Longshots Baseball Information

Longshots Baseball is committed to the year-round development of our players. We offer skill development for players who treat baseball as a primary sport. We don't demand that players make baseball their exclusive sport (we think other sports offer great physical development opportunities that compliment baseball skills), but baseball must be a primary sport. Our coaches also develop year round, continuously learning from each other and from other travel programs, and from professional scouts and coaches, as well as from college and high school coaches. We coach across the age groups so all players benefit from the knowledge and experience of the entire staff. Tryouts: Tryouts are held throughout August for the various age groups. Our 15U through 17U teams hold open tryouts. All players are welcome to try out in front of coaches from all Senior Division age groups who will evaluate present skills and development potential of the players. Bring a wood bat! Fall Program: The Fall Program is designed primarily to concentrate on skill development and conditioning, with some high level competitive play and specific exposure mixed in. There are many workouts focusing on fundamental drills and proper techniques. All workouts will involve some appropriate level of physical development. We will mix in some competitive play such as Perfect Game tournaments in Iowa and Florida, as well as playing at several colleges. We have exposure opportunities for those who are ready for it and at the levels that are appropriate to the players' needs. To kick off the Fall Program the last weekend in August, the seniors play a game at Wrigley Field. The Fall Program runs though late October. Winter Skills Camp: Coach Rob Rooney directs a weekend skill development camp in November and December. This camp focuses on the very essence of the basic mechanics of baseball skills. The proper mechanics for each baseball skill is demonstrated, explained, and drilled. Players of all levels can improve their skills dramatically in a short time when they understand how and why each skill is performed to maximize efficiency and reduce injury risk. As the camp progresses, positional skills are taught for Middle Infielder, Third Base, First Base, Outfield, Pitching, and Catching. This camp fills to capacity each year, so inquire early. Winter Workouts: Beginning in January and running until high school ball begins, our winter workouts concentrate on getting our players ready to compete for their high school teams. There is a strong emphasis on hitting and positional play, as well as getting players arms ready for their high school season. Summer Schedule: Our summer schedules are built to specifically take players along their developmental paths and expose them to college coaches and pro scouts as they are ready. The summer season runs from the end of the high school season through the beginning of August. he summer season culminates with the selection of teams to compete in the Connie Mack World Series regional qualifier.