CMRC Travel Baseball

The Fall season runs from September to early November, during which teams practice outdoors once a week with one game held on Sundays and scrimmages scheduled based on player availability. Teams have discretion to attempt a Fall tournament. In the winter there are no games but some teams opt to do indoor training at a local gym or in rented space at a private facility with batting cages. The Spring season runs from April to June (possibly early July depending on tournaments), during which teams practice outdoor at least twice a week with double-header games held on Saturdays. Teams have discretion to choose their own tournaments during the Spring and Summer but generally play in two or three, one of which may occur over Memorial Day weekend. Some teams may elect to participate in “away” tournaments that require a hotel stay. Away tournaments strengthen team bonds.

In the Spring, players will be expected to make practices and games their first extracurricular priority. It should be noted that in the Spring, travel team baseball play is generally not compatible with other sports and should be considered a full-time commitment due to the heavy schedule demands. Our teams must have player and parent commitment to ensure a competitive program. In the Fall and Winter, however, most players play other travel sports like soccer, basketball, or hockey. Coaches understand, and it is CRMC policy, that the in-season sport take priority. During the Fall and Winter, coaches do their best to schedule the one weekly practice on a night that does not conflict with their players’ other in-season activities, but because of field availability limitations, it may not be possible to accommodate every player.

Everyone will have the opportunity to participate and develop but there are no guarantees of playing time or positions as coaches have the discretion to balance the needs and realistic abilities of individuals with what is best for the team. Generally, if there are twelve players, the team will bat twelve in a continuous batting order with free defensive substitutions. Actual playing time and batting order may vary based on the demands of the position played, age level, roster size, stakes of the game (e.g. single elimination situation) and other circumstances. Moreover, coaches can always adjust the lineup and positions for unbecoming personal conduct.

The Carroll Manor Cardinals stress good sportsmanship and character development. Under no circumstances will we tolerate players or parents who yell at umpires, criticize the coaching staff, or become “arm chair” managers. CMRC’s Code of Conduct applies at all times.

Players will feel the pain of a tough loss or committing a strategic mistake as well as the exhilaration of hard-fought victories and making pivotal plays. Parents are expected to support players through these moments, not only by leading by example, but by discussing how to exhibit grace, respect and courtesy to teammates, opponents, and the umpire, in both victory and defeat.