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Blizzard Tryouts - the process, what it takes & roster selection

06/03/2019, 10:00am CDT
By Adam Barta, Minnesota Blizzard

Tryouts start in June !

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How does the Blizzard select their Blizzard Elite and Fall rosters?
 
Every year, our rosters start with zero players.  There is no automatic carry over.
 
Players improve and our goal when making our Blizzard Elite and Fall teams is to choose the best talent at our tryouts.  All returning players need to go through the same tryout process every season. 
 
That starts with our tryouts (ages 9u-18u) which include evaluating each players tools - usually in a two-day format.   
 
What to expect at tryouts ...
 
Expect a lot of players, good competition and a great baseball setting.  Each player will run a 60 yard dash (40 yard for 10u-13u), go through defensive work including outfield, infield, catcher pop times, batting practice and bullpens.
 
After Day 1, we will post call back rosters immediately (same day) on our website (www.blizzardelitebaseball.com) and you will return (if need be) to play a scrimmage where pitchers throw a controlled inning against hitters.
 
What it takes ... 
 
I am looking for players who put the effort in, want to be a great teammate, who show compassion and heart for who they are playing with - and against.  I want players who have drive, play hard and don't quit.  To play for the Blizzard, your character needs to be as good or better than your talent on the field!  I'm looking for FIRE and I want to see it at tryouts!  Don't think you are not good enough to play for the Blizzard.  Come find out!
 
 
Posting Rosters ...
 
We will post rosters mid-July on our website. 
 
Players who cannot make tryouts or who have to leave early ...
 
If you are a player who cannot make a tryout, you should come to the next closest age group to be graded out.   
 
Please email me at: abarta@minnesotabaseballacademy.com with your situation and we will make it work.  We also have designated days on our "Tryout Dates" to choose from. 
 
If you have to leave early for a tournament, please let us know and we'll make sure we get you out of there as soon as possible - no problem !
 
Definition of Teams - Elite, Gold Team (fall+tourneys), Silver (fall only)
 
Our Blizzard Elite teams are separated into two groups - Blue and Black.  The Blizzard Blue teams will have the top 12 or 13 players/prospects from the tryouts on the team.  Players who are graded out 13-24 will be placed on the Blizzard Black roster if the staff feels like they can compete on a national level.  This year, Blizzard Elite teams will play a 'fall heavy' tournament schedule typically ending in November.  Those same Blizzard Elite teams practice throughout the winter and will travel to one-two more tournaments in January and/or February.
   
The Blizzard Fall teams are separated into two groups - Gold and Silver.  Fall Teams (12-14 players) are picked on skill level, position depth charts and proximity to teammates.  Our fall teams are very competitive and are usually comprised of many top-tier players who cannot travel due to other sports. 
 
Our Blizzard Gold teams will travel to two-four tournaments this year with their season ending in November. 
 
PITCHER ONLY players are rostered players who are on the team primarily as pitchers.  The fee structure is the same but there are more options including lessons.
 
Is cost a factor? ...
 
In 2016, we started the JP4 Foundation - a non-profit organization. Our mission is to help baseball players - not just Blizzard players - who are in need of financial assistance.  We have also developed a college scholarship for graduating seniors and the Foundation also provides community service opportunities for all of our players.  Last year alone, we awarded over $30,000 in assistance and aid to players from around Minnesota.   
 
We have never turned down a player because they couldn't afford it.
 
We choose players based on their ability, not their ability to write a check. 
 
Player with the best in the state against the best in the country.  Blizzard Baseball.
 
 

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