How is this different from tournament teams in years past?
In the past, players from HALL have formed independent "Tournament Teams" and played in MBT (Travel) tournaments. Those tournaments, and the teams formed, were unaffiliated with Little League and played by different rulesets at much higher costs. Now, with the launch of Little League District Travel, little leagues around the metro can participate within the framework of Little League: these travel games will now be played using LL rules, LL-sanctioned bats, with LL District Umpires. Additionally, pitch count limitations will be in place to protect player health and ensure maximum opportunities to pitch.
How will the teams be determined?
Because Little League District Travel is intended as a limited, competition-focused experience, teams will be based upon player evaluations with coaches having final discretion on which players will be on the rosters. It is our goal to field at least 1 (one) team at each age level of 9U, 10U, 11U, and 12U. If there are more players interested, there may be an opportunity to field more than 1 team at an age group, but we can't make any guarantees.
When will these games take place?
LL District Travel teams will play in 2 or 3 tournaments depending upon interest and availability. The tournaments will feature 3 games across Saturday and Sunday on these 3 weekends: May 16-17th, May 30-31st, June 13-14th. You will be asked to provide your availability when you register (unavailability for a weekend or two does not disqualify a player from participation).
Where will these games/Tournaments take place?
Tournaments will be hosted by Little Leagues around the Metro, including HALL. We don't have the specifics on age group/locations yet, but families may need to travel up to 45 minutes to games. It's quite likely, though, that the games will be played closer (at Hopkins, or within a 10-15 min drive). There should be no need for Hotels/travel expenses beyond driving (carpooling can be an option as well).
What will this cost?
The cost will be $80 per player. The fee will cover a jersey, game balls and umpires for 9 games, charter costs and insurance. The fee will be secured as a deposit at registration. Players who register but are not selected for the team will be refunded. If interested in a scholarship, please reach out regcoordinatorhall@gmail.com.
How is it different from All Stars?
While there may be players who are on both the Regular Season Little League District Travel Team for their age group AND are later selected for All Stars play in July, there is no correlation between the two: the District Travel team(s) for each age group will be selected based upon player evaluations and coach discretion. All Stars selections will be based upon regular season player performance and regular season coach recommendations in consultation with the nominated and appointed All Star Coaches. Being selected for one team is not a guarantee of being selected for the other.