What is a Competitive Team in regards to travel baseball?

A Competitive Team is what is also called a “Travel Team” or "Travel Baseball". A team that will play approximately two tournaments per month (Saturday and Sunday games)  in the USSSA association. The aim is to play within local areas around Central Arkansas, as close to home as possible. There will not be overnight stays unless absolutely unavoidable (State Tournaments). Teams will be affiliated with The Practice Field as their parent organization. When the new Majestic Park in Hot Springs is finished, we hope to play there as much as possible. 

At this point, TPF would like to see interest for all ages and divisions. If there are enough players to form teams organically, we are here to help develop those players. If the interest is overwhelming, tryouts may be necessary. Each player will be evaluated based on skill level and will be placed on a team accordingly. 

$150+tax per month (6 month commitment)

4 two-hour training sessions with a TPF instructor and team coach(es)

$275 Uniform (one-time fee for new players)

Game Jersey x 2

Game Pant x 2

Helmet

Bag

Batting Gloves

Socks + Belt

Hat

Returning players can purchase items as needed.

Tournament Fees will be paid separately by team.

Teams are formed by birth year, with cutoff being April 30th: 

         -U8     4/30/2012 - 5/1/2013

- U9    4/30/2011 - 5/1/2012

- U10  4/30/2010 - 5/1/2011

- U11  4/30/2009 - 5/1/2010

- U12  4/30/2008 - 5/1/2009

- U13  4/30/2007 - 5/1/2008

- U14  4/30/2006 - 5/1/2007

Pre-formed teams are welcome to play under the TPF brand. If a team playing for The Practice Field is not a complete team, players will be added to the roster based on age, ability, and any team needs not otherwise specified. 

All requests for players and coaches will be considered as a fun and enjoyable experience is our priority.

All players are expected to commit to a 6 month “season”. This includes, but is not limited to, two practices per week, and two tournaments per month. While we understand that many athletes play multiple sports, we would like to keep the teams from needing alternate players sporadically, thus the importance of the commitment. It is also imperative that the team learn and grow together. 

When does this begin?

The first tournaments will start last weekend in February. We anticipate practices will begin the beginning of January. This will allow teams to form relationships, develop skills and prepare for the upcoming tournament season. 

In order to meet roster deadlines, uniform orders and tournament registrations we will need to form teams as soon as possible. 

Youth sports are experiencing injuries at an alarming rate. The top MLB arm surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, along with Major League Baseball, have created guidelines to decrease injuries and increase long-term health standards in young players. The Practice Field trusts these sources and will be abiding by their researched guidelines for our players. 

What is Pitch Smart?

Pitch Smart is a series of practical, age-appropriate guidelines to help parents, players and coaches avoid overuse injuries and foster long, healthy careers for youth pitchers. It is important for each league to set workload limits for their pitchers to limit the likelihood of pitching with fatigue. Research has shown that pitch counts are the most accurate and effective means of doing so (www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines). 

The Practice Field’s number one priority is the mental and physical health/safety of all players. Our goal is to teach athletes how to maximize skill while minimizing risk.