbers, there is potential for a "C" team at some age levels.

League placement and the number of team at the  13U- 14U will depend on registration numbers. 

Team Size and Selection

There will be a maximum of 12 players on an A team and 13 on a B team.  Players may be cut if registration numbers at a particular age group are such that it is not possible to field a team of 12 or 13 players.  If a player is cut or asked to be an alternate, refunds for the registration fee will be provided.  Fortunately, we have been able to accommodate all players who registered on time the last few years. 

8U: All players will attend an evaluation in the spring. This combined with feedback from spring coaches will be used to create balanced teams. 

9U-11U:There will be a evaluation in the spring for players who wish to be considered for the A teams. This combined with feedback from spring coaches and past evaluation data will be used to determine the A team roster. 

12U:  Teams will be selected based on feedback from spring coaches as well as past tryout and evaluation data. There won't be a formal tryout for these age groups.

13U & 14U:Number of teams and roster sizes will depend on registration numbers. Please note that the age classification at these levels may differ from the Little League Age Chart below. If there aren't enough players to field a team at an age level, registration fee will be refunded. 

Coaches

Any spring coaches who want to be considered to manage a summer team should contact the Director of Summer Baseball. All Needham Summer coaches are required to attend Positive Coaches Alliance (PCA) workshops and must be approved by the Board of Directors. 

For questions, please contact summer director Victor Saratella