Fall season 2020
In preparation for the Spring 2021 season, the Tomball Kings provide baseball development programs for both high-school-aged and younger athletes in the fall. We require a player evaluation (“tryout”) prior to fall participation for all athletes. Email the program director to schedule an evaluation, which normally takes place during a regular practice, now that our group tryout for fall has passed.
Players ages 7 through 18 who are currently homeschooled or expect to be homeschooled in the 2020-2021 academic year are welcome to participate.
High school
The Tomball Kings high school program in fall focuses on improvement in fundamental baseball skills as well as speed, mobility, conditioning, and injury prevention.
High school players will typically have two field practices per week as well as one track workout. The team may schedule occasional scrimmages, subject to coaching evaluation and team progress.
Incoming freshmen who qualify by age for 15U play (birth date on our after May 1, 2005) may choose between the high school fall program or playing with the Tomball Kings Juniors team in the Spring-Klein Baseball fall league, or a combination of the two. Incoming freshmen should consult with Tomball Kings coaches in planning their fall training schedule.
The fall high school program begins September 8 and ends November 20, 2020. Practices take place on weekdays, 3:45 PM to 5:30 PM. We currently anticipate practice days of Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but may adjust, depending upon facility requirements in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. All sessions will be in Tomball or Spring.
Junior high and younger players
For junior high and younger players, the Tomball Kings field teams in the Spring-Klein Baseball fall league and hold regular practices and training sessions to improve baseball skills, speed, mobility, and conditioning.
Players should anticipate two weekday events (a combination of games and practices) per week in the evening (5:00 PM or later) as well as a regular Saturday training session that begins at 11:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM. Weekday events are in Spring; Saturday training is in Tomball.
Players in the 13U to 15U age range will play together on the Tomball Kings Juniors team.
The fall program for junior high and younger players opens the week prior to Labor Day and should conclude by the end of October, subject to weather adjustments.
Eligibility
Participation in any Tomball Kings program is by invitation only, based upon coaching evaluations from the Fall 2020 tryouts. Maintenance of eligibility requires compliance with Tomball Kings program rules.
High school players must (i) have a declared grade of ninth or higher, (ii) not have graduated from high school or competed for more than three years of previous high school play, and (iii) have been born on or after September 2, 2001.
Juniors and younger players must have been born on or after May 1, 2005.
Costs
Players should anticipate the following fees and expenses for the Fall 2020 season.
| Item | Due (2020) | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform fee, maximum (typically needed by new players only) | August 21 | $68.00 |
| Annual program fee | September 1 | $20.00 |
| Facilities fee | September 1 | $250.00 |
Other baseball-related expenses
While not provided through the Kings program, players should also budget for baseball pants, belt, socks, and possibly stirrups, with colors to be specified by coaches in advance of the season; a baseball glove; a regulation baseball bat; sliding shorts with protective cup; batting helmet; turf shoes and cleats or spikes; and, batting gloves if desired. Catchers must provide their own properly-fitted gear and mit, with throat protector affixed to the mask. While not required, recommended safety equipment includes a mouthguard, heartguard, and C-Flap for the batting helmet.
All players will need a current sports physical prior to the first practice in September. Forms will be available after the August 14 tryout.
Note: bats and gloves in particular can be expensive items and must be a good fit for the player. Kings coaches are happy to advise on such items, prior to purchase.
Additional information
If you have questions or need additional information, please email support@tomballkings.org or call John Harris at 512-470-0915.
