By Andrea Stamp
The Nordonia Hills Athletic Association (NHAA) recently held several days of tryouts for its travel baseball program. New travel coordinator Chuck Bulanda, was able to provide some key information regarding NHAA Travel Baseball, its history and his plans moving forward. Bulanda has advised that NHAA Travel Ball was started 4 years ago with their first 8U team. It was started by the current coaches who are now at the 12 U levels.
NHAA Baseball holds to the mission statement that they want “to afford children in the Nordonia Hills community an opportunity to engage in healthful, athletic competition, to learn and improve their skills, and to gain a further understanding of the values of fair play and teamwork.” Bulanda adds that “a successful season is determined by each kid noticeably improving their baseball skills.”
During tryouts, independent evaluators are selected for each age group. This year, the Nordonia High School coaching staff, former college players, and individuals who have a solid understanding of baseball were selected to be these evaluators. A standard form using a numerical rating system was used to rank each player based on his own ‘running, fielding, throwing, catching, hitting and pitching.’
Once a player is selected for a particular team, the coach will call the player and his family and welcome him to the team. The cost associated with each team is dependent upon how much fundraising is done before and during the season. A typical out of pocket range would be between $200 and $400 for the season.
Anyone interested in coaching at the 8U level will be subject to approval from the NHAA Board. The Board will select the best qualified individual who will be encouraged to stay with the team as the players age through the NHAA club. Any new parent who is interested in coaching for the other age groups is encouraged to send Bulanda a message advising of their interest.
While the official NHAA travel baseball season begins in April, workouts usually start in January, and some teams begin lite conditioning in the fall. The season ends in mid-July. A season consists of standard league play combined with various tournaments that often take teams out of town.
A new parent can expect their son to learn from their peers and coaches while making lasting friendships that will stay with them through their high school years.
For further information about NHAA Travel Baseball, please do not hesitate to contact Chuck Bulanda at cbulanda@windstream.net
