1. Gear

Cleats

·         Turf shoes - most efficient on turf especially if you are pitching

·         Metal spikes -for grass only (not allowed to be worn on Grant or McDaniel Turf Fields to protect the turf surface)

·         Molded plastic cleats adequate for all surfaces

Bats

·         Purchase only USSSA 1.15bpf (not USA bats)

·         Use Bat Sizing Chart | JustBats.com - select “Youth” to determine bat length

·         13YO should be transitioning to -8 USSSA

·         14YO should only swing a -5 USSSA and should transition to -3 Bbcor bat (tournaments require -3 Bbcor for 14U)

Helmets - ensure that there are no cracks or missing foam.  Consider purchasing a higher speed rated helmet for faster pitching


2. Team Formation in the Spring

Spring teams are formed based on tryouts (in February or March) to create the most competitive teams at the levels noted below. These teams will participate in the Junior Baseball Organization (JBO https://www.juniorbaseballorg.com/) schedule with additional opportunities to play weekend tournaments.

Note: some years not all interested players make a GYB team. Number of teams is determined by how many players try out and how many coaches step up to lead teams.

Junior Baseball Organization (JBO) League - Structure is 14U (6th, 7th and 8th grade)

• Federal (Top division, mostly 8th graders) - GYB will have one (1) 14U JBO Tournament Team 
• American (7th and 8th Graders)
• • 13U JBO Tournament Team (1)
  • 14U/13U JBO team (as many as can be fielded and coaches available)
• National (6th, 7th and 8th graders) - 14U/13U JBO team (as many as can be fielded and coaches available)
  

3. Spring Season Outline

Practice

All interested players will have academy practices in February. After tryouts and team formation in late Feb/early March, plan on practicing 2-3 times a week until games start in April. During the game season teams may practice 1-2 times a week.

Games

JBO games will start in mid-April and will be played during the week either on M/W or Tu/Th. Games start at 6PM and will be against teams located in Clackamas County. Local tournaments may be played on the weekend. The season may go through the end of July if the team qualifies for State playoffs.

4. Costs

We keep costs as low as possible for this community baseball program.  Spring 2025 base cost was $825.  Travel Teams typically play additional tournaments, aside from the JBO schedule. These additional costs are borne by families on the Travel Teams (not by GYB).