TRAVEL BASEBALL

Welcome to Clarence Baseball’s Travel Team Program!



For families new to travel baseball or new to our program, the information below is intended to help you better understand our competitive summer baseball program, expectations, and commitment level.


Eligibility

All travel team players through the 12u level must:

  • Be residents of the Town of Clarence or the Clarence Central School District
  • Be registered TCBA House League players

National and Senior League age travel players are not required to participate in House League, but are responsible for the appropriate fees.

Beginning at the 13u level, teams may accept a limited number of non-Clarence residents.

Age-Level Policy

No travel player may play above their appropriate age level until they become eligible for the 13u division.

Example:

  • A player eligible for 9u may not play on an older team.
  • Once eligible for 13u, that player may try out for 13u, 14u, 15u, or 16u teams.


Coaches

Travel coaches are recommended by the Travel Director and approved by the TCBA Board.

At the conclusion of each season, coaches meet with the Travel Director to review:

  • Team performance
  • Program feedback
  • Parent survey responses
  • Areas for improvement


Team Formation

8u Teams

At the 8u level, teams are formed during the House League season.

9u and Above

Beginning at 9u, players participate in tryouts held in August/September for the following season.

The philosophy of Clarence Travel Baseball is to:

  • Select the top 11–12 players to form the “A” team
  • If interest, talent, and coaching availability allow, form a “B” team with the next group of players

Historically:

  • Most 8u–12u age groups field two teams
  • Older age groups typically field one team


Tryouts

Players are expected to attend all scheduled tryout sessions for their age group.

If a player cannot attend, families should contact the age-group coach in advance.

Evaluation Areas

Players will be evaluated on:

  • Hitting
  • Fielding
  • Throwing
  • Pitching
  • Base running

Travel baseball is competitive, and not all players will make a team.

Final roster decisions are made by the head coach based on:

  • Skill evaluations
  • Team needs
  • Positional requirements

A group of current or former board members will oversee tryouts at all levels.


Commitment Expectations

The travel program is designed for competitive-level baseball and requires a strong commitment from both players and families.

Typical Timeline

  • Tryouts: August/September
  • Winter workouts/practices: Late fall through winter (varies by team)
  • Spring/Summer season: Late April or early May through early August

During the season, families should expect:

  • Multiple practices and/or games during the week
  • Weekend tournaments and doubleheaders
  • A demanding baseball schedule throughout the spring and summer

While we try to remain flexible with other activities, travel baseball should be considered the player’s primary spring/summer sport commitment.

Attendance Expectations

Vacations and absences are discouraged due to:

  • Small roster sizes
  • Team competitiveness
  • Dependence on player availability throughout the season

Missing games or tournaments may impact playing time.

Families unable to commit fully to the travel schedule may want to consider participation in TCBA House League only.

Team Expectations

Commitment levels and intensity vary by team and coach.

Generally:

  • “A” teams operate at a highly competitive level with greater expectations
  • “B” teams may offer a slightly more flexible and developmental environment


Expenses

Families should expect travel baseball costs to average approximately:

  • $75–100 for uniforms (new players or replacements)
  • $100–200 for league and tournament fees

Estimated total:

Approximately $300–400 per player


Tournaments

Clarence Travel Baseball teams participate in:

  • TCBA-hosted tournaments
  • Local tournaments
  • Occasional out-of-town tournaments at the coach’s discretion

Most tournaments guarantee:

  • A minimum of 3 games
  • Potential playoff/championship rounds

It is common for teams to play multiple games in a single day during tournament weekends.


Cooperstown Tournament (12u Team)

At the 12u level, the “A” travel team traditionally participates in a week-long 50/70 tournament in Cooperstown, NY.

This experience is considered a highlight of the program and represents years of hard work and commitment from players and families.

Cooperstown Participation Includes:

  • Team fundraising activities
  • Travel and lodging coordination
  • A significant team commitment

The approximate cost is:

$15,000 per team

In most years, fundraising efforts cover the majority — and often all — of the expense. Any remaining balance becomes the responsibility of participating families.

We look forward to another exciting season of Clarence Travel Baseball!