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ATL Tryout Information FAQ's

**If a player cannot make tryout dates, please contact [email protected] to setup a tryout BEFORE your tryout date.

How many teams per age group:

This is dependent on tryout numbers and quality of players per age group. ATL plans on fielding on 2023/2024:

13U – 5 teams

14U – 4 teams

15U – 3 teams

16U – 3 teams

17U – 2 teams

What if my child cannot attend the designated tryout date for his/her age group?

If you cannot make the assigned date for your child’s age group, please contact Josh Kornblum ( [email protected]) for possible alternate times earlier in the summer. Players will not be allowed to tryout after the designated tryout date.  **Players must register BEFORE their designated tryout date.

What is the cost for the ATL tryout.

Tryout cost is $80. 

How do I register for a tryout?

Players and families can register at https://www.atllightning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2738313 

What should players bring with them to tryouts?

Players should always wear running shoes/turfs, baseball pants, and a baseball hat.  Players should also bring their own baseball gear (cleats, glove, bat, helmet) and a drink.  

What is the tryout format?

Players will be properly warmed up and then tested in the 60, standing broad jump, arm speed and bat speed. Players will be evaluated for pitching, hitting, defense and running ability as part of a pro-style workout. Each player will get multiple reps in fielding, hitting, throwing. Pitchers and catchers will also showcase their abilities in bullpens and throw downs.

What are the expected costs to play with ATL?

Program fees for the season 2023-2024 season will be $3500 for 13U-17U. This fee covers coaching stipends, practices, games, tournaments, recruiting services, and all facility/field usage. We ask for a $750 deposit when offered a spot on a team to lock in your roster spot. The remainder of the balance is broken up into three payments: fall, winter and spring.

 *Note: Each family will be responsible for purchasing a mandatory ATL fall player pack ( new player pack or returning player pack) and uniforms. We keep this cost as low as possible with our supplier partnerships. Additional gear, spirit wear, etc. is also available for purchase at program discounted prices.

How large are the rosters for each team?

The roster size for each team depends on the age group and if the team has any “pitcher only” players.  The roster size is intentional based on the level of tournaments the team will play, primarily to insure the team has enough quality pitching to compete over the course of the season. ATL does not believe in pitcher only at the 13 and 14 year old levels. Traditionally, the rosters grow the older the age groups. We believe in not over picking teams in order to give each player ample practice and playing time. We are intentional with our rosters sizes to properly develop young developing athletes. A good reference point for roster size is age group plus 1-2 two players. 

Are there any open spots on teams?

Yes. Every player must try out to earn a spot on the team. ATL does not reserve roster spots.

Will you have more teams at a certain age level than you did last year?

We want to offer as many teams as we can, but we need to have the right players who are invested in the ATL program.  For that same reason, we may offer less teams at certain age groups. Number of teams are dependent on quantity and quality of players trying out. 

How much travel do ATL teams do?

Most tournaments are local as metro Atlanta offers  plenty of opportunities to play against quality opponents to develop and hone our baseball skills. Generally, younger teams (13U-14U) will take 1-2 out of town trips. For older teams, if we think it helps them in the recruiting process then we may look into more trips. ATL has also partnered with Perfect Game and will host tournaments at our home fields: Garr, Warren Road and North Atlanta HS. ATL teams playing in those tournaments will play some games in town!

How much playing time will my kid get?

Our goal is to develop the players to become the best baseball player and person they can be. Our roster sizes are intentional to allow for players to get quality practice, playing and rest time. Head coaches will ultimately determine the playing time for their team members, and it is expected that each player gets a chance to play.  We also believe healthy competition is vital for development. There are times when lineups and rotations get tighter during tournaments, in those circumstances it is expected that coaches adequately communicate with the players.

How is the fall structured if my kid son/daughter plays another sport?

A core belief in the ATL program is that young athletes should have the opportunity to play multiple sports. Studies show that young athletes that play multiple sports have fewer overuse injuries, develop better overall athletic skills, have the opportunity to develop more mental and life skills, and have the ability to further build confidence. For 13U and 14U, ATL has a unique fall structure where teams have midweek skill sessions and weekend practices.   Players can practice as much as 4-5 days a week in the fall based on their schedule or as little as 1-2 days. Based on players athletic volume and load with other sports. Each day is varied to  focus on hitting, fielding, or pitching/catchers. The skill sessions rotate each week to different days so players will not miss the same skill session each week because of other commitments. The skill sessions are included in the player fees and are voluntary, however highly recommended. Sessions are run by are player development staff and assisted by coaches throughout the program. For 15U-18U teams will practice 2-3x midweek and again on weekends.  Teams will be play a 4-6  weekend tournaments starting in September and running through first week of November. 

What facilities and fields does ATL use?

Through our partnerships with Buckhead Baseball, NYO, and the local community, ATL has many facilities at our disposal. ATL will use NYO, North Atlanta High School, Riverwood High School, and the Galloway baseball/softball complex (Warren Road). We have access to indoor and covered cages at both NYO and Warren  Rd. ATL is currently expanding and adding more fields and cages to our list of local schools and facilities. 

Please contact Dan Giordano or Josh Kornblum [email protected]  for more information.