BMBL offers Junior Division tryout-based teams for ages 8-12 in the Spring Season and age 12 in the Fall Season. These teams play at a more competitive level than non-tryout teams and, in some cases, have a longer season. See the League Overview page for a high-level overview of the different tryout-based teams available for different age groups, or the Program Information page for the age group of interest for more detail.

Spring Season tryouts for 8U occur in early spring while other age groups' Spring Season tryouts occur some time in the preceding fall. Fall Season tryouts occur in mid August.

Tryouts should not be confused with assessments. Assessment day is used for the Minors and Majors age groups in the Spring Season in an effort to create competitive balance across all rec teams and occurs on an earlier date than advanced play team tryouts for those age groups. All players registered to participate on a Minors or Majors rec team (including players planning to tryout for advanced play teams) should attend assessment day. The time commitment for assessment day is approximately 15 minutes. No players are cut from rec teams.

Player evaluations at Junior Division tryouts are performed by independent evaluators, who do not have a child trying out for the age group they are evaluating. Evaluators rate each player based on the following criteria. These ratings are used to compare players to one another when creating the advanced play team.

Infield

Infield will be judged from the third base, short stop, and second base positions. Players trying out for first base will also go through infield drills at these three positions.

• Fielding Mechanics
• Arm Strength
• Throwing Accuracy

Outfield

All fly balls will be taken in right field and thrown to third base. All ground balls will be taken from center field and thrown to home plate. A cutoff man will be present but directed not to cut the ball off.

• Fly Ball Mechanics
• Accuracy
• Arm Strength

Hitting

Hitters will be broken into groups and given three rounds of hitting with 6 swings, 4 swings, and 2 swings.

• Power
• Contact
• Mechanics

Pitching

Pitchers will each get 4 pitches from the windup and 4 from the stretch.

• Mechanics
• Arm Strength
• Overall Control

Catching

Catchers will each catch a few pitches, block a few balls in the dirt, and make 2 throws down to second and 2 throws down to third.

• Overall Catching Ability
• Arm Strength

Q: Am I required to be at all designated tryout sessions?
A: Yes, with no exceptions

Q: Can composite bats be used for tryouts?
A: No, Only league approved bats are eligible for use during tryouts.

Q: When will cuts be made?
A: Cuts will be sent out via email no later than the Wednesday following the tryout.

Q: Do I have to sign the advanced play code of conduct?
A: Yes. In order for your child to play on a tournament team you will have to sign the advanced play code of conduct, which will be available during registration