What makes the Pro-Day Elite program different from other programs?

This simply boils down to two things: Baseball training – we provide more hours and higher quality instruction than other programs. This starts in the winter, and carries over through the entire summer. Our players practice a lot and work hard. All coaches go through extensive training to follow our program’s approach and philosophy across each age group. We teach the same fundamentals across all teams in our entire program.

How much baseball training is included in the program? Over 80 hours of training from baseball professionals is included in our program for 10–16u players—this includes the winter program, clinics, mini–camps, and twice weekly day practices during June/July. This training is from high quality instructors who know the kids in the program, and work with them from the first day of winter practice to late July.

Is our team all about winning? Winning is not our primary focus. We want to develop our players and we believe over time, winning will become the by product of the effort our players put in. We look for players that are very competitive. In the heat of competition, we want to win just as badly as other teams. But, winning is not the goal. We will not sacrifice our principles, coaching philosophy or players’ health to win a game or a tournament. Our pitchers are on strict pitch count limits. At 10u–14u, players play multiple positions and bat at different spots in the order.

Cost and Payment options?

Each age group comes with a different cost structure due to the amount of tournament and league games structure. We ask for a deposit to secure your roster spot when offered and then can proceed with a monthly payment option to spread the payments over several months. Note – Fall Baseball is optional, and is in addition to the fees shown above. This cost covers everything except uniform costs, travel costs, team bus trip costs and admission/gate fees at the tournament sites. Fees are subject to change. Fundraising is an option on a team-by-team basis, if you choose not to do fundraising, then you will simply pay the amounts listed above. We encourage and support fundraising activities across the teams.

What do you get for the fees?

Offseason training program – 2+ hours of training 2x per week. 4–8 hours of mini–camp at beginning of season. Weekly practice sessions run by team coach in March/April/May (10u–14u teams). This will be either 1 or 2x per week, depending on league schedules. 2 1/2 hour day practice sessions with instructors in June and July. Weekly team practices in June and July. 6-10 tournaments and/or league fees, depending on age. Please note that Travel costs, team bus trips and admissions/gate fees at tournament locations are NOT included in the fees. These fees will need to be paid separately. Uniform packages are about $210 for the entire new set of items. We re–use jerseys, hats, etc…year after year so players do not need to spend money on uniform items unless they are worn out or no longer fit.

Why is Pro-Day Elite more expensive than some other alternatives?

If our program is more expensive than other alternatives you have for this level of baseball, it is due to the following reasons:

We have paid professional coaches. There is tremendous value to having a non–parent baseball professional in the dugout. It costs extra to do this. In our view, it is worth the extra costs to eliminate the unavoidable issues that come with “dad” coaches. At high school ages, we have up to (2) paid coaches per team.

We have A LOT more training and player development built into the cost of the program. Training is not optional in our program. There is no comparison with other local programs regarding the amount and quality of training.

Does Pro-Day cut kids from the program?

Our program goal is to retain 75-85% of the players as they move from one age group to another. At the end of the season, we go through a rigorous evaluation of each player. We look at Baseball Skills and at Pro-Day Qualities. Players that cannot compete at high levels of baseball are not invited back. Young players need to experience individual success in baseball (or they will quit). Players that do not have Pro-Day Qualities are not a good fit for the program and are not asked back.

How many games do your teams play? How much out of town travel should be expected?

For 10u–16u, our teams will play in tournaments 2–3 weekends per month throughout the season and can average 8–12 tournaments per year. Some teams play in weekday leagues also. This is usually 40–60 games. Keep in mind that we practice 1–2 days per week in April/May and 2 times per week once school is out. The 10u–14u teams typically play in 2–4 out of town tournaments each summer. Sometimes 14u/16u teams travel as much as 6 times per summer. A WELL–RUN PRACTICE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GAMES AT 10–14U and JUST AS IMPORTANT FOR 16u!!!

 It costs money to practice and play games. That is why other programs collect money upfront then cut their seasons and practices in mid–July and pretend that an off–weekend is a gift. Unfortunately, the 16u team have to travel to play top competition. We are trying to work with people to get more elite tournaments in the area, but it has been challenging.

Do you have a Fall Baseball Program? We have at least one team at each age group for Fall baseball. 14u–18u teams are professionally coached. We strongly encourage our players to play Fall baseball unless they have a direct conflict with soccer or football. Midwest players need the extra reps and game experience that Fall baseball offers. Also, it gives new players an opportunity to learn the Pro-Day Elite system before the winter workouts start.

Will your program get my son a college scholarship or get him drafted by professional baseball like other programs advertise?

We can help. But, at the end of the day, your son will get an opportunity to play baseball in college (or pro ball) because he is a talented baseball player, knows how to play the game the right way and is a good student. It all starts with those three things. Talent might open up the doors to college and professional baseball. But, playing the game right and being a good student will ensure success once your son gets there. We are never going to “make promises” or “sell the dream” of playing college baseball. We will do everything we can to prepare your son for success. Our organization leaders are very knowledgeable, well connected and respected —coaches and scouts return our phone calls. We are willing to help, but it all starts with your son —to play at the next level, he needs to be: Talented, Play the game the right way, and be a good Student. There are no shortcuts despite what other people may tell you. We will help him focus on those 3 things. We cannot and will not make promises that we cannot keep.