For new families
New to Travel Ball? Start Here.
Every Hereford family was new once. Here's the honest, plain-English version of what you're signing up for — no experience required.
What travel ball actually is
Travel baseball is the step up from rec ball: tryout-based teams that practice regularly, play in sanctioned leagues against other towns' programs, and enter weekend tournaments. The competition is stronger, the coaching is more structured, and the development is faster. It is not just for future all-stars — it's for kids who love the game and want to get genuinely better at it.
The rhythm of a year
Winter: indoor training — hitting, throwing, strength appropriate to age. Spring: league play begins; expect about two weeknight practices plus weekend games. Summer: tournament season, the weekends the kids talk about all year — plus tryouts for the following season. Fall: lower-pressure fall ball focused on development, new positions, and new challenges.
Time and money, honestly
Plan on roughly 2–3 commitments per week in season, with tournament weekends in summer that can run Friday night through Sunday. Dues differ by age group and season — exact numbers are shared with families during registration, and cover league fees, tournament entries, umpires, insurance, uniforms, and field costs. All payments go straight to the organization; coaches never handle money.
What your player needs
To start: a glove, bat, batting helmet, baseball pants, and cleats (rubber cleats at younger ages; check with your coach before buying metal). Nice-to-haves: batting gloves, a water jug, and a bat bag. Catchers: bring gear if you own it, but the team has equipment — don't buy catcher's gear for a tryout. When in doubt, ask the coach before spending money.
Tryout day, demystified
Tryouts are an evaluation, not a cut ceremony. Players rotate through stations — hitting, fielding, throwing, running — while a few different coaches watch, so no single opinion decides anything. Nerves are normal and the coaches know it; hustle and coachability count as much as highlight plays. When enough players come out for an age group, we form two teams — Maroon and Gold, named for our colors — so more players have a place in the program. Playing time is up to each coach and varies with the situation.
The words everyone uses
8U, 9U, 12U… — "U" means "and under"; your player's division is set by their age on April 30 of the season year. Maroon / Gold — when lots of kids come out for an age group, we make two teams named for our colors; kids play games that fit where they are right now, and move between teams as they grow. 60/90 — the full-size field older players graduate onto after 12U. GameChanger — the free app where team schedules, scores, and live game updates live. The Zone — what everyone calls the Hereford area of northern Baltimore County; it's also who you represent when you wear the bull.
Still have questions? The FAQ covers the rest.
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