Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do you look for in prospective players?
A: We look for families (players and parents) that want to improve, compete and develop character through the game of baseball. Most kids that join our program have a degree of proficiency; however, we believe that there is no substitute for desire and effort. The level of required skill varies from program to program.
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Q: Is my child good enough to play?
A: In many cases, yes. Our mission is to build not only baseball skills but to make an impact on the whole player. There is plenty of opportunity for those that are willing to commit themselves to working hard and making improvement.
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Q: How are teams formulated?
A: Each team is different. Recruiting for each team is done in part by the Metro Baseball Academy, but a great deal of our team recruiting is done by each team's parents. We also have established a line of communication throughout the region, with coaches contacting us to recommend potential players.

When selecting players to comprise a particular team, we attempt to form teams that can be competitive. This may not necessarily mean the best 12 to 15 players. In many instances, we select players (roll players) that can and do contribute in crucial ways.

Teams are formed through informal tryouts, recommendations from a number of contacts throughout the area and personal observation at league and tournament games. Players are encouraged to contact the Metro Baseball Academy to arrange a free tryout for various teams.
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Q: Is the program the same for all teams?
A: No. Each team is different in terms of players, coaches and families. As such they operate independently under the guidance of the Metro Baseball Academy. Once selected, each team will have their own policies and procedures, many are common to the program, but many are unique to each team.
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Q: Once on a team is that roster position guaranteed?
A: No. Roster positions are earned from year to year and tournament to tournament.. It is not just a matter of paying for the opportunity to play & learn. We want players that are committed not only to their own improvement, but are committed to their teams.
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Q: How many teams are there for each age group? Are all teams the same in terms of talent?
A: Depending on the number of players in each age group we may field multiple teams. Within each age group teams will be formulated based upon the needs of each team.

In reality, we may have one or more teams with a greater number of skilled players. Players can and do move between teams as their skills change, needs of a team change and in certain instances to create new opportunity for the player.

Our mission is to provide a venue for players to improve, as with all aspects of life, competition creates not only success but opportunity.
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Q: How are players for our "Select" teams determined? Who selects the teams?
A: Performance, Success, Effort, Needs of the Team.

Teams are made up of players that have proved their ability to succeed at a national level. Consideration is given to players that have worked hard at their game and have been loyal to their teams and the program.

Players are selected by team coaches and the Metro Baseball Academy leadership with the counsel from those parents that provide leadership and support in each age group.
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Q: Who coaches?
A: Each team is coached by a Metro Baseball Academy Coach. However, we rely heavily on parental support for each team. If a parent has a strong background either as a player in their youth or has a track record of coaching youth sports, there is an opportunity for coaching in our program.
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Q: What do you look for in coaches?
A: Our coaches are seasoned baseball experts. Most have been involved in Baseball either professionally or as a collegiate player and all possess substantial coaching backgrounds.
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Q: What do you expect from players and their families?
A: We want players and families that commit to excellence. We expect our kids to make their Metro Baseball Academy experience a priority in their lives. Being part of a team is a commitment to every other player on the field, our team and our opponent.

Young people have busy lives, we expect our players to be good students and responsible teammates. We expect them to set priorities and to communicate them effectively to their parents, teachers and coaches.
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Q: What should a player and their family expect when attending a tournament? Who determines playing time and is there a playing time guarantee?
A: Each player should expect to play. New players, generally "earn their stripes on the field" during the practices prior to a tournament. With each team this is different, depending on the number of practices and team workouts prior to attending a tournament.

With this as a foundation, we enter tournaments to win. Players play positions that they are best suited and to fill the needs of a team. Bench players are there to fill rolls (pinch hitters and runners, relief pitchers, bullpen catchers) that are integral to baseball and vital to a successful team.

We provide no playing time guarantees with any of our teams. With each team, playing time is up to the coach. We will do our best to communicate to both the player and parents as to what to expect prior to attending a tournament.
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Q: What does it cost to play on a Metro Baseball Academy team?
A: The cost varies dramatically by age group and which tournaments that you participate in. There will generally be a team fee, plus travel costs, tournament entry fees, uniforms, etc. Please contact the Metro Baseball Academy for projected costs for any given program.
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Q: How much do private and small group lessons cost?
A: Private and small group instruction is available at the WAREHOUSE, located at 125 SE Stark in Portland. Fees range from $40 for a ½ hour private lesson, $75 for a 1 hour private lesson. 2 players may attend at the same time for no extra charge. Small group lessons are available for rates starting at about $30 per person per hour. Please call usa t 503-227-7888 or e-mail us at metrobaseball@aol.com for availability of instructors.
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Q: How is team travel handled?
A: Travel varies from team-to-team. We encourage parents to help us make travel arrangements that are cost effective to the team, families and the program. The cost of travel is always the responsibility of the parents. However, some of our teams are actively involved in fundraising efforts that have contributed significantly to their teams travel and tournament costs.
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Q: What equipment do we need?
A: Each player needs the equipment necessary to play their position. This includes, gloves (in some cases more than one glove is necessary), bats and baseball spikes (younger players need rubber baseball spikes). We encourage, but do not require, each player to have their own batting helmet. Additionally, for the older players playing catcher, they should have their own catchers gear. All equipment should be marked with the players name and phone number (kids tend to lose equipment).
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Q: Are uniforms provided?
A: Each team has a team uniform. The cost of the uniform may be covered by the individual team participants or is included in certain program fees. Each team is different so, please ask how this cost is handled for your player. In most instances, you will need to purchase baseball pants, socks and a belt.
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Q: What is the schedule for practices and tournaments and how is it communicated?
A: Practices and tournaments are communicated through periodic e-mails. Additionally, each team has an administrator or coach who is responsible for team communications. Most of our players have commitments to their local teams, so practices for Metro teams often is secondary to their local team's obligation. Coaches will attempt to coordinate practices with regard to other team responsibilities.
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Q: How can parents help with a team?
A: We need volunteers. Each team is different in their needs, if you want to help, make yourself known and you will have plenty of opportunity. If you have a specific interest or skill that may be beneficial to not only your team, but the Metro Baseball Academy in general, please contact us. Parents with clever or successful fundraising ideas are encouraged to make these known to other teams via the Metro Baseball Academy's newsletter.
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