Fargo Area Sports offers an opportunity for players looking for a competitive experience. We offer the travel program for ages 9-15. Players must go through a try out process to be considered for one of these teams with the exception of the 13 – 15 year old age group. Team that are formed in the 13 – 15 year old age group are allowed to submit in writing to the Board of Directors if they choose to participate in the Babe Ruth State Tournament. Each team is considered on a case by case scenario. Our travel teams are affiliated with Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth International and must follow the rules and guidelines as set forth by these organizations. The deadline to register and declare intent to try out for a travel team is January 31st each year.
TRY OUT PROCESS:
Travel team tryouts are typically held in late February or early March. The tryout schedule will be posted on the Fargo Area Sports website when dates are finalized. There will be two or three tryout dates/times for each age group and a player MUST attend at least one (if two tryouts) or two (if three tryouts) to be considered for a team. Attending all is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended. Once a player tries out for a team, no refunds will be given.
During the tryout process, players will be evaluated and teams will be chosen by an independent evaluator group, along with the head coach of the team. Our evaluators will have no ties to the players (except the head coach if a parent) and are typically local high school baseball coaches, legion baseball coaches, former college baseball players and Fargo Area Sports staff. Parents (unless a head coach) are NOT allowed in the facility during the tryout process. If a player is NOT selected for a travel team, that player will be placed on a Red River Valley League team.
EXPECTATIONS:
Travel teams do require a high level of commitment. These teams can expect to play 35-45 games, (schedule is dependent on each individual coach) which includes some weekend games, 3-4 tournaments and the opportunity to compete at the North Dakota Cal Ripken (9-12) or Babe Ruth (13-15) State Tournament.
- The 9 and 10 year old teams will be Cal Ripken affiliated and play on 60’ bases with a 46’ pitching mound distance. There is no leading off, but stealing is allowed once the ball crosses the plate.
- The 11 and 12 year old teams will also be Cal Ripken affiliated and play on 70’ bases with a 50’ pitching mound distance. Leading off and stealing is allowed.
- The 13, 14 and 15 year old teams will be Babe Ruth affiliated and play on 90’ bases with a 60’6” pitching mound distance.
Players who are selected to a travel team will incur an additional fee on top of the initial registration fee to cover additional game field cost, umpires, tournaments, etc. This fee must be paid to the Fargo Area Sports office by May 15th each year.
**Please note: For 11 and 12 year olds, any player selected to one of the travel teams will NOT be eligible for the Little League All-Star teams as you may only play on ONE post season team. Travel players are NOT eligible to play in the NIT tournaments.