| What is DETBA? |
| |
| What is select baseball and how does it differ from
local league play? |
| |
| I have a recreational team. Do only All-Star
teams participate in DETBA? |
| |
| How do I sign up to play with DETBA? |
| |
| Can I get some pointers on how to assemble a select
team? |
| |
| Should I hold a tryout? |
| |
| How costly is running an independent team? How much
should I budget to take care of team needs? |
| |
| How do teams raise the money needed to play select
baseball? |
| |
| Who should I contact with questions or for assistance? |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| What is
DETBA? |
| |
| The
Deep East Texas Baseball Association was founded in 1997 to provide a “better
way” for those interested in playing baseball, especially during the fall
months. DETBA prides itself on “boys first baseball” in that our funds
and decisions are invested into the boys who play for the teams that make up
our organization. The DETBA Board dedicates itself to providing a
positive environment in which East Texas teams can compete. The
organization has grown steadily over the years, and we anticipate in excess
of 100 teams each fall in age groups ranging from 8U machine pitch through
high school. DETBA provides a “regular season” schedule made up of 6-8
weeks of double headers played on Saturdays throughout the region, meaning at
least 12-16 games for all teams. The season culminates with a “World
Series” tournament to crown champions in all age groups. This
tournament, one of the largest of its kind, is a wonderful opportunity for
competition and camaraderie for our teams and their players. |
| |
| (top of page) |
| |
| |
| |
| What is select baseball and how does it differ from local
league play? |
| |
| First
and foremost, the word “select” should not be considered to denote
“exclusivity” or “by invitation only.” This term simply means that
coaches “select” which players will be a part of their teams, which is a
major difference in local league play. Instead of signing up with an
organization and being placed on a team of the league’s choice, players join
specific, independent teams. This means players can be part of teams
that share the core values as they and their families do. |
| |
| Select
baseball came about for a variety of reasons. Most play select ball to
assemble players and families that share core goals. For example, some
teams come together to play highly competitive baseball, with All-Star level
players at each position. These teams often have plans to play in state
and national tournaments and/or to play virtually continually year
round. Other teams want to provide an opportunity for groups of friends
to play and learn together. Their goals are often to promote a certain
kind of environment in which to develop friendships and sportsmanship.
Still more common are those who want to do all of the above! The main
idea is that select baseball affords players and coaches alike the opportunity
to get together and pursue their common goals with singularity of
vision. |
| |
| By
contrast, local league baseball is comprised of all different kinds of
players and is usually more limited in duration. Both select and local
league baseball have their strong points and many players enjoy playing
both. It is not the purpose or mission of DETBA to do away with or
replace local leagues, but to offer a different arrangement for those who are
interested, especially during the fall months. |
| |
| Finally,
the major difference between local league teams and select teams is that
select teams are independent and therefore provide for themselves all things
necessary to play. This includes equipment, uniforms, practice
facilities, scorekeepers, umpire fees, and game fields. This
flexibility means that coaches have the responsibility to make decisions
where their teams are concerned, not the league they are part of. DETBA
does not, as a rule, get involved with individual teams except where a
violation of league rules occurs. These instances have been few and far
between over the years. |
| |
| (top of page) |
| |
| |
| |
| I have a recreational team. Do only All-Star teams
participate in DETBA? |
| |
| Teams
of all levels are welcomed, and encouraged, to join DETBA. It is the
desire of the organization to offer playing opportunities for any team
interested in playing. DETBA prides itself on arranging pure age
divisions sorted into groups with similar playing abilities. Often we
are able to have multiple age group champions by the end of the season, with
All-Star teams bracketed together and rec teams bracketed together.
This means a competitive experience for teams of all levels. DETBA will
work hard to provide competitive matchups throughout the season and during
the World Series Tournament – it is our commitment to do everything we can to
make competitive balance a reality whenever possible. |
| |
| (top of page) |
| |
| |
| |
| How do I sign up to play with DETBA? |
| |
| DETBA
is a team-based organization. We do not sign up individual players, but
fully assembled teams. To register with the league, coaches must attend
the registration meeting (held in late July for the fall season, late
February for the spring season), or send in registration information via
mail, e-mail, and/or fax. A team fee of $450, a completed roster and a
signed medical insurance form is all that is required to be added to the
league schedule and participate in 7 or 8 weeks of baseball plus a great
tournament. That’s an excellent value, considering the cost of many
tournaments alone run in the $300-$400 range! All sign up forms are
available for download on the DETBA website. |
| |
| Individual
players that are looking for a team with which to play, or teams that are
looking for players, can also make use of the “Waiver Wire” section of the
DETBA website. This is a sort of “classified ads” area utilized by area
coaches and players. We cannot guarantee placement of a player via the
waiver wire, but we are happy to help players and teams by offering this
service. Players should send their name, name of parent(s) or
guardian(s), date of birth, and playing experience, plus any additional
information about themselves to baseball@detba.org and we will post the
information within 48 hours. Teams should write a brief advertisement
for their team including coach’s name, what they are looking for, and how to
contact them and send this to baseball@detba.org. |
| |
| Please
remember to notify DETBA when your player has been placed on a team, or when
your team has filled out its roster, so we can remove the notice from the
waiver wire. |
| |
| (top of page) |
| |
| |
| |
| Can I get some pointers on how to assemble a select
team? |
| |
| Assembling
your first select team can be a daunting task. Rest assured however
that it is often much easier than it seems up front. Start by
considering players you and/or your son have coached/played with in the past
in local leagues. Find that old roster from t-ball or coaches pitch and
make a few calls, for example. You’ll be surprised how many people are
interested in playing fall baseball, but don’t know where to begin. And
if there is an interest, they’ll appreciate your call! |
| |
| Local
papers also provide a great opportunity to locate players interested in
playing select baseball. Many offer free spaces for this kind of
announcement. For example, the Longview News Journal features a “Local
Digest” section in its Sports section on Sundays. They will run your ad
copy in this area for two weekends at no charge. It is an excellent way
to locate interested players. |
| |
| Consider
friends and “friends of friends” as well. Look for classmates from
previous years that your son already knows who may have shown an interest in
playing baseball. Get the word out! Let people from your church, your
place of business, or clubs where you are a member know you are looking for
players. Often, these types of places will allow flyers to be posted
free of charge. |
| |
| (top of page) |
| |
| |
| |
| Should I hold a tryout? |
| |
| If
response is good, you may want to hold a tryout. Teams are best suited
to have 12 or fewer players. Some prefer to play with only 9 or 10,
though the possibility of sickness and injury should be considered.
Tryouts are an excellent way to gauge talent, but they are also a good way
for people to meet and get to know each other. Team chemistry can often
be assessed in just a single session! |
| |
| (top of page) |
| |
| |
| |
| How costly is running an independent team? How much
should I budget to take care of team needs? |
| |
| Though
the amount of money needed to provide for a select team varies greatly, some
costs are set. DETBA league fee is $450 per team. Umpires must be
paid each game (see fee schedule posted in the Rules section on the
web). League baseballs must be purchased. Even if players pay
individually for their own uniforms and equipment, the above costs are
fixed. Most teams assemble money into an account and provide for the
needs of the team in this way. |
| |
| Uniforms
are a good example of a varying cost item. Some teams go with t-shirts
for their uniform jersey. The cost of pants, caps, belts, socks, etc.
is fairly consistent among local vendors. T-shirts can be customized for less
than $20 each, which is very affordable. Other teams prefer mesh
jerseys, vests, three-button pullovers, etc. and some enjoy having multiple
uniforms (which may become a necessity when playing in out of town tournament
events so that laundering is not needed). Some teams purchase jackets,
matching equipment bags, customized caps, etc. for their players, but it
should be noted that all these “extras” are not necessary or required.
Some basic equipment and matching t-shirts and pants will get you on the
field and playing, and that’s the objective. |
| |
| League
fee, umpire fees, and some baseballs for an 8 week season cost a team around
$1200-$1500 depending on age group. Inexpensive, complete player
uniforms can be assembled for as little as $40 per player. For 12
players, that comes to an additional $480. Figure in some equipment
costs and field rentals, and $2000-$2500 is a good starting budget for a team
to play ball. |
| |
| While
this figure is large for one person, keep in mind that these costs are for
the entire team, thereby making it much more manageable. |
| |
| (top of page) |
| |
| |
| |
| How do teams raise the money needed to play select baseball? |
| |
| Many
coaches feel it is important for players and their families to contribute
directly to team costs. Most are used to this arrangement from playing
local league ball and it does provided a vested interest in supporting team
activities. Many teams simply set
their budget and divide the total amount among the number of players on the
roster. Other teams rely strictly on fund raising efforts and sponsors
to provide the needed financial backing. Still others are completely
backed by a benefactor or sponsor. The
majority of teams likely use a combination of player fees, fund raising, and
sponsorships to raise the money the team needs. |
| |
| Coaches
and parents should check with their own companies and places of business, as
well as that of family members. Many area firms are anxious to support
worthwhile causes such as youth baseball! Some teams offer advertising
at games, on team handouts or websites, and banners for those who offer
sponsorships. |
| |
| Fundraising
opportunities are virtually limitless – car washes, candy bars, candles,
cookies, base sales, coupon cards or “peelers,” etc. Some teams are so
dedicated to and successful with fundraisers they are able to cover 100% of
their costs! It takes organization and commitment, but it is worth it! |
| |
| Again,
it is one of the benefits of being an independent, select team to have these
options. Teams are free to raise money in any way they deem
appropriate, and are able to spend that money in any way they see fit.
Those who handle team finances are encouraged to have financial statements
available for those on the team interested in seeing them. |
| |
| (top of page) |
| |
| |
| |
| Who should I contact with questions or for assistance? |
| |
| Feel free to contact any of our board
members with any questions. We are here to help! |
| |
| (top of page) |
|