Eagles Baseball
Fall 2023 Baseball Plans
ECCHO Eagles Baseball Program
The ECCHO Eagles Baseball Program is an outreach ministry to the families of ECCHO. The purpose of this program is to provide a developmental, fun, competitive, and safe environment for boys ages 13 - 18 years old. Our goal is to provide homeschooled boys with the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority through the game of baseball. We strive to teach the student-athletes how to work within a team setting by respecting their teammates, portraying a team-first attitude, and then dedicating themselves through commitment and sacrifice to become more Christ-like in the manner in which they approach the game while turning baseball lessons into life lessons that go beyond the ballfield. ECCHO Eagles athletes are seen as leaders within the program and are held to a higher standard as such.
Tryouts:
Baseball Tryouts are held in later summer and early fall each year. Students ages 13 (by September 1st) to 18 are eligible to try out. Tryout dates and times will be determined by the athletic director and baseball coaches. Dates and times will be posted on the ECCHO website and social media platforms. Student-athlete candidates are expected to come prepared in appropriate baseball attire (head to toe), and bring all necessary baseball equipment, and water to every tryout.
Candidates will be evaluated during tryouts by coaches. Student-athlete candidates may be asked to return on additional tryout days before a final decision is made. Results will be emailed to parents of student-athletes within one week following tryout.
Commitment:
Eagles Baseball is an academic year-long program. The team member's term begins in August and ends at the end of May of the following year. Team members are expected to attend practices in the fall, participate in baseball class during the “academic year” and participate in the full baseball season - class, practice, games, and tournaments during the spring. Team members commit to participating in various activities, fundraisers, parades, etc. as part of their place on the team. (Special circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis - please talk to the coach and athletic director.)
Practices:
Fall practices are two days a week for 6 weeks from October to mid-November.
Spring practices are two days a week starting in Mid-January through early May.
Baseball Class:
Eagles baseball will have a baseball class on Fridays as part of the high school classes offered by ECCHO. The purpose of the baseball class is to free up practice time for practice. Class time will be used for communication, covering program details, team building, team development, baseball knowledge, and scenarios. Team members will participate in devotionals as well as health and nutrition.
Competition:
Our goal is to be a competitive team who works hard on and off the field and shines His light for the world to see. The Eagles baseball teams will play a full season of regular season games each spring (approximately 20-40 games). The Varsity team will enter into two to three tournaments during the regular season. The JV team may enter one tournament during the season if the opportunity arises. The Eagles baseball program plans to end the season with a trip to the homeschool world series or the National Association of Christian Athletes as deemed appropriate by the coach and athletic director.
Calendar:
The Eagles games will be posted on the team calendar, and team game changer. Parents and team members are responsible for keeping up with the calendar.
Groupme:
The Eagles Baseball team has a GroupMe dedicated to team members and at least one parent per player. It is important that you have the app and keep up with notifications.
Attendance and Absences:
It is expected that parents and team members communicate to the coach and/or athletic director any issues or problems that arise in a timely manner. Team members are expected to be at all practices, classes, games, etc. It is understandable that things come up and sometimes team members are unavailable, please communicate with coaches and/or the athletic director as soon as possible. When possible please schedule vacations, family events, and other commitments during the off-season. Team members are expected to be on time, dressed appropriately, and ready to participate.
Fundraising:
Baseball is an expensive sport and ECCHO recognizes the need for fundraising to help cover some of the costs for the program. Team members and families are expected to participate in all fundraising opportunities.
Fees:
The ECCHO baseball program season fee is $1000 per player. This fee does not cover the end-of-season championship. This fee can be paid in installments throughout the fall. The full amount is due by the end of January. Uniform fees are $400 per player for the full package. Individual pieces can be purchased as needed. (Fees for the program and uniforms are subject to change.)
Baseball Team members are expected to follow all the guidelines as laid out in the ECCHO Athletic Handbook.
But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31