Upon accepting an invitation to play on a team, a player will register and pay the Registration Fee by December 31st. Uniforms are sized and ordered for the players but must be purchased directly through our supplier.

Costs for the 2024 season were $375 to $500 depending on the age group.

Lakewood In House Rec provides all Lakewood children an opportunity learn the game of baseball on a team and learn sound fundamentals. It is an open registration (no tryouts) and equal playing time for all players is required. Teams are formed through registration and volunteer coaches from Lakewood residents. All games are played in Lakewood. Open to all players regardless of experience or abilities.

The Lakewood Travel program offers more focused player development for players in a more competitive setting. Fundamentals are taught by experienced coaches and begin indoors in Lakewood facilities. Travel teams are formed from tryouts of players that have age appropriate skills, interest and passion for the game. Around 20-28 games are played between regular season and tournaments.

Tryouts for the Travel Baseball teams occur in late July for the following spring/summer season.

Players only need to attend one of the Tryouts in August for the upcoming year. If you are not able to attend one of those tryouts, you must contact the Director of Coaching (doc@lkwdbaseball.org) and schedule a date prior to August 31.

Head coaches are chosen each year by the LCBA Director of Coaching. Selection will be based on availability, coaching experience, ability to communicate with players and parents and the ability to develop young players. All coaches are expected to follow all guidelines regarding behavior and leadership.

Tryouts and assessments are conducted by the Lakewood High School Baseball & Softball Coaching staff. The LCBSA Director of Coaching oversees the assessments and development of the rosters for the following year. Prior year assessments by team head coaches are also taken into account but head coaches are not involved in the try out sessions. Additional work outs may be held in conjunction with head coaches but the final roster is determined the by the LCBSA Director of Coaching.

The Lakewood High School Coaching Staff and assistants will evaluate players attending tryouts. Players will be evaluated on the core skills (throwing, hitting and fielding), as well as their ability to accept coaching and general game knowledge. Stations during tryouts are as follows:

• Fielding ground balls and throws
• Fielding fly balls and throws
• Hitting in the cage
• Pitching

Teams are formed based on birth date and school grade. To play 9U a player must be 9 yrs old or under on May 1st of that season. The LCBSA tries to keep players with their own grade as much as possible so even if a player is young enough to play down, teams are formed of kids in the same grade as a priority. The 9U team is formed of players in 3rd grade going into 4th for example.

Each team is formed based on tryouts conducted by the Lakewood High School coaching staff each year. Teams and positions are not set prior to tryouts.

All players are expected to attend all games, practices, camps and events for their team. Players may be excused for school events, family vacations/trips, family emergencies or illness. Our general expectation is that players must attend at least 90% of all LCBSA activities.

Players are encouraged to play in other fall, winter and spring sports. During the winter months (November - February), practices are mandatory unless a player is playing a winter sport. During spring and once teams are able to practice outside (March - April), players must put a priority on baseball practice with the team over other sports. Teams are able to schedule around other players if possible.

From May through July the season is under way and players must attend and participate in baseball over other sports that are not in season.

Group Practice starts in November through camps and group workouts. Team practices begin in January. Generally two practices per week - one in the batting cage on a weekday and one in the gym on Sunday. Players are able to join other LCBSA team practices if conflicts arise. Once the season starts, there are less opportunities for practices.

Uniforms consist of two jerseys, pants, belt and hat. Additional bag or batting helmet may be covered by team fundraising if needed.

The CVBA League consists of cities in the Cuyahoga County region and neighboring suburbs. Lakewood teams play in cities as far away as Twinsburg, Medina, Hudson and Copley. More competitive teams may elect to join tournaments as far away as Myrtle Beach or Cooperstown at the 12U level. Teams also play in the Ohio Prospects League and the Lorain County Hot Stove League.

It varies but a regular season consists of about 20 games. Teams enter at least one weekend tournament which can be 3-4 games. Additional tournaments may be entered as the team sees fit.

Teams are formed of players that live in and/or attend school in Lakewood. However, each team can carry up to 2 players that are not residents and don't attend school in Lakewood depending on the league rules. Kids that attend a Lakewood public school or any private school based in Lakewood are considered residents.

The LCBSA holds a league fundraiser Reverse Raffle in November and each team holds a Super Bowl Squares fundraiser for the Super Bowl. Players are encouraged to sell 10 squares each for funds to used for the upcoming season. Any additional fundraising is up to the teams.

The season schedules are generally completed and final by March 15th of each year. The season runs from April through mid-July.

For Outdoor Practices

• Cleats (molded plastic)
• Baseball Pants (belt)
• T-shirt or practice jersey tucked in, Long sleeves/Sweatshirts as needed
• Baseball Hat
• Protective athletic cup

For Indoor Gym Practices:

• Gym Shoes (change into from street shoes)
• Shorts or Baseball Pants
• T-Shirt or practice jersey
• Baseball Hat
• Protective athletic cup

LCBA coaches must complete or renew concussion training and provide their certification to the CVBA. Training and certification can be handled online through National Federation of State High School Associations Training Site.