About South Orange Maplewood Cougars Summer Baseball

We provide an opportunity for interested baseball players, ages 8 and above, to participate in summer travel leagues and tournaments at the conclusion of the Spring Recreation League season. Teams are selected following a competitive tryout process to be held during the month of March. Once selected, teams will practice during the spring months and may participate in scrimmages and/or spring tournaments.  The SOM Baseball program does not include any spring travel teams. 

After the spring recreation baseball season ends, the teams compete in league play and tournaments during the months of June and July. They will play or practice most days, practice or games, depending on weather and field availability. Most of the games are in Essex, Union and Morris counties.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Players are required to participate in the SOM Baseball spring recreation league in order to participate in SOM Cougars Summer Baseball. Team eligibility is based on the child’s age on April 30.

How will the teams be selected?

Tryouts are conducted for players at each individual age group. Teams will be selected based on player performance at the tryouts. Independent evaluators are utilized to ensure fairness and accuracy in player assessment.Additional factors considered for team selection are the player’s spring recreation league evaluation, his/her performance during prior summer seasons, and their demonstrated commitment to baseball and summer programs. Generally, a team’s roster will include approximately 12-14 players from the same age group.

When there are enough qualified players in any age group for multiple teams, the summer committee will determine how the players should be divided. The objective is to make teams competitive in league play.

To increase the number of players participating in summer travel baseball, additional teams may be created combining players from two age groups.

Where will they play?

All teams in each age group will participate in league play. The leagues are selected by the Summer Baseball Committee based upon the level of competition. Some teams will play in the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth district tournaments with the hope of advancing to state and regional tournaments. All teams may participate in additional tournaments.

When are the tryouts and when are the teams selected?

SOM Baseball will hold Summer Team Tryouts according to the schedule provided. If at all possible, tryouts will be conducted outdoors. If weather/field conditions do not allow for outdoor tryouts, time has been reserved indoors. Team rosters will be posted on this website the week after tryouts have concluded.

What can I expect if my child makes a team?

The summer baseball program was formed to allow a child who has a real desire to play baseball, to learn and improve at the next level. Coaches will focus on improving your child’s skills, reinforcing sound fundamentals, teaching sportsmanship and stressing the importance of teamwork and commitment. Our goal is for all children participating in the summer baseball program to come away from the experience as better players, having fun in the process.

What is the time commitment required?

Practices will begin in April following team selection. During the spring recreation baseball season, practices are scheduled by individual coaches based on player and field availability. Once the recreation season ends, practices may be held 2-4 nights a week in addition to league games which begin in June. League play typically includes a schedule of 2-3 games per week. Week night games generally start at 6:00 pm. Tournament games and make up games can be scheduled any time on Saturdays and Sundays. All games, including playoffs, are completed by July 31st.

Players participating on summer teams are expected to attend all practices and games and commit to play for the entire season. If families plan vacation in June or July, you must make the coach aware of this on the ‘Player Commitment’ form provided at tryouts. Players who fail to comply with this requirement may be removed from the team AND may be ineligible for future participation in summer play.

What is the fee for the Summer Baseball program?

The fee for children ages 8-10 is $250.00 per player. The fees for children ages 11-14 is $300.00 per player. Uniform, umpire costs and league requirements account for the higher fees for the older players. Registration fees cover all league fees, umpire costs, uniform costs and one team tournament. Fees also include a $20.00 per player fee dedicated to future field restoration and improvements. Fees for additional tournament play are the responsibility of the individual team and its players.