Hibbing Youth Baseball

Hibbing Youth Baseball would like to see an increase in Travel Ball participation.  We put together a list of frequently asked questions to hopefully alleviate some fears about travel ball and garner more interest!

What is Travel Ball?

Travel Ball is a Hibbing team based on age (9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U & 14U) where you play in 3-4 tournaments per season.  Travel Ball is in addition to the Minor League/Little League/IRB.

Why should my kid go out for Travel Ball?

Besides the fact it really helps with their development, most kids who play on HYB travel team love it! It’s a little higher level than in-house play, and the rules are usually very different (depending on the tournament). What we discovered is that we usually register for 3-4 tournaments per season and by the end of the year, we have parents asking if we can sign up for more because their sons and daughters are having a blast.  

What is the time commitment for Travel Ball?

Typically, travel teams play in 3-4 tournaments per season, almost always within an hour drive of the Hibbing area (Duluth, Proctor, Cloquet, Virginia, etc). The tournaments are on the weekends. Any additional games/tournaments would only be added if there is interest to do so. We are not traveling every weekend or going to the Twin Cities every weekend.  Travel teams are not playing games during the week until after the regular league season is done (and only if the team has interest). Don’t think of Travel Ball as similar to how teams travel in hockey - the commitment is nowhere near the same! Practices vary by age level, but typically there are 1-2 practices during the week. 

Are there tryouts?

Yes, there are tryouts. However, there is no limit on how many teams we can have.  For example, if we have 22 kids that want to play 10U, there is nothing stopping us from having 2 teams.  What we don’t want is to have 16 kids on a team and no one gets very much playing time.

Is there an additional cost?

Yes, typically about $100.  The extra cost is to pay for the entry fees in the tournaments.

Jerseys?

Just like regular teams, HYB provides jerseys.  However, they are real uniforms so you do not get to keep them at the end of the year.

What if I have to miss a practice or game?

While we would like you to be at every practice and game, we understand that people have things going on in the summer. Please work with your coach if you have to miss.  However, make every effort to be there as much as you can.

Can I just play Travel Ball?

No, you must be rostered on an in-house HYB team to be eligible for Travel Ball.

So, would I be on 2 teams?

Yes, your player would be on an in-house team and travel team. 

If you have any further questions about our travel teams, please contact us at hibbingyouthbaseball@gmail.com. We would love to see more players going out for this level of baseball this season to develop their skills and have a ton of fun!

Hibbing Youth Baseball will offer 9U, 11U, 12U & 14/15A travel teams during the 2024 season.

Who is eligible

• Anyone registered for Hibbing Youth Baseball for the 2023 season.

• And meets the following age requirements:

  • 9U: Anyone age 9 who doesn't turn 10 prior to May 1, 2024. We will allow 8 year olds to try out.

  • 10U: Anyone age 10 who doesn't turn 11 prior to May 1, 2024.

  • 11U: Anyone age 11 that doesn't turn 12 prior to May 1, 2024.

  • 12U: Anyone age 12 that doesn't turn 13 prior to May 1, 2024.

  • 14/15A: Anyone age 14 that doesn't turn 16 prior to May 1, 2024. We will allows 13 year olds to try out for this team.

Tryouts

• Interested players must tryout for their respective age group. Any exceptions must be approved by the board. 

• Tryout Dates 

  • 9U: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the LL Field

  • 11U: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the LL Field

How are teams picked?

• Player must attend tryouts at the designated time/day. Contact the coach ASAP if you're unable to attend.

• All players who attend tryouts will be evaluated by the coaches, who will work together to select the teams. The board does reserve the right to assist in the decision-making process if it feels necessary.

• There’s room for a maximum of 12 players on each team.

  • Please contact Tony Potter at (218) 969-3488 or hibbingyouthbaseball@gmail.com if your child is interested in trying out for one of  the teams.

Registration fees

• 9U = $135
• 11U = $165
• 12U = TBD
• 14/15A = $70
• Fee goes toward registration for away tournaments.

  • Due upon your son/daughter making the team.

Attendance

• May have 2 excused absences from practice.

• Must be available for all tournaments for the respective age group.