Q: What opportunities are there for Summer Travel Baseball after the spring season ends?
A: Summer tournament team opportunities are available for baseball players ages 8 and up.
8U
Wellesley will continue to participate in the Friendship League. The Friendship League is designed for baseball players of all skill levels, where the principles of good-sportsmanship and fair play are emphasized over game results. The season introduces young players to travel baseball and allows them to develop their skills in a competitive, but friendly environment.
9U • 10U • 11U • 12U
Wellesley will participate in the Tondorf Tournament hosed by Medway Youth Baseball, and the Sizzler Tournament hosted by Hopkinton Little League. The Tondorf Tournament funs from June 13 through mid-July with the very last possible game taking place on July 18. The Sizzler follows a similar schedule. Both tournaments typically have games on the weekends and one game during the week, taking the July 4th weekend off.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in summer tournament play?
A: Any player who participates in 80% of spring season games is eligible for consideration. This does not guarantee that a player will be selected or place on a summer team, only that the player is eligible. Spring games missed due to conflicts with other sports or club baseball teams are not excused an will count against this requirement. Games missed due to illness or injury will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the WYBS Board.
Q: Are the Summer teams open registration similar to the Spring?
A: While any player is encouraged to register for Summer Travel Baseball, and we do everything we can to find a team for each player, there is a competitive selection process and cuts may be necessary if we do not have enough players to form secondary teams.
Q: Are the winter evaluation results considered for summer league selection?
A: Summer selection is larely based on the individual player performance during the spring season, and readiness for the summer competition. The committee uses multiple data points, including prior evaluations, coach feedback, etc. to make their selections and rankings.
Q: How does the team placement differ from the Spring season?
A: Summer teams are formed based on the players Little League age and not the level / division the player participated in during the spring. For example, a 10U team would be comprised of players who are Little League age 10 or younger. WYBS will always attempt to keep the age groups consistent, however on occasion a player from a younger age may be asked to play at a higher age to balance out team numbers, but only in an effort to ensure maximum participation for all who have expressed interest in participating.
Q: How many teams will participate in each age group?
A: WYBS will send one team from each age group 9U through 12U to the Tondorf Tournament. For Friendship League and Sizzler, WYBS will typically send one team from each age group, 8U - 11U. However, if a particular age group is large enough to support two competitive teams, then two teams will be entered in that division.
Q: What is the schedule for the Summer Tournaments?
A: Tournaments for both baseball and softball start immediately after the spring season ends and conclude in mid-July. Typically, no games or practices are scheduled around July 4th.
Q: Where are the summer tournaments played?
A: Tondorf games are all played in Medway at the Cassidy Field Complex, and Sizzler games are played in Hopkinton. Friendship League home games are played in Wellesley, and road games are scheduled at various town nearby.
Q: What level of commitment is expected for participation on a summer team?
A: Players who are selected and choose to participate are expected to miss no more than two games, including playoffs. The Tondorf Tournament rules limit the number of roster spots, and require players to participate in a certain number of games to be eligible for the playoffs, so attendance is extremely important. Due to the nature of how the teams are selected, a player who is not committed to fully participate is taking away a roster spot for a player who would. For that reason, WYBS asks all families to strongly consider their schedules prior to committing to play on a summer tournament team.
Q: Besides tournaments, are there any other opportunities for summer play?
A: Yes, WYBS provides a Hometown Baseball League option for those looking for a smaller commitment and a less competitive baseball summer baseball experience.
Q: My question wasn't answered here. Who should I contact?
A: General questions should be emailed to: [email protected]
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