12u

Click here to read the player/parent/coach guidelines

Link to SSBL Schedule (click this link to see the name of the field)

Field sites (click this link to find a map to the field)

Coach (2019):  Tim Holodnak

Coaching Philosophy:  At 12 years old, players should be starting to understand the game and each position starts to become a bit more complex.  Players will be given opportunities to tryout for any position, which includes pitching, but they will ultimately be asked to play only a few positions so they can continue to learn the nuances of each position.  Defensively, the players will be asked to make the routine plays and start to be able to execute some of the more fast paced plays like turning double plays, throwing runners out at bases by hitting cutoffs and more.  Everyone will be expected to play in the outfield at times.  Offensively, the players will be taught and/or refreshed in the proper hitting fundamentals and they will start to be coached towards a particular hitting style.  They will be expected to have an "approach" at the plate and to be able to execute bunts and sacrifice fly's.  Pitchers will be expected to throw strikes consistently and start to learn how to move the ball to different parts of the strike zone and change speeds and possibly develop a breaking pitch. It will be imperative for pitchers to hold runners.  Catchers will be expected to be a threat to throw runners out, frame pitches, learn to call pitches and become a leader on the field.   Overall, players will continue to learn the proper fundamentals of the game within the context of playing to win.  Winning is NOT the most important thing, but TRYING to win is.  This means that they will be expected to be on time for games and practices (players may be asked to arrive up to 90 minutes before game time) and maintain a positive, team oriented attitude.  In short, they will be asked to be a good teammate.  Coaches will understand that these are 12 year old boys and will keep the yelling to a minimum (except in cases where coaches need to get the players attention).  It will be a positive, learning experience for the players and the players will be expected to respect their coaches and teammates at all times.......and the coaches will do the same. 

Games:  The Akron A's will play in the SSBL and play around 20 regular season games, plus three local tournaments (9 to 12 additional games).

2019 Team Tuition:  $1,200 plus uniform.  The tuition is broken down into two categories 1)  Team expenses  2)  Uniform

Team expenses - $1,200 per year (payable in installments)

Installment schedule:  The Akron A's training program is a year round developmental program, starting in September each year.  When a players accepts a position on the team, certain expenses are incurred starting in September.  If a player quits during the off-season, the expenses due to the point of his departure, including the non-refundable deposit, are still due and will be expected, even if the player did not participate in all available training opportunities.  The following schedule indicates the amount due during the off-season.

Acceptance of position on team  - $300 deposit (non-refundable), set up player fee auto debit

November 1st - $300

January 1st - $300

April 1st - $300

NEW:  Late fee of $10 per month that any installment is late, accrues each month that the installment is late.  Reminders will be sent by eSoft

Uniform expenses - $0 - $200 This price will vary from player to player based on need.  The goal is to keep the uniform expense as low as possible.  Uniform fee is payable upon the ordering of the uniform some time in the Spring.  The uniform is expected to be two dri-fit style shirts and a hat.  Players will be told what color pants, belt and socks to purchase.  Other uniform items such as team helmet, team warmup jersey etc. will also be offered.   .  The tuition is broken down to explain everything that is included. Coach will be interviewed and selected by the Play Ball Sports Academy staff to meet the standards of our travel team philosophy.  Team tuition will be pro-rated for players who make the team late.