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Player Evaluations

Overview and Purpose

Why does DYB hold "Player Evaluations" for recreational leagues?
Player evaluations are a successful tool used for competitive balance, to help coaches when drafting players and to determine eligibility for Recreational and Premier (Single A) divisions.  For more information on Recreational and Premier programs please read our FAQ page regarding "levels of play" HERE.

The format, which is both positive and informal, provides independent evaluators an opportunity to evaluate player skills prior to team selection. Please note that the evaluators/graders in our evaluations are current DYB Select coaches, but come from other age levels to avoid conflicts of familiar players. Players will bat, field, throw, and run during evaluations and should dress appropriately bringing a baseball glove and batting helmet. Although most players bring a personal bat, it is not required and there will be bats available.

Players are broken into groups and run through stations such as:

  • Batting (usually in the cages)
  • Infield (fielding and throwing)
  • Infield (fielding)
  • Outfield (catching and throwing)
  • Baserunning
  • Pitching (9U and above)

Evaluators are focused less on the result and more on "how" a player performs at each station.

If a player does not attend Player Evaluations:

  • He or she will not be eligible for the Premier division of any league for that season. 
  • These players will instead be placed into a "blind draft", where any coach from our Recreational league will choose them at random. This is the only way that these player can be rostered to a team, while also allowing us to ensure fairness for all of our participants.
  • In the event that your player cannot attend Evaluations due to a conflict or illness, please contact their respective Age Group Commissioner as soon as possible, and prior to your player's scheduled evaluation date. 

Player Evaluation Process

What happens during player evaluations?

Player evaluations are not intended to be a thorough evaluation rather it is used a means to gauge basic skills in an attempt to ensure player safety and fair competition.  Players are asked to:

  • Hitting - approximately 5-10 pitches per participant (mechanics, contact)
  • Run - through first base (form, speed)
  • Run - 1st to 3rd base (form, speed)
  • Infield - field approximately 3-5 grounders and throw SS to 1st base (mechanics, arm strength/accuracy)
  • Infield - receive approximately 3-5 throws from SS (mechanics)
  • Outfield - field approximately 3-5 fly balls / throw to 2nd base (mechanics, arm strength/accuracy)
  • Pitching (9U and above) - approximately 5-10 pitches  (motion, control, speed)

Tips for a fun and relaxed evaluation: 

  • Relax and have fun.  Everyone is drafted.  Evaluations are used to ensure competitive balance.
  • Wear baseball practice attire:  cleats, hat, baseball pants, sweatshirt if cold not a jacket
  • Have all equipment, glove, bat, helmet, batting gloves, etc.
  • Arrive 15-20 minutes earlier than your assigned time
  • Have your player warmed up and ready to go at their assigned time
  • Check in as soon as you arrive for Player Evaluations
  • Allow 1-2 hours for the process
  • Be supportive of your player