Wildcat Baseball and Softball Club
The MYBSA Wildcat Baseball and Softball Club is designed to offer additional practice and playing opportunities to interested and dedicated players and parents.
2021-2022 MYBSA Wildcat Baseball and Softball Club player eligibility: a player must live in or attend Marion Unit 2 or Crab Orchard Unit 3 school districts. 3-4 players / team will be allowed from outside of the school districts listed (depending upon roster size).
MYBSA Wildcat Baseball and Softball Club description - In 2016 the MYBSA board formed the Wildcat Baseball and Softball club (formerly Travel Program). This club is designed to offer a higher level of play to eligible players. Teams are formed via tryouts in the fall and spring if needed. Final team rosters will consist of 10-12 players depending on the coaches preference. Wildcat coaches are encouraged to maintain a 1:1 training session to game ratio. The following frequently asked question section has general answer. Travel teams do differ in some areas depending on coaches preference. If your player is offered a position on a travel team we highly recommend you ask your coach any questions you may have before accepting.
How much is Wildcat Registration? $300.00 per season. The registration fee does not cover the full cost of a Wildcat team season. Parents may and probably will be asked to fundraise and/or pay additional funds to make up the difference. Wildcat registration is due as soon as you accept position on team, and is non-refundable.
Will I be required to fundraise? Some teams choose to fundraise. Ask your coach if this wil be required if your player is offered a position on team.
When do Wildcat teams start practicing? Some teams may choose to practice 1 day per week during winter in an indoor facility. After March 1st most teams will be practicing 1 or 2 days per week outside. After April 1st if a travel teams wants to practice or play at Ray Fosse park they will need to do so on Wednesday, Saturday after 4 pm or Sunday afternoon.
When do Wildcat teams start playing? Generally after March 1st.
When will season end? In 2013 1 team ended season about July 4th, 1 about mid July and 2 more played together through fall. The 2 that played through fall did take time off in July and August. This is definitely a question you want to ask you coach.
When will games be played? Most Wildcat games are played on Wednesday night and weekends including Sunday. Games may be played on week nights other than Wednesday if fields are available.
How many games do travel teams play - Usually 40 to 50
How far and how often do teams travel? This is really coaches preference. In 2013 there was 1 team that played 90% of their games in Marion, IL and never traveled further than 1 hour. 3 other teams play 50 to 60% of games in Marion, IL and traveled to 3 or 4 tournament within 150 mile radius.
Will over night stays be required when playing in away weekend tournaments? This depends on distance and game times. Last year MYBSA travel teams played in weekend tournaments located in: Hopkinsville, KY, Benton, KY, Cape Girardeau, MO, Sikeston, MO, Mount Vernon, IL, St Louis area, and of course Marion, IL.
Can my player also participate in Marion Recreation Baseball and Softball leagues? Yes, the Wildcat program is designed to co-exist with the recreation programs (this a large committment and much consideration should be given to the idea before signing up for the recreation league as well)
If my player participates in the the recreation league and a conflict occurs which comes first. Although conflicts are rare if one does occur the following criteria should be followed: 1) travel game 2) recreation game 3) travel practice 4) recreation practice. Communication with all coaches is key if a conflict does occur.
Can my player also play on another local travel baseball or softball team? no- too many conflicts
Will Wildcat practices or games conflict with other recreation sports like soccer? Recreation Soccer -typically not, All-star soccer - possible as your travel baseball or softball team could be playing a tournament the same weekend. Speak with your coach if your players does partciapte in all-star soccer. All-star soccer tournaments are typically the same weekends each year, so you should be able to inform the coach any weekends your player would be unavailable.
Will Wildcat practices or games conflict with other travel sports like club soccer? very possible- for same reason as all-star soccer.
What if my child does not make a Wildcat team, are there other opportunities within the Marion program for my child to practice and play more games? Yes this will be the 6th year MYBSA will also sanction RecPLus teams (if requested by a coach or interested parties). These teams will be formed via tryout in early April, any player participating in the Summer Recreation league is eligible to tryout for a RecPlus teams. Registration fee $185 - this includes you summer registration fee which is typically $70. These teams play an additional 20-25 games on top of 12 recreation games. These teams typically also practice at least 1 time per week on Wednesday nights. More information on the RecPLus program will be posted on website at a later date.
Still have a question? Email: [email protected]