2023 Frontier League Tryout Camp and Draft

2301 Grizzlie Bear Boulevard,Sauget IL 62206

24 April, 2023

Description

The 30th annual Frontier League Tryout Camp and Draft will take place at GCS Ballpark, home of the Gateway Grizzlies. GCS Ballpark is at exit 15 off I-255 in Illinois.  All 16 Frontier League teams will be present, and over the past twelve seasons an average of over 35 players per year have signed contracts out of the Tryout Camp.   FAQs   Are there requirements or an age limit to tryout? Players must be at least 18 years old to attend.  Players with college eligibility remaining should check with their school's compliance officer before registering.     FAQs   What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? GCS Ballpark is located at exit 15 off I-255 in Illinois. Downtown St. Louis can be seen from the stadium. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 30 minutes from GCS Ballpark.  Preregistered players will receive a letter with the host hotel and discount rate code once this information is finalized.  Players are responsible for their transportation to and from GCS Ballpark.  If you will not have a car, you should be able to find a ride by asking the other players in the hotel lobby.   What can/can't I bring to the event? GCS Ballpark features an artificial playing surface, and per the manufacture's warranty metal spikes are not allowed.  All players, including pitchers, must wear either molded cleats or turf shoes.  Seven of the Frontier League's ballparks feature artificial surfaces and have the same policy. In addition, sunflower seeds, tobacco, and gum are not allowed on the field, the bullpen areas, or in the dugouts as they cause problems with the quality of the turf. Players are responsible for bringing their own baseball equipment, including bats, batting helmets, and catching gear, and should wear baseball pants.  Baseballs will be provided by the Frontier League.   FAQs   How does the Tryout Camp work? The workouts officially begin at 9:00 AM on Monday, April 24 and will feature fielding and throwing drills for infielders, outfielders, and catchers, and batting practice for position players. Hitters will be timed from home to first and from first to third as part of batting practice. Pitchers will throw 15-20 pitch bullpens in front of our pitching coaches. We will be using FlightScope Strike to track metrics in the bullpen sessions with this information available to players following the event. Hitting analytics will be collected by YakkerTech. Following the first day, the field managers will compile a list of players invited back for inter-squad games on Tuesday, April 25.  At the conclusion of the games on Tuesday, action will break for 30 minutes as clubs and prepare for the draft.  The draft will take place at GCS Ballpark on Tuesday afternoon.   What if I play multiple positions? Sign up at your primary position. Players who both pitched and played a position in either a college or professional game will be allowed to throw a bullpen on Monday if they wish to be considered as a pitcher. If I am drafted, when does spring training begin in the Frontier League? Frontier League spring training opens on Thursday, April 27.  Opening day rosters are due by Wednesday, May 10.  Tryout camp participants are guaranteed at least one week in spring training barring injury or a violation of team rules.  If you will have issues reporting on April 27, speak with the club who selects you so alternate arrangements can be made. If I still have college eligibility remaining, can I attend? It is our understanding that participating in the workouts does not impact your college/amateur eligibility as long as you do not sign a contract.  However, the ultimate decision is up to the NCAA, NAIA, or related organization.  We have had players attend each year who return to complete their college seasons before signing contracts and reporting.  We encourage any current college player to check with your compliance officer to see what you can and cannot do to protect your eligibility. Can people come to watch the workouts? Yes, friends and family members can watch the workouts from the seating bowl at GCS Ballpark. Only players will be allowed on the field   What happens if it rains? We will make every effort to do as much of the workout as possible on the field at GCS Ballpark.  The artificial playing surface allows us to play through light rain and to resume immediately as soon as heavier rain stops.  We do have access to an indoor facility if necessary.  Regardless of the weather, the event will conclude on Tuesday, April 25, as players report to their teams for spring training beginning on Thursday, April 27.