Traditionally, SAYB has offered a "Big League Baseball Program" in the fall season for players who will be entering the 13-15 year old age group.
Unfortunately, due to lack of volunteer support, we will be unable to offer this program for the 2008 fall season.
Coaches interested in developing their own teams should contact myas.org directly.
Thank You.
The Big League is made up of traveling "A" and "B" teams (National League) and in-house teams (American League). Interested American League players who qualify also have the opportunity to experience tournament baseball against other communities at the "C" tournament level.
Teams conduct league play via the MYAS Gopher State baseball program and participate in one season-ending tournament at each level.
Tryouts are held for all Big League players to determine team formation and to support competitive balance. We expect to have a series of warmup sessions in March for all registered big league players that will assist in preparation for tryouts.
It is requested that that all Big League players participate in the tryout process regardless of their level
The National League is a more intense level of baseball which requires a greater degree of commitment. Players at this level can expect practices or league games three or four days per week, and four to six weekend tournaments in May, June and July. Teams may also qualify for up to three State Tournaments which begin in late July and can run through the first week in August.
Based on anticipated 2008 player registrations, SAYB will field 1-A team and 2-B teams participating at both the 13 and 14 year old levels. SAYB will field 1-A and 1-B team at the 15 year old level. Each team will consist of 12 players.
Players and parents need to agree ahead of time to this level of commitment so that the team can count on your presence. If you do not wish this level of commitment, please do not occupy the place of a player who is willing to do so. It is suggested that family vacations or participation in camps for other sports take place after the first week in August
Individuals interested in coaching at this level are required to submit an application. The forms and process is highlighted in the documents portion of this web site. Decisions are based on historical parent feedback and experience.
Big League - National League Director
Phone:
After the National League teams have been formed, remaining players are assigned to American League teams. It is the goal of SAYB to ensure that teams are equally divided from a skill perspective, hence we encourage all players to participate in the tryout process.
Teams play in the Gopher State North Star league. Starting in May, teams will play against other SAYB teams as well as those from neighboring organizations such as Brooklyn Park, Centennial, Coon Rapids, and White Bear Lake.
There is one league for 13-year-olds and one league for combined teams of 14 and 15-year-olds. The format can vary from year to year, but typically there is a 12 to 18 game season. Most games are on weeknights but there may be some weekend play as well.
Players participating in the American League who wish a tournament team experience may play on a "C" tournament team. Not all interested players are guaranteed to be placed on one of these teams. There will be one "C" team at each age level (13, 14, 15) and tryout results are utilized in team formation.
Big League - American League Director
Phone:
Players making a National League or "C" Tournament team should expect additional fees of approximately $200 per player. The fees will be collected at the start of the season and are applied to cover upgraded uniforms and tournament entry fees.
SAYB will pay for ONE season-ending tournament for every player at each level, excluding gate fees This may be via league play or State Tournament qualification.
Gate fees, and team entry fees for any additional state tournaments will be the responsibility of the participating team. Gates fees generally run $150 per team and tournament entry fees are generally $350 per team.
Little League bats are not legal in Big League. All bats must be "Big Barrel" bats with a barrel diameter of 2-5/8 to 2-3/4 inches. This rule applies to all Big league age groups.
In addition, there are weight limits on bats for each age level. Newer bats are marked with a "minus" rating. This rating can be calculated by subtracting the length of the bat in inches form the weight of the bat in ounces. For example a 32 inch bat which weighs 23 ounces is a "minus 9" or -9 bat. The higher the "minus" number, the lighter the bat
For 13-year-olds, the bat can be no lighter than a "-9". A "-8.5" or a "-7" bat is legal, but a "-9.5" or "-10" bat would not be legal.
For 14-year-olds, the bat can be no lighter than a "-5". A "-3" bat is legal, but a "-7" or "-9" bat would not be legal.
For 15-year-olds, the bat can be no lighter than a "-3". To the relief of parents everywhere, a -3 bat is considered an adult bat and is legal for the rest of their amateur career. A "-5" bat, "-7" bat or "-9" bat would not be legal.
Bats which do not meet the regulations above or lack clear markings are not allowed. There are severe penalties if a player uses an illegal bat in a game.
