WHLL hopes to field two preparatory baseball teams during the 2009-2010 season, one for 13 year olds and one for 14 year olds.  Since many players and their parents begin to look for a select baseball team in the fall, we will have tryouts for the teams during Fall Ball tryouts in late August.  In the past, based upon player/parent demands, the team has begun practicing in late November until a week prior to the Holiday break.  If we need more players for the spring season, we will have a second tryout either just before breaking for the holiday or in early January. 

Our home field will be Brumley where all field practices will be held.  The team also practices at Grand Slam (near Penn Field at South Congress) from time to time. For a quick description of the differences between the Prep Baseball and PONY League teams, see below.

Eligibility:  Anyone who has played in WHLL and lives in the WHLL boundaries, as defined by Little League.  (If you have been playing on our teams, you are eligible.)  Players must be 13 or 14 on or before April 31^st, 2010.  Players who played on the Prep team this past year as 13's do not need to attend a tryout and have a secure place on the 14 year-old team.

Coaches:  Our coaches for the past several years have been Josh Hamilton, Patrick Priddy, and their assistants.  We have been pleased with their knowledge of the game and their treatment of our boys.  There will be two coaches at each practice and game. 

Cost (tentative only -- based on 2009 season): $250.00 one-time registration fee through WHLL; $255.00 per month to pay coaches and tournament fees. Total cost, approximately $1875.00 if the teams play through June.  (At the first parent meeting after the team has been formed, we will determine how late into the summer the teams will play.) 

Scholarships: WHLL will not discourage a player from trying out or joining the team due to lack of resources.  Parents who receive a scholarship are asked to pay at least $25.00 per month as a token of their commitment to the team. 

Time commitment:  Two to three practices per week at Brumley, depending upon whether or not the team plays a tournament on the weekend or a weekday scrimmage game.  The team will play up to two tournaments a month, the exact number to be determined after the team has been formed and parents polled.  On the weekends when there are no tournaments, there will be a Saturday morning practice.  

Tryouts:  Players who want to join the Prep team will attend a tryout held at the same time as our Fall Ball tryouts near the end of August. Depending upon numbers and player demand, the team will most likely not begin practicing until after football season.  In some years, practices have begun after Thanksgiving with a long break for the holiday, then resumed in the first week of January.  It is possible that the team will practice once a week September through October, then  move to more practices in November. 

Notification: Within three days of the tryout, the coaches will notify the players who have been selected.  Parents will have one week to signal their commitment to adding their son to the team by submitting a deposit for $550.00, which will be applied to the monthly fee.  The deposit is nonrefundable except in the case of a documented injury.   

PREP or PONY?

If you aren't sure whether to try out for the Prep Baseball  Team or PONY League  team, consider the following:

              PONY

• one game during the week
• one weekend game
• one practice a week (usually)
• Pony registration fee (approx. $250.00)
• Post-season all-star play (if selected)
• volunteer coaches

PREP

• two tournaments a month throughout the season (March – June)
• three practices a week (usually)
• Pony registration fee (approx. $250.00)
• $255.00 per month (for tournaments, paid coaching)
• professional, paid coaching

The most important thing to consider is where your son will most enjoy playing baseball.  

For more information please contact League Commissioner Brent Covert at 970-8040.