Valley Athletic Association Travel Baseball Program Overview

8U-12U Travel Baseball Teams

In the spring, Valley Athletic Association (VAA) fields travel baseball teams in the Suburban Travel Baseball League (STBL) across the 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, and 12U age groups. These teams compete in a highly competitive environment alongside our in-house program, and all travel players are required to participate in both.

STBL is a well-regarded league that attracts teams from various organizations throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties. The season culminates in playoffs held in early June. Additionally, many players from these teams participate in Cal Ripken or Little League district tournaments, depending on their national affiliation. At VAA, we are affiliated with Cal Ripken, so some of our teams may enter the Cal Ripken districts in mid-June.

The age cut-off for travel baseball is May 1st. For instance, to be eligible for the 8U team, a player must be 8 years old or younger before May 1st of that year, even if they turn 9 afterward. This rule applies similarly across all age groups, with players typically competing within their appropriate age bracket rather than "playing up."

STBL teams must adhere to specific geographical boundaries as designated by their national affiliations. Rostered players must reside within the defined territory of the organization. Without these specified boundaries and an approved national affiliation, teams cannot participate in STBL.

13U & Up Travel Baseball Teams

For players aged 13 and up, VAA fields competitive teams that may participate in the Connie Mack League or other appropriate leagues as determined by the coach.

Player and Family Commitment

Travel Baseball at VAA is ideal for players who are serious about competing at a higher level. Indoor workouts begin in January, with outdoor practices and games commencing in the spring. Given the commitment required, only those players fully dedicated to the program should consider trying out. Travel Baseball demands significant time from both players and parents, along with a greater financial investment.

Player Development

At VAA, our primary focus is on player development. We are committed to helping every player reach their full potential by adhering to the expectations set by their coaches, such as attending practices, maintaining a positive attitude, and being punctual for games and practices. While playing time is not guaranteed to be equal for all players, head coaches will allocate playing time and assign positions based on what is best for the team's success.

Travel teams also participate in various tournaments throughout the year, as determined by the coach. Situations such as inclement weather, the mercy rule, or a shortage of players may occasionally affect playing time, and parents and players should be aware that these factors can impact how much play each player receives.

Although winning is important, VAA's philosophy is to focus on developing championship-caliber players rather than just winning games. Coaches are tasked with advancing player skills and building confidence, ensuring players are prepared to compete against any team. Coaches will assign positions and roles based on what best suits the individual player and the team as a whole.

Travel Season Schedule

All players selected for a travel team are required to participate in the spring season, which runs from mid-March through mid-June. Teams also begin winter workouts indoors at local baseball facilities. During the spring season, teams typically play two games per weekend—one on Friday evening and one on Sunday afternoon. VAA also strives to schedule one practice day per week for each travel team. Players on the 8U-12U teams are additionally expected to participate in the in-house Cal Ripken league, as mandated by VAA, to qualify for the Cal Ripken District Tournament. This may involve 1-2 additional games or practices per week.

Approximately half of the games are played at our home fields, generally on Friday nights (6 pm) and Sunday afternoons (between 1-6 pm) from early April through mid-June. The remaining games are played away, with the number of games varying by age group:

• 8-year-old teams: 10 games on 60-foot bases with a 46-foot pitcher’s mound.
• 9-year-old teams: 12 games on 60-foot bases with a 46-foot pitcher’s mound.
• 10-year-old teams: 14 games on 60-foot bases with a 46-foot pitcher’s mound.
• 11 & 12-year-old teams: 14 games on 70-foot bases with a 50-foot pitcher’s mound.

Additional games may be scheduled as part of pre-season scrimmages and post-season playoffs. Coaches may require players to arrive at least 1 hour before games for proper warm-ups and preparation.

Travel Roster

Once a player is selected for a travel team, they remain on the team until the following year's tryouts, barring extenuating circumstances. Poor behavior by the player or parent, for example, could result in removal from the team. If a team experiences a shortage of players, the coach, with approval from the Baseball Director, may add additional players to the roster without holding a formal tryout.

Team Tryouts

Tryouts are typically held in late fall, usually in September. These tryouts are advertised on our website, communicated through social media, and announced via email blasts. Evaluation forms are used to assess players’ skills in core areas such as hitting, fielding, throwing, and base running, as well as specialty areas like pitching and catching.