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
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.
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.
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 $425,
a completed registration form, a completed roster form, and a signed medical
insurance form is all that is required to be added to the league schedule and
participate in 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.
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.
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!
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 $475
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.
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.
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!