OBA will be continuing with the structure of a two-day evaluation for travel baseball. 

Session 1 is required for all Majors and Travel players ages 9-14 (grades 3-8).

Session 2 is required for all Tournament Team 10 year-olds and all Travel players. Third graders (9u) and Majors-only 4th Graders (10u) are exempt from Session 2.

Both sessions are required for Tournament 10 year-olds and all Travel players.

Any player that is unable to attend evaluations must inform the OBA President prior to March 6. Guidelines regarding players that are unable to attend evaluations are listed in our Travel and Tournament Handbook.

Session 1 Dates & Times

Please check-in at least 15 minutes before your assigned time on your selected date. Evaluations will be drop-off only - please drop your player at the curb and send them in for check-in. 

Sunday, March 13th at Maple Grove Dome: 8am-2pm
Exact age group times will be published closer to tryouts. We will try to accommodate basketball players and the State Tournament schedule.

Session 2 Dates & Times 

Please check-in at least 15 minutes before your assigned time. Evaluations will be drop-off only - please drop your player at the door and send them in for check-in. We will have volunteers waiting at the door to assist the players with check-in. 

Tuesday, March 15th at Long Lake Dome
Times will be posted closer to tryouts.
 

Evaluation Details

Session 1 will again be evaluated by external baseball personnel. OBA will provide volunteers to help execute the evaluations, but those volunteers will not evaluate players. Volunteers will not help during their own player's time slot. Session 1 stations will include:

• Infield Defense - Players will be evaluated on glove work, footwork, arm strength and accuracy.
• Outfield Defense - Evaluations will include form, footwork, throwing accuracy and arm strength.
• Pitching - Players will have 6-7 pitches to warm-up, then will throw 7-8 pitches for evaluators. Players will be evaluated on mechanics, arm speed, poise and accuracy.
• Hitting (front toss) - Players will receive 8 pitches from a volunteer throwing front toss. Players will be evaluated on stance, load, bat speed and contact.
• Hitting (machine) - Players will receive 6-7 pitches from a pitching machine. Players will be evaluated on mechanics, bat speed and contact.

Session 2 will be evaluated by OBA-provided evaluators. These evaluators will not have a direct relation or connection to any of the players. Session 2 stations will include:

• Defensive Specialty Station (player to choose 1 of the 3 below):
  1. Catching - evaluation to include positioning, blocking and throwing.
  2. Infield - evaluation to focus on ability to catch thrown ball, footwork, quickness of release and accuracy of throws.
  3. Outfield - evaluation will focus on footwork, long toss arm strength and long toss accuracy.
• Live Hitting - Players will see 7-8 pitches from a volunteer throwing live. Players will be evaluated on mechanics, bat path and exit velocity.
• Bunting - Players will have 6-7 pitches from a machine. Players will be evaluated on bunting form, contact and control
• Quickness shuttle station - Players will have 2 chances to complete a quickness shuttle station with the best time being recorded.

Travel & Tournament Teams will be announced the evening of Friday, March 18 and posted on the Travel Teams page.