Stars and Stripes Baseball

Stars and Stripes Baseball has put a seasonal program together that rivals any other program in the country.  The program began in 2009 as USSSA Team South Carolina when statewide tryouts were held and 10 teams were formed ages 10U to 18U.  These teams went to Florida the day after Christmas and competed in the Winter World Championships.

The event was spectacular and the direction of the program started to take shape. 2010 USSSA Team South Carolina conducted State tryouts again and formed 18 teams, 2 teams at each age group ages 9U to 18U (17U and 18U combined).  With the previous years experience under our belt we produced an improved product that has now grown into the current Stars and Stripes Baseball program.

Stars and Stripes baseball has provided the infrastructure for States to compete in this event on a national basis.  With over 20 States participating in 2011, we anticipate fielding over 300 teams’ ages 9U to 18U.  This program has gained national exposure and has attracted top baseball professionals across the Unites States.

Stars and Stripes has selected state directors who are in charge of their State and responsible for building their “Team of Professionals”.  State directors are busy getting assistant state directors and coaches to complete the staff for Stars and Stripes.  The state directors are responsible for fielding two teams at each age group ages 9U to 18U to represent their State as all of the States collide in Orlando, Florida December 26^th to January 1^st.   We will soon see how the States match up.

This program is unique because the tryouts are being held across the country in a manner where kids at each age group are going to be ranked based upon the numbers they produce.  This will provide a “Benchmark” for how kids stack up against one another in their State and across the country.  Tryouts are managed by professionals who are head high school coaches, college coaches, professional scouts, current or past college and professional baseball players.  “Dads” can not coach their sons on these teams.  They can assist but will not be allowed to coach one of these teams as we are utilizing the professionals to coach these teams.

With an All-Star staff in place and a unique product, Stars and Stripes is providing a great opportunity with meaning to participants and their families.  Each player will receive a professional evaluation which can benchmark their performance and provide immediate feedback as to areas that need development.  The written evaluation can serve as an “Annual Notice” on how each participant is keeping up with the competition.  Similar to how one would get an annual physical.

The tryout event provides an atmosphere which will help participants better prepare for future tryouts for their high school teams, college teams and hopefully their professional career.  The Stars and Stripes staff makes a living in baseball by coaching, providing instruction or scouting.  No one is better prepared or experienced to evaluate your kid.

This is a once a year opportunity for kids and does not interfere with their normal travel team commitment.  Tryouts are in September and October.  The teams are named November 5^th.  Each State will have one or two gatherings before the main event in December in Orlando.  Depending on State’s geographic location and opportunities, the State Teams will host a gathering of all teams that attend a professional camp/clinic/team practice with games and or simply enter a local tournament and compete.  Variations of opportunities exist based upon the State that is participating.

The tryout event will test the players speed, agility, arm strength, batting ability and baseball acumen. Participants have a chance to win the HR Derby award and or the Stars and Stripes Skills Challenge award.  The Stars and Stripes Skills Challenge is a unique test of skill assisted by the use of Fungoman, a baseball robot.  All States will compete at this event in an exact manner which will allow us to provide a national database of rankings to see how players match up.

Participants have to pay a tryout fee of $115 and if selected to the team will have to pay an additional $350 team fee.  There is no other baseball production that provides such a unique opportunity for players as such a low cost.  The participants are responsible for all of their travel, lodging, meals and entertainment.  There are multiple options for Fundraising to help offset the cost of this event.  The tryout fee includes a tryout top and a professional evaluation.  The team fee includes costs for local tournaments/events, the entry fee to the Winter World Championships as well as a hat, two uniform tops, socks and a belt.  Participants must provide their own pair of white pants.

Participants and their families will be excited to learn the Orlando Marriott World Resort is the destination while in Florida.  It is mandatory for families to stay in this hotel as we have secured incredible room rates of $109 per night for a king bed/sleeper sofa and $119 per night for two double beds.  Compare this to regular rates and you will see we have been able to secure an incredible location for an incredible price.  Local residents and or people with time shares are the only ones that can opt out of staying at this location and need to receive permission from National Director.

Stars and Stripes will be hosting over 200 tryouts across the country.  Participants can tryout for their State or an adjoining State.  A “National” team will also be formed at each age group for participants that want to compete but who’s State does not have a state director.

Imagine your son making friends with players from all over the country as well as participating in an event that includes the entire family.  The venue in Orlando Florida provides moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and grandparents with a great opportunity to be included. 

Register today and find out more information at www.starsandstripesbaseball.com.  Feel free to contact your state director and or the national director at the email address listed on the website.  We look forward to your participation and pledge to provide you with a great baseball experience.

Sincerely,

Kelly Ahrens

National Director- Stars and Stripes Baseball

kahrens@starsandstripesbaseball.com