The mission of our program first and foremost is to have fun, not only the players but the coaches and parents as well.  Our goal is to develop competitive select youth baseball teams and win baseball games. We strive to provide an opportunity for all of our young men to become better players through competition and teamwork, and better individuals by emphasizing respect for each other and the game of baseball. We work to improve our players' individual skills in order to realize their ultimate potential on the field.

While our first priority is to have fun also understand that this club and the teams involved are serious about competitive baseball.  It is a substantial time and financial commitment to play at this level on these type of teams.  Our season begins early-fall with indoor training and typically doesn’t end until late summer.  If selected to a Raptor team make sure you have discussed with your player and your family the commitment level required if you accept a roster spot.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.  What is the best source of info for the 2010 Fall/Winter Training Program and 2011 season.

A. Download our Raptors Team/Player Guide (PDF) for 2010-2011

Q.  If I play for the Raptors can I play on another team as well or for Little League for example?

A.  Simply put, we don’t own the kids so they are free to do what they want.  However, if a player helps another team out or wants to play with some friends in Little League or Cal Ripken it is typically not an issue if it doesn’t interfere with Raptor games or practices.  This can also be worked around if you let the coaching staff know up front you want to play in one of these leagues.  What becomes a problem is when the coaches/club is not aware of the situation and then the real consideration is other families.  Each family has paid a substantial amount of money and invested a great deal of time.  If you have your player play or practice with another team and miss Raptor games or practice without notice, or getting it previously arranged you are then negatively impacting your team and more importantly, other families as well.  Bottom line….open and honest communication with your coach and the club and we can usually work around any situation.

Q.  What is your refund policy?

A.  The facility fee is a one year membership and is generally not refundable.  However in the event of an injury and not being able to use the facility this will be handled case by case.  Team fees are refundable, less a 15% service charge within the first two months of training and non-refundable thereafter, however, in the event of a season ending injury these will be handled on a case by case basis.

Q.  What if something comes up and we can’t make a tournament, will we be refunded?

A.  Typically no.  Tournament schedules will be set early in January by each team based on the input from team members.  In the event something happens and you are unable to attend a tournament more than likely the fees have already been paid.  However, in the event of injury these will be handled case by case.

Q.  Are travel costs reimbursed?

A.  No, travel, lodging and meal costs are the responsibility of the family.  The exception would be in the event fund-raising or sponsorship exceeds the basic team budget goal.

Q.  How are parent to parent or parent to coach conflicts resolved.

A.  Hopefully these type of issues can be resolved at the team level.  However, if there is a conflict or issue that can not be resolved at the team level the board will entertain both parties in a binding arbitration and the boards decision will be final.  In the event one of the parties is a board member they will be excused from the proceeding.

Q.  Can a team acquire new players during the season and dismiss players on the current team.

A.  Each team if free to acquire additional players during the season for fill in or to replace open roster spots, however each team may carry no more than 12 active players, and current rostered players can not be replaced unless they, or their family/parents have violated the code of conduct and the board must approve the removal.

Q.  Do the kids have guaranteed playing time?

A.  Teams can not carry more than 12 rostered players and must bat all players available for any given game and/or tournament.  Teams are required to play all rostered players at least 2 defensive innings per game unless “Mercy” rules are invoked whereby the team wins or loses prior to the completion of six innings  If the mercy rule is invoked and a player does not play then they should be played at the start of the next available game. 

Special Note:  In the event we field a 13U team and as kids progress to the 13U level, families need to be aware that guaranteed playing times will begin to dissipate.  During regular season league games the playing time rule will apply, however at 13U tournament levels guaranteed playing time and batting rotations will be at the discretion of the coaching staff.  At this age level kids will have to start learning that even though on a team they may not always play, or kids become focused as pitchers or designated hitters and they don’t necessarily always play on defense or bat