The past several years have seen substantial growth of 'club' teams that recruit players of all ages and all areas. There are fall, winter, and summer teams that offer a combination of weekend tournaments, intra week play, and some practice time. Clearly there is a market for club teams as we see a general growth in the market for instruction, travel and for play. Players in Minnetonka have access to a plethora of baseball opportunities within and outside of community baseball programs. Let's look at what opportunities exist in Minnetonka offers.

The Minnetonka Baseball Association MBA sponsors many teams and programs.

• Travel ball. Kids are organized by age (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) with travel teams for each age group providing opportunities for about 35 - 40 kids per age on three teams.
• Clinics and Academy. In the winter and spring, the MBA puts on clinics with high school and MBA coaches. This instructional program takes place at the convenient Tonka Dome.
• Minnetonka Academy - Fall Teams. Three Minnetonka teams - Sophomore, Junior, and Senior competed in fall league games and tournaments. The Senior team competed in the Fall Siebert League  at the Universoty of Minnesota. Pracice and instruction was provided in addition to games. All teams competed successfully and enjoyed playing with teammates.
• Summer Teams - There is so much enthusiasm for baseball in Minnetonka that carries over into the senior high level that we offer more teams than any other community. The MBA sponsors three teams (18, 17, 16) that expand playing opportunities for players in Minnetonka beyond the summer 'varsity' American legion teams. Two of these teams are entered in the American Legion Tier II levels - Travel 16 and Travel 17. Two additional teams are entered in the Senior Babe Ruth program. Travel 16 and 17 each take team trips, play an active weekly league schedule, and play in four weekend tournaments.

Excelsior American Legion Baseball

• Commonly called the summer varsity teams our Legion teams have 'ead the way in providing an elite club approach
• Two American Legion teams, a senior and a junior level team, are sponsored by the Excelsior Legion Post with each team carrying the maximum roster of eighteen players.
• Each team plays a full complement of league games against area teams
• Each team hosts a multi-state tournament that is well attended by college coaches and scouts.
• Each team competes in multiple weekend tournaments
• Each team competes in post season playoffs for state and national level achievement
• Each team takes trips that players and families enjoy
• Each team participates in an 'open or showcase' tournament to ensure our kids are visible 
• The Legion teams are designed for the kids that have the most interest in baseball and the possibility of going on to play in college.
• The summer Legion teams bring Minnetonka kids together as a community club team that can compete with anyone.

Compare Costs

Take a look at what for profit club teams cost and compare what gets offered on a side by side basis. Here are a couple comps we found

• Club
  • Club fee  $1500.00   Club fee $2500.00.
  • Additional costs for travel to three out of state tournaments plus housing and meal costs
  • Uniform fee
  • Two of five tournaments were in Minneapolis possible duplication in college receuiters
  • There were no scholarships for those who could not afford. There were no activities scheduled to earn some of the club fees.
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Conclusion

• If you are in Minnetonka, you are going to be seen by coaches and scouts if that is your goal. There is a wide array of teams and instruction available.
• You have the opportunity to engage all sorts of instructional resources like Pitch 2 Pitch, Hit Dawgz, Players Only, and more. Most often this occurs in the fall and winter months.
• There are a variety of area and regional and national player showcases that can be entered to gain exposure (or over exposure). Some are listed on this website.

If you play baseball and are in the Minnetonka school district, you have the most opportunities to play and develop as a player and as a teammate. And if you don't want to play with your friends there are plenty of options.