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's 8U "A-team" will likely participate in the Ashland Sparkler Tournament, and if enough players register and a "B-team" is formed, they will participate in the Hopkinton Sizzler Tournament. While the Sparkler tournament is intended to be more competitive, both tournaments are designed for baseball players of varying skill levels and as an introduction to competitive tournament play, where the principles of good-sportsmanship and fair play are emphasized over game results. Rules are also slightly modified for the age group. Both tournaments run from mid-June through mid-July with the very last possible game taking place on/around July 18. Both tournaments typically have games on the weekends and one game during the week, taking the July 4th weekend off. In order to enter a team in any tournament, we will need at least 11 – 12 fully committed players.
9U • 10U • 11U • 12U
Wellesley will participate in the Tondorf Tournament hosted by Medway, and the Sizzler Tournament hosted by Hopkinton. The Tondorf Tournament runs from mid-June through mid-July with the very last possible game taking place on/around 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. In order to enter a team in any tournament, we will need at least 11 – 12 fully committed players in each age group.
District Tournament Play
Typically Wellesley only enters a team in the 12U District Tournament (often referred to as Williamsport Tournament as it ends in Williamsport, PA should the team advance to the end). However, if majority interest is evident (75% or more of a roster) 11U and/or 10U Tondorf teams may additionally enter into their respective District Tournaments.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in summer tournament play?
A: Any player who participates in 60% 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 and 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 largely 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 8U through 12U to the Tondorf or Sizzler (8U) Tournament. For Sizzler, WYBS will typically send one team from each age group, 8U - 12U. 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. Sparkler games are played in Ashland
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: WYBS has historically provided a Sandlot style option for those looking for a smaller commitment and a less competitive baseball summer baseball experience. Details of each year's offertings are dependent upon year to year interest and will be communicated towards the end of the Spring season if an option will exist.
Q: My question wasn't answered here. Who should I contact?
A: General questions should be emailed to: [email protected]
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