Minnesota Blizzard Baseball

This year, we will be holding off-site tryouts in southern and northern Minnesota to scout the top players in high school to play for our regionally-based (Twin Cities) teams.  Registration and tryout format is the same.  Out-state players are welcome to come to our standard workout/tryout but our off-site tryouts are made for those who may not be able to make the drive but are still interested in playing with our Minnesota Blizzard Elite teams.  Please check for dates in Duluth, Alexandria and Mankato, Minnesota.  See you soon! -Coach Barta!

HITTING

Each player will receive between 7 – 10 pitches from a coach.

Scoring will be judged on mechanics including:

1. Set-up
2. Swing
3. Balance

• Ability to make solid contact
• Superior power
• Overall athletic ability and talent

INFIELD

Each player will receive 5 – 8 ground balls hit at them, to their right and left

Scoring will be judged on mechanics including:

1. Footwork and Hands
2. Proper throwing technique / body control
3. Quickness / lateral movements
4. Accuracy

• Athletic ability and hustle
• Superior arm strength

OUTFIELD

Each Player will receive 4 – 8 fly balls hit at them, to their right and left

• Ability to judge fly balls, athleticism and hustle
• Range to the left, right, in and back
• Catching the ball hit at player, to the right and left

Fielding the ball on the ground and make a proper and quick transfer

• Superior arm strength

PITCHING

Each player will receive 10 – 20 pitches / or throw one inning

• Mechanics – must show the ability to have consistent mechanics from the wind-up and stretch position
• Velocity– player should have above average velocity relative to age group
• Movement and Action– player (relative to age) should show ability to have movement on fastball and action on secondary pitches
• Location – player should have the ability to throw all pitches in the strike zone

CATCHING

Each player will receive 5 balls thrown from an evaluator and/or pitcher

• Catching and Receiving – player should be able to catch the ball without struggling and should be able to show the ability to frame pitches in and around the strike zone
• Arm Strength – player should have above-average arm strength relative to age group and have the ability to throw to 2nd base with relative ease and little or no arch
• Blocking– player should not move out of the way of a bounced ball and should make an effort to display proper blocking technique and hustle

RUNNING

• Players 14u-18u will run timed 60 yard dashes
• Players 13u and under will run a 40 yard dash (if time permits)

Player should sign up online by AT LEAST one day before their tryout.

Check-in

When players arrive, they must check in at the check-in tent and get their player # and get their picture taken.  Please arrive at least 45 minutes before tryouts.  All players will receive a Blizzard hat at tryouts.

Age Level

Age cut-off is April 30th, 2018 (or whatever your age is on April 30th, 2018) For example, if you are 14 years old right now and your birthday is March 3rd, 2018, you are considered a 15u because you turn 15 before April 30th, 2018.