There is support for a possible 15U AAA team out of Port Elgin next year (2026) on a brand-new hardball diamond. This would be for the top 2011 born baseball players within the WOBA. A roster of 15-16 players would be required. This could be successful depending how it is run, player interest, and if governing body approval is granted. Click on the article for more information:
The following proposals are being looked at right now for the team if approval is granted:
OPTION #1 - WOBA
Play up within the 18U WOBA local league loop, plus exhibition games for the regular season. This would be combined with three AAA tournaments, WOBA 18U playoffs, Elimination Nationals Qualifier and finally the OBA championships. This would allow the team to play in a season similar to what the players are used to, with similar travel, with a similar number of tournaments, but still providing the competition required to play at a AAA level. This would require WOBA approval to play up a division.
OPTION #2 - PBLO
Apply to play within the Premier Baseball League of Ontario (PBLO). This would entail playing 4 games every weekend from early May until late June. Half would be at home, and half would be on the road. For away games, travel of at least 2 hours would be required each weekend for 4 games in the same center. This would require hotel stays each away weekend. This would be combined with 2 AAA tournaments in July/August, PBLO playoffs, Elimination Nationals Qualifier and finally the OBA championships. This would require a lot more travel, but provide competition against teams the same age of similar caliber talent. This would require approval from the PBLO to enter their league.
OPTION #3 - EXHIBITION/TOURNAMENT
Play a regular season of nothing but exhibition games, the majority of which will be on the road in the closest cities (Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, London, Toronto). This would be combined with 4 - 5 AAA tournaments along with Elimination National Qualifier and the OBA championships. This is the least desirable option as it would provide the most amount of travel, and most likely no home games. Only OBA approval would be required for this option.
This would be a little bit different than the 13U AAA team being run out of Kincardine this year, as the team would be based full time and play home games out of Port Elgin on the brand new hard ball diamond. The possibility of a fully local team with a full local schedule should boost interest among local players.
Recruitment is allowed to begin on July 1 of this year. This would be a team completely comprised of WOBA players, with a roster of 15-16 of the best players in this area.
The first season would be a trial, but would be run within the Kincardine Cubs Organization, which will help with funding, costs and branding. A number of local current and past Cubs have shown interest in helping get this program started, and being involved in the training of the players.
If you are interested in this program. Please show your interest by registering on the following page:
REGISTRATION PAGE
If you have any questions, or would like more information please contact Greg Stepaniak at
gmstepan@hotmail.com