ABOUT LEASIDE LEAFS ELITE BASEBALL

Q: What is Elite baseball?

A: Elite baseball is the top level of baseball competition and commitment facilitated by Baseball Ontario between the ages of 15U and 18U. The Elite Baseball League of Ontario (EBLO) runs a 20+ game regular season for teams from across the GTA and beyond (Sudbury, Peterborough, Ottawa, Kitchener, etc). It features an annual showcase tournament in May, and teams travel to the U.S. for 2+ showcase tournaments each year.

 

Q: What is the difference between Rep and Elite baseball?

A: Elite baseball features more professional training to help develop players in the pursuit of baseball at the highest possible level. Athletes engage in a robust offseason training program that includes not only baseball specific development, but also a structured strength and conditioning program.

Elite baseball keeps the fun and camaraderie of rep baseball, but incorporates more off-field training and preparation that is needed to compete at the university and college level. The Leaside elite program has a knowledgeable and experienced staff that make it their goal to help players and families navigate the process of preparing for university baseball.

 

Q: What is the official season for Elite baseball?

A: Elite tryouts happen in the summer between mid-July and early August. Teams have fall ball schedules consisting of 6-10 games against EBLO and university opponents, along with weekly practices to prepare for at least one tournament. Summer schedules consist of 20-24 regular season games against EBLO opponents, the EBLO Showcase tournament (May), 2 U.S. Showcase tournaments, Elims or OBAs, TBAs, and 1 to 2 more Ontario tournaments. Teams have a weekly slot at Talbot Park in Leaside and periodic extra slots on weekends.

 

 Q: Where will we play in the summer?

A: Howard Talbot Park (West diamond) is the home of the Leaside Leafs Elite program. Away games take place across the GTA and beyond. For a list of teams in divisions of the current year, see the EBLO divisions on their website.

 

Q: What is the commitment required for Elite baseball in the winter?

A: The Elite off-season program will be predominantly at Baseball Development Group (BDG), and GRIT Athletics Toronto, as well as a few other facilities across the city.

Players are expected to participate in offseason training from November to April. Our players usually train 3x per week, however, we make accommodations for multi-sport athletes as long as they make an effort to balance their commitments.

 

Q: Is there any break from baseball during the summer? What if we want to go on vacation, to the cottage or away to camp?

A: Elite teams have very dense summer schedules. However, team managers will work to get some weekends off, especially holiday weekends. Families should communicate with team managers about what dates of the summer are best for any larger amount of absences. It is expected that families do not book travel that conflicts with July, as most big tournaments are in July with playoff tournaments in early August.

 

Q: What are team fees?

A: Elite team fees range from $4,000 to $5,500.

These fees do not include the cost of the player uniforms and cost of travel.

A limited number of bursaries are available for players whose financial situation would prohibit them from participating in the program. See https://www.leasidebaseball.com/play-ball-financial-assistance-scholarship/.

 

Q: How many players are on a team?

A: Rosters generally range from 14 to 20 players depending on many factors.

 

Q: What if I played for an Elite, Rep or Select team in a different association last year?

A: The EBLO has an open release policy, making geography a non-factor in eligibility.

 

Q: Is there a March Break trip offered?

A: Leaside typically offers a week-long march break Spring Training program, led by our staff.

 

Q: Are there any job opportunities that Elite players are eligible for?

A: Leaside Elite players are usually great candidates to serve as guest instructors or assistant coaches on younger Leaside Rep and Select teams, earning money in the local area performing a job that they have developed sound pre-requisite skills for. Many players currently work our Leaside Baseball Camp (daytimes July - August), Winter Clinic programming, House Leagues and other periodic development clinics. Other opportunities include: umpiring, field crew, website/social media assistants, and administrative assistants.

 

Q: Is there baseball beyond the Elite program in Leaside?

A: The LBA facilitates a strong Junior team (21U) out of Talbot Park. Many graduates of our Elite program continue playing competitive baseball with the Junior program.