If you and your child are looking for a more competitive baseball experience, this is it! Here's some quick info on it:
What are the D9 All Star games?
D9 is the Little League All Star Tournament. D9 stands for District 9, which is our district that includes Mason, Hamilton, Anderson, Loveland, Monroe, Miami, Lakota, etc.. The winner of the district tournament goes to the Little League State tournament, and eventually on to the Little League World Series.
When is it?
Typically mid-July. State tournament is typically mid or late July, so districts has to be completed prior to that. For example, 8U usually will be the last week of June or early July.
What sort of time commitment is required?
Mid-May we will be asking for coaches that are interested and selecting the coaches. The coaches will organize and lead tryouts and practices starting in June, typically 2-4 times a week. It’s a double elimination tournament, so it could range from 2 games to 8. The D9 tournament is local, state tournament can be located anywhere in Ohio.
What is the benefit for the players?
It’s a very cool experience. Typically it’s the best competition of the year, so the boys learn a lot. Also, generally they practice a few days a week between the beginning/middle of June to the start of the tourney mid July. That’s probably more practice than they’ve had all year. Players also receive a Mason jersey and hat for the tournament.
Who can play?
We have tryouts and teams will be selected by the coach in partnership with the commissioner and other MYO board members. We factor in as much as possible between the tryout and game experience, but also consider positions. Pitching is important, as is having solid position players at outfield, shortstop, etc.. Generally we select between 11 and 13 kids. If we have enough interest and talent we will have 2 or 3 teams. The talent in all stars in pretty good. It will likely be the best pitching the kids face all year, etc…
Who coaches these teams?
Coaches can volunteer, but in the end are chosen/approved by the MYO Board members. Generally we want coaches with solid baseball experience, good teaching skills, and a child that is clearly a candidate to make the team. If we have multiples, then it’s a head coach and an assistant. We can usually use all the help.
What does it cost?
No additional cost. Your Spring season registration makes you eligible.
For 8U, there are two options - kids pitch tournament, and coaches pitch tournament. Also, the 8U tournaments stop at the district level, while the 10U and up are eligible to go on to state, regionals and nationals.