Director of Edina's SW Community League
Todd Weber
housevp@edinabaseball.com

For players completing 4th to 9th grade, ages 10 to 15. The season typically runs from mid-April through mid-July. Other than the end of season tournament, teams typically avoid scheduling practices and games on the weekend. Registration typically opens February and closes March 30. 

Fees:

• League fee: $290; paid to the EBA at registration
• Uniform fee: $50 uniform fee for 1 jerseys and 1 hat; paid directly to uniform vendor

The SW Community League is for those players and families that want to play at a competitive level, while participating in other summer activities. This league provides a competitive baseball experience with a reduced practice, game and tournament schedule. While the league works to balance the skill-level of players on each team in the league, all players are encouraged to identify a primary friend and a secondary set of friends on the registration form to help foster a positive summer experience. The league leadership and coaches will work through the draft process to group players where possible while maintaining focus on creating balanced teams. Teams are led by a Parent Coach; it is ideal to have 2-3 coaches per team. Please consider coaching and complete Coach Registration.

The season will include approximately 16 games. Edina has joined Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen, Shakopee and a few other southwest communities to form the Southwest Community League. The league was formed to provided multiple teams of competition while allowing the teams to play in or as close as possible to Edina. Typically about half the games are in Edina. The season will conclude with an end of season weekend tournament, which is typically takes place the early July.

Season Kick-off Event at Breamar Dome on the morning of Saturday, April 1, 2023

All players who sign-up should attend the kick-off event. Players/coaches will meet each other, practice and receive season details. 

• 4th & 5th Grade Division: 8:00-9:30am
• 6th & 7th Grade Division: 9:20-10:40am
• 8th & 9th Grade Division: 10:30-Noon

Team Formation

The EBA strives to form equitable teams of 13-14 players in this League, depending on the total registrations at each age level. The league leadership and coaches will work through the draft process to group players where possible while maintaining focus on creating balanced teams.

Equal Playing Time

It is the policy of the EBA that all players, regardless of their current skill level, should have an equal opportunity to develop their skills to their fullest. Every player can expect an equal share of playing time and at bats because only through experience and practice can we help our players to progress. Likewise, the association has a policy requiring player rotation to assure that every player is required to play 2 of 3 positions in the field (pitch/catch, infield and outfield) positions during each game. Every coach is made aware of the batting, playing time and position rotation rules specific to his age level and will ensure that every player on the team is given an equal opportunity to develop a well-rounded set of fundamental baseball skills. Coaches are afforded latitude to temporarily reduce time for players with conduct issues or a distinct lack of commitment to the team.

Schedule

Practices will begin in April. League games and practices will be predominantly on weeknights. However, rain outs and other scheduling issues may require play on weekends. Coaches can add additional practices/events, as they like.

Uniforms and Equipment

EBA provided: Team catcher gear, bat, batting helmet (although most players have their own bat and helmet).

Player provided and required equipment: A baseball glove, non-metal spikes baseball spikes (13U-15U may wear metal spikes), a protective cup, belt (green for games), socks (green for games), baseball pants (white for games). Optional equipment - Batting gloves, bat and batting helmet.

A separate order for each of your players must be made for the mandatory jersey and hat via the communicated website.  The EBA will communicate selected team information to the uniform vendor after teams are selected. The uniform package will be delivered to your player through their team prior to the start of games. The earlier you place your uniform order the more likely it will be that your player will receive their first number choice. Numbers are allocated once teams are set on a first come, first serve basis.

Program Goals

Key goals of the EBA’s Rec League program are:

• Provide the opportunity for those interested in playing baseball, to participate at a competitive level with less commitment than required in the Edina Travel Program.
• Provide developmental opportunities for players to improve based on their interest.
• Seek to maximize the potential of every player in the program.
• Provide the opportunity for competitive fun, achievement and excellence, personal and team, at all levels.
• Foster the importance of teamwork and the understanding that all team members play an integral part in the success of the team.
• Display good sportsmanship and high standards.

Coach Selection

Teams are led by a Parent Coach; it is ideal to have 2-3 coaches per team. Please consider coaching and complete Coach Registration. It is the intent of the EBA to select team coaches that are: (1) knowledgeable of the game, (2) good teachers; will help improve and develop all players, (3) objective and fair (able to see the big picture) and (4) will positively represent Edina and Edina Baseball.