So you want to play for the Tincaps... Here's what's involved:
2025 Season
Age Requirements
| Age |
|
Birth Year |
| 8U Rep |
|
2017 |
| 9U Rep |
|
2016 |
| 10U Rep |
|
2015 |
| 11U Rep |
|
2014 |
| 11U Select |
|
2014 - 2015 |
| 12U Rep |
|
2013 |
| 13U Rep |
|
2012 |
| 13U Select |
|
2012 - 2013 |
| 14U Rep |
|
2011 |
| 15U Rep |
|
2010 |
| 15U Select |
|
2010 - 2011 |
| 16U Rep |
|
2009 |
| 18U Rep |
|
2007-2008 |
REP vs SELECT
Select baseball is typically the next level of increased competition and commitment up from House League baseball. Rep (also known as competitive or travel) baseball is typically another level of competition and commitment up above Select baseball. Rep baseball is further sub-divided into three tiers, “AAA”, “AA” and “A”, with “AAA” generally representing the highest level of competition in Rep baseball. Our teams participate at "A" or "AA" level. Both Rep and Select play at a high level of competition and require a strong commitment from both player and family.
How Long is the Season
The Rep regular season typically starts the first week of May and ends on or before Labour Day Monday. There are typically 18-25 regular season games (split evenly between home and away) as well as a small handful of exhibition games. Additionally, Rep teams play between three and five weekend tournaments during the season (including the LDBA playoffs in mid-to-late-August and the provincial championships on Labour Day weekend). Additionally, Rep teams practice twice per week.
Rep and Select teams typically play any day of the week.
The Select regular season typically starts the last weekend in May and ends in mid-August. There are typically 18-20 regular season games (split between home and away) as well as a small handful of exhibition games. Additionally, Select teams play between one and three weekend tournaments during the season (including the playoffs in mid-August). The number of tournaments and exhibition games is set out by the head coach in consultation with parents. Additionally, Select teams practice once or twice per week.
About half of all tournaments are travel tournaments, requiring overnight hotel stays for the team players and families.
Playing time and positions played in Rep or Select Baseball are fair but not necessarily equal.
Our teams play in the
London District Baseball Association. Week day travel for games can be as far as Sarnia and Tillsonburg
Tryouts
Tryouts are held in the fall for most age groups. Spring tryouts will be held for 18U. Schedules will be posted on the website in advance.
Winter Commitment
Teams training in the winter is typically determined on a team-by-team basis but generally starts on a weekly schedule in early January. Teams typically train in the winter in local school gyms, as well as turfed indoor training facilities around London.
Commitment Expectations
We understand that high performing athletes are often involved in other sports. In fact, we encourage participation in other sports as it provides cross-training benefits. Through the winter, we ask that players attend as many of the baseball practices as they can.
However, starting April 1, we ask that baseball becomes the priority sport. If players are absent from many games or practices they are letting the team down, they are not developing as baseball players and they are filling a spot on the team that could have been given to another player. So we ask that only players and families that can make the commitment join these teams.
Generally, starting April 1, coaches expect players to attend at least 85% of all games and practices. Coaches will set their own guidelines for attendance in the winter based on team philosophy and individual player circumstances.
We understand families will likely have vacations throughout the summer, it's also important to note that the more vacation time you expect to take, the more of an impact this could have on the team. If you are planning to take several extended vacations, you may not be able to commit to a competitive schedule.
Cost
If you are selected for a Tincaps team the registration fee is $575 per athlete. There will be an additional team fee, set by each team, this varies depending on the team's plan for the upcoming season. For example, the frequency and quality of winter training facilities selected by the team, if the team plans on purchasing additional clothing (e.g. team work out wear) and how many tournaments they will be entering. Costs for travel and lodging are not included.
In addition, each Tincaps team is required to volunteer for a minimum of 12 hours (e.g. to help with tournament and playoffs that are hosted by the Tincaps).
Required Equipment
A player requires the following personal equipment: baseball shoes, sliding shorts or jock/jill with cup, baseball glove, batting helmet, baseball bag (some teams have standardized), bat (most teams provide this).
Uniforms are provided, fitting and ordering coordinated by the organization in the winter
Number of Players on a Team
Generally rosters range from 12 to 16 players between 8U and 18U.
When a Rep team is short players for a game they may “call-up” a player from Select or the Rep team in the age group younger. When a Select team is short players for a game they may call-up a player from House League or the Select team in the age group younger.
