AA Overview

EDMONTON ANGELS AA BASEBALL

Do you like the intensity of competition?
Do you want to further develop your baseball skills?
Do you want a longer season to play?

If the answer is “YES”, the EABA 'AA' Program is for you.  It gives players the opportunity to hone their individual and team skills at weekly practices, demonstrate those skills in competitive games in the surrounding area, and extend the season through July (and into August at the higher levels).

'AA' teams are designed for those players with above-average ability, commitment and desire to play at higher levels of competition. The major objective will be player development through participation by all players on the team up to Provincial Playoffs and Championships.

The objective of the Provincial 'AA' Leagues is to provide a competitive yet developmental level of play for players/teams at the 13U, 15U and 18U age categories in a province-wide format. Provincial AA leagues will operate on a 3-round seeding basis with teams playing in a Regional format in May, a North/South Divisional format in June, and a Provincial Tiering format in July.

 

Commitment

Participation for EABA’s 'AA' team implies a certain commitment on behalf of the players and the parents. The major commitments are time, travel, and financial which also include fundraising initiatives either of the Association and/or the team. 'AA' teams typically utilize weekdays for practices, exhibition games, etc. and weekends for games and tournaments based on schedule and travel requirements as determined by Baseball Alberta. There will be a minimum of 3-4 days/week committed to baseball. Some games are scheduled during the week, depending on the distance teams must travel. 'AA' teams are required to regularly travel throughout Alberta. 'AA' teams also play during July, the length of time depends on the success of the team as it advances through to Provincial Championships. Dedication to EABA’s 'AA' team will prove beneficial to the player as a valuable learning experience. Failure to fulfill the commitments by the player or parent is denying another player a position on the team and will result in a review of the players 'AA' privileges.

The Edmonton Angels 'AA' program is the most competitive of the baseball programs offered by the EABA, and therefore has the highest level of commitment required from players. The teams represent EABA in a league that includes teams from across the province. 'AA' teams are designed for players with more advanced baseball abilities and a desire to compete at a higher level. In order to ensure the 'AA' teams are fully established in time for the beginning of the season, the tryouts are indoors and commence in early to mid/late March.

The specific time commitments will vary depending on the coach and Baseball Alberta’s provincial schedule but in general, players and parents can anticipate:

2-3 practices per week from April to the end of July
2-4 games per weekend from May to the end of July
Provincials for Tiers 4 through 7 are typically in late July
Provincials for Tiers 1, 2 and 3 are typically the first week of August
There is a non-refundable tryout/evaluation fee for players wanting to tryout for a 'AA' team. Please choose the age group from the Division tab for tryout and evaluation dates.

 

Financial

EABA player registration fees cover general expenses related to Baseball Alberta registration, insurance, basic equipment/jerseys, umpires, etc.

Once the AA rosters are completed and teams are confirmed, the selected players are required to pay an additional AA fee that is collected by the association. These "Top Up" fees are to cover the general costs of being on a rep AA team. This includes such things as team apparel, tournament fees, indoor pre-season training, umpires fees, and coach honorariums. While these fees may seem higher than other associations, EABA strives to be transparent with the associated costs of being on a rep team by charging for the upfront costs within AA team fees. This then minimizes the need for team cash calls to start the season and allows teams opportunities to fundraise to help offset team costs.

AA teams are required to prepare team budgets to cover expenses related to additional fees, such as travel, accommodation, team meals and any potential additional tournaments or activities. Team fundraising activities are strongly encouraged and will vary per team. These fundraising opportunities will offset team costs and will have a significant impact on reducing per-player costs for families.

 

Evaluations

Each spring (late February to mid/late March), players registered with EABA who meet the above-mentioned criteria are encouraged to attend the evaluation sessions to try out for positions on the AA teams in their division. The evaluations/tryouts are conducted under the direction of the respective EABA Directors and in conjunction with the AA Coaches. These evaluations of demonstrated skill, development potential, perceived dedication to the program/coaches and various other factors, this way they are placed at the skill level that is most appropriate for them.

ALL coaches at the AA level are required to meet EABA requirements and possess current Baseball Alberta Certification requirements.

Depending on interest, there may be one (1) AA team per age group designed for those players with above-average ability, commitment and desire to play at higher levels of competition. All athletes living in the EABA Baseball boundaries are welcome to attend tryouts and evaluations.

 

Tryout Schedule

Tryout Registration Now Open!
Register Here

Please note that tryout registration is separate from regular season registration required. All EABA players are to register for the regular season if they are trying out for a AA or YEGA team.

18U AA Tryouts

Warm-up Session:

  • Friday, February 28 - 7:30 -9:00 pm - Turf Training Centre 4 - Field H (1030 34 Ave, Nisku)

Evaluations:

  • Tuesday, March 11 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm - Turf Training Centre 1 - Field B (5820 59 Ave NW)
  • Sunday, March 16 - 12:30 - 2:00 pm - Turf Training Centre 4 - Field H (1030 34 Ave, Nisku)
  • Thursday, March 20 - 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Turf Training Centre 4 - Field F (1030 34 Ave, Nisku)


15U AA Tryouts

Warm-up Session:

  • Sunday, February 23 - 4:00 -6:00 pm - TTC4 - Field H

Evaluations:

  • Sunday, March 2 - 8:30 - 10:00 am - TTC4 - Field G
  • Saturday, March 15 - 12:00 - 2:00 pm - TTC4 - Field G
  • Tuesday, March 18 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm - TTC1 - Field B

 

13U AA / YEGA Tryouts

Warm-up Session:

  • Friday, February 28 - 6:00 -7:30 pm - TTC4 - Field H

Evaluations:

  • Sunday, March 9 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm - TTC4 - Field I
  • Sunday, March 16 - 10:30 - 12:30 pm - TTC4 - Field H
  • Saturday, March 22 - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - TTC4 - Field G


11U AA / YEGA Tryouts

Warm-up Session:

  • Sunday, February 23 - 2:00 - 4:00 pm - TTC4 - Field H

Evaluations:

  • Saturday, March 1 - 9:00 - 11:00 am - TTC1 - Field A
  • Saturday, March 15 - 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - TTC4 - Field G
  • Wednesday, March 19 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm - TTC4 - Field H

 

Tryout Locations
TTC1 - Turf Training Centre 1 – 5820 59 Ave NW
TTC4 - Turf Training Centre 4 – 1030 34 Ave, Nisku

Players intending to tryout for rep teams must register for tryouts in addition to registering for the general season.

 

 

General Info:

  • Game Saturday/Sunday - expect to play 2-4 games per weekend
  • 2-3 practices per week – times are determined at team/parent meeting.
  • Season runs from the middle of April to start of August.
  • Additional fees apply. (to cover additional cost of umpires, game balls, apparel and two tournaments)
    AA fees must be paid in full prior to the first regular season game.
  • AA teams may choose to do additional fundraising to offset costs.
  • Players must register with their home association prior to attending tryouts
  • Teams should expect to travel within the province.

Parent involvement/ Volunteering positions:

Parents/guardians of players are expected to volunteer and participate in supporting the team by taking on various roles throughout the season. There will be no exceptions.  When all families step up to support the team it makes for a better and fair experience for everyone involved.

  1. Head & Assistant Coaches
  2. Team Manager
  3. Team Treasurer
  4. Jersey Parent
  5. Scorekeepers
  6. Pitch Counters
  7. Parent Liaison
  8. Field Maintenance
  9. Team Sponsorship
  10. Team Photographer
  11. Communications Coordinator
  12. Other volunteer opportunities may be available

Equipment/Uniform:

  • All players must have:
    - CSA approved baseball helmet
    - Glove
    - Cleats
    - Baseball pants
    - Red belt
    - CSA approved protective cup
  • Players may bring their own bats as long as they fall within the bat regulations for each age division. 
  • EABA will provide one player jersey (to return at the end of the season) as well as a second jersey, an undershirt, and a baseball cap for the player to keep.

The EABA Angels Baseball Program supports all policies and guidelines set out by Baseball Alberta for any player transfers or player movement. Please visit the Baseball Alberta website for any clarity on transfer rules.