So, hearing that other local programs are saying that “playing time” and “roster size” is an issue with the Gamers. Might as well address this real clearly.

First, many local baseball team “programs” would never turn away player/parents with a check in their hand.  So, regardless of what they may be saying, their rosters are only limited by people willing to pay.  That’s why they have dozens and dozens of teams.

Second, we have spent a lot of time figuring out the right roster size to insure a good baseball experience for players.  Too many players = not enough playing time.  Too few players = need to “fill-in” with pick-up players and perpetual tryouts.  Don’t be fooled — 9 times out of 10, small roster size on a competitive team means that they are using pick-up players and running perpetual tryouts.

Nothing against pick-up players.  But that is not what the Gamers do (or should be doing).  Many of the lessons from baseball come from being part of a team.  Those lessons are tossed out the window with pick-up players.  Also, it is impossible to teach or coach the Gamers style of play with pick-up players.

For teams that do not care about team lessons and style of play, then I understand why they would have short rosters and use the extra spots for fill-in players to perpetually tryout.  I am amazed by how many young players play for multiple baseball teams.  That’s OK.  But, it is not how the Gamers do it.

Our roster sizes at 14u and above are SMALLER than most nationally competitive teams.  They might be one player more than local teams or two players more than the “pick-up player” teams.  Why does this make sense?

1. We practice more — a lot more

2. We play more, especially at 14u and above

3. We strictly enforce pitch limits — and do not let kids pitch a complete game on Friday and come back and pitch on Sunday.  So, if you plan on playing 2-3 games on Sunday, you have a choice … hurt kids or add another pitcher to the roster.

We could add 3 more roster spots to our teams and Gamers players would still practice more, get better coaching/instruction through the pre-season and in-season program and learn what is means to be part of a team and at the same time develop individually as a player.

I am very comfortable that we have the correct balance on this.