Lake Zurich Baseball and Softball Association

How much time does the travel season consume?
The travel season typically begins in the fall with informal practices and maybe a few practice games as weather permits. In January teams begin indoor practice once a week typically and then increase to twice a week in February and March. In April teams move outside and get together in some combination of practice and games about 3 times a week. The season is in full swing May through July.

What is the difference between the “blue” team and the “white” team?
The “white” team will be comprised of those girls with past travel experience at this age level and those that exhibit a higher developed skill level. The “blue” team may have past travel players on it with skills that need to be further developed and for first year players at this age level.  The goal here is to place each player in a position where the highest degree of success can be attained.

Do you offer any professional instruction?
Each year we make efforts to secure a hitting instructor that will offer services to the Lightning teams on an as needed basis. 

What are the player’s responsibilities during the season?
Players are expected to be punctual and attend all practices and games, except for excused absences and unforeseen emergencies. The importance of this commitment comes from the basic nature of team sports. When a player misses a game or practice, it negatively affects every other player on the team. Differences in playing time are determined by a player’s commitment along with work ethic and skill. Missed practices and games may mean less playing time.

What league do the girls play in and how many games will they play?
In the past the teams have belonged to the NSFPL (North Shore Fast Pitch League) which is comprised of many teams from Gurnee to Mt. Prospect and from Wauconda to Lake Forest. A teams number of games is made up from NSFPL games and tournament games. Typically the 10u team will enter 4 tournaments, based on performance this could add up to 20–25 games in addition to there 10–12 NSFPL games for a total of 35–40 games. This is roughly equivalent to the combined number of in-house games plus play-offs and the post-season tournament team schedule. The 12u & 14u teams will typically enter 6-7 tournaments and based on performance and in addition to the 12-15 NSFPL games will equate to 45-50 games.

Are the travel teams intensely competitive?
The travel teams are more competitive than the in-house league. Each team plays to win while developing the skills and sportsmanship of all team members. We do want to field highly competitive teams made up of girls that are learning and having a positive experience.

Do all girls get equal playing time?
Unlike house league, the travel league does not require coaches to give each player equal playing time. It is expected that each player will participate to some degree in each game. Attendance at practice and games will affect playing time. Tournament rules may affect playing time.

Do players rotate positions during games?
Players will be expected to learn more than one position in practice and may be rotated through those positions during a game. Coaches do not rotate positions every couple of innings as you may find in in-house.

Do parents need to volunteer any of their time?
Each team will have its share of areas that they will need help with. In order to have a winning program we will need all parents to participate in a positive manner. A small amount of your time will be required to help the team.

If you should have any further questions please contact Ron McGinnis (Travel President) or Gunter Hartmann (Girls Commissioner), our numbers can be found on the LZBSA Board Page.