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2026 TRYOUT INFORMATION

DATES

LEVEL DATE TIME LOCATION
9U Monday, July 14, 2025 5:30 - 7:30 PM Staples 5
10U

Monday, July 7, 2025

Makeup: Tuesday, July 8, 2025

5:30 - 7:30 PM Staples 5
11U Tuesday, July 15, 2025 5:30 - 7:30 PM Staples 5
12U Monday, July 14, 2025 5:30 - 7:30 PM Staples 3
13U Tuesday, July 15, 2025 5:30-7:30 PM Staples 3
14U Wednesday, July 16, 2025 5:30 - 7:30 PM Staples 3

*Makeups are available; reach out to Dan directly to discuss.

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • DO NOT WEAR YOUR CURRENT TEAM JERSEY. A solid-color shirt is best.
  • Proper baseball attire and gear (e.g., bat, glove, helmet, water bottle) are necessary.

FIELD ADDRESS

  • Staples: 600 Red Bridge Rd, Lake Zurich

QUESTIONS? 

The Goal of the Cougars Program is to support players who want to take their baseball playing experience to the next level, compete in leagues and tournaments, develop skills, and enjoy the game of baseball.  

Cougars teams compete at the 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, and 15U levels in spring/summer league and tournament play.

Players can anticipate approximately 45-65 games per season, varying by age group and how competitive each team is during tournament play.

Games

League Games

  • The Cougars typically participate in the Mid-Suburban League (MSBL) and McHenry Travel League.
  • These leagues comprise the surrounding areas' Elite Level, A Level, and B Level programs.
  • Each Cougars Team will play approximately 10-18 league games (half home, half away) around Lake and Cook Counties.

Tournaments

  • Each Cougars team will also participate in 4-5 tournaments.
  • Teams will be placed in tournaments based on the individual team’s skill level.

 

TEAM STRUCTURE

  • Each team has a volunteer Head Coach selected by the Lake Zurich Baseball & Softball Association. 
  • Each Cougars Team has a minimum of 11 players and a maximum of 15 players.
  • The player package includes Winter Training, Spring/Summer Season, Tournament Registration Fees, and Uniform Package. 

 

Schedule

During the regular spring/summer baseball season, we expect that the Cougars team is our players’ first sports priority. While the schedule will vary by age, below is an example shell of a typical season schedule:

Jan - Mar Indoor team practices (2 times per week)
Apr - Jun

Regular season games (1-weekday game and one weekend) 

and tournaments

Jun - Jul

League playoffs (1-weekday game and one weekend)

and late-season tournaments

Fall

Managers may schedule practices and games. Cougars players may also play fall ball in the LZBSA Fall House League. However, it is not a requirement. 

 

AGE CALCULATION FOR THE 2026 Season

May 1 is the cutoff date that determines placement.
Use this age calculator to confirm

LEVEL AGE
U9  Birthday on or before April 30, 2018
U10

Birthday on or before April 30, 2016

U11

Birthday on or before April 30, 2015

U12

Birthday on or before April 30, 2014

U13

Birthday on or before April 30, 2013

U14

Birthday on or before April 30, 2012

U15 Birthday on or before April 30, 2011