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The goal of the Team New Era Baseball program is to expose Western New York athletes to a significantly higher level of baseball than can be found anywhere else in the area.  In addition, the program will prepare players for those baseball opportunities that will come about as a result of the exposure this program will generate.  The goal of every Team New Era player should be to strive to excel at the game of baseball through their middle school and high school years with the ultimate goal of being able to play baseball competitively at the college level.   Although dozens of very successful programs of this type exist around the country, this is the only one of its kind in Western New York.
 
To participate at this level, it is not necessary that a player be an exceptional baseball talent, only that he have average or better athletic ability, a love for the game and a willingness to work to be the best he can be at the game.
 
The elite travel program addresses more than just a player's athletic ability.  All of the additional skills necessary to truly play the game will also be developed: professionalism, maturity, independence and responsibility to name a few. A strong emphasis is also placed on schoolwork and grades.  To have the opportunity to play baseball at the collegiate level, passing grades are not enough - above average grades are expected.  As such, schoolwork and grades are an important part in what options will present themselves down the road.  Our elite program looks for players that share that same sense of importance when it comes to their education.
 
The 2007 elite team schedule will be as follows:
 
Each elite team will participate in 5 to 8 tournaments (see tournament/showcase schedule for breakdown by age of team) throughout the northeastern, mid-Atlantic and central United States during the months of May through September.  No tournament will require any player to miss any school.  Additionally, each team will participate in 5-15 games in the Western New York area to fill out their schedule.
 
All tournaments will all be high caliber, nationally recognized events. For ages 14 and up, several tournaments will be 'showcase' events, specifically held to give the college coaches and scouts in attendance an opportunity to get a look at the best talent in this part of the country.  Others will lead to showcase tournaments or camps as a result of superior play in that tournament.  The remainder will be high visibility, high caliber national tournaments. 
 
For ages up to and including 13, all tournaments will be high caliber national tournaments held to give players the opportunity to experience baseball at its best.  The intent of these tournaments is to prepare players for those showcase opportunities that will start at age 14.  For players at this impressionable an age, these are opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime.
 
Most tournaments will be 3 or 4 day weekend events within a 4-8 hour drive of Buffalo, New York. 

In practice, tournament and travel play, emphasis will fall heavily on professional look and conduct, teamwork and commitment to teammates, and fundamental understanding and execution of the game of baseball.   Winning will happen not by coaching to win, but by sticking to the fundamentals that make sound baseball players and teams.  Top to bottom, this theme will be repeated at all levels in our program.
 
We encourage all Team New Era players to play as much baseball as they can during the limited summer season available in Western New York.  Playing on multiple teams is certainly allowed and very much encouraged.  It is not necessary for any player to give up the opportunity to play with their existing team or friends to be part of this elite program.  Our only requirement is that each player keep in mind that their number one priority must be to the Team New Era elite team when conflicts do occur.
 
Although we do expect a significant commitment from the players, parents will not be required to make that same commitment.  Parents are never required to travel with the team.  Parents that do wish to attend are always welcome to do so. Coaches and Team New Era staff will be available to transport players whenever needed. 
 
Once on the road, the team (coaches, staff and players) will remain together as a group at all times.  Players cannot be separated from the rest of the team at any time.  Players will be assigned 3 or 4 per hotel room with coaches and Team New Era staff as chaperones.  The coaches and staff will supervise all players and coordinate all meals, travel and other recreational activities for the team members.  Parents that choose to stay in the same hotel or join the team for meals, sightseeing, etc. are certainly welcome to do so, but not required.  One fundamental principle that drives this program is the development of the 'team' concept and 'team' players – both on and off the field.  All activities are planned with that goal as a top priority.
 
The estimated cost for each participant accepted into the elite program is outlined in the breakdown by age of team in the Tournament/Showcase schedule.  Remember this cost, unlike any other baseball cost you have seen in the past, includes all baseball activities, a Team Bat Bag, team baseball cleats, uniform, team practice and travel apparel, plus all lodging and meal expenses.  About 75% of this cost estimate represents meal and hotel expenses. 
 
Cost estimates are based on approximately $75-$100 per player per tournament for specific baseball expenses (tournament entrance fees, umpires, insurance, etc.), plus approximately $50-$55 per day per player for hotel and meal expenses. 

Our hotels of choice are the Holiday Inn Express, Best Western and Days Inn. The typical meal plan consists of: Continental breakfast at the hotel. Fast food restaurant for lunch:  McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, etc. and a dinner at a local restaurant.  Occasionally tournament game schedules (2 or 3 games in one day) require deviation from this schedule (a decent meal at lunchtime and fast food or pizza for dinner for example).
 
The estimated costs are provided as a guideline for parents to consider in budgeting for opportunity.  Remember, this is an all-inclusive package for the player. There will be no additional costs for the out of town tournament trips, other than spending money for souvenirs and entertainment (going to the movies on rainy days, etc.).

After tryouts, players that are selected for the program will be required to provide a $100 deposit to lock in their roster spot.  A payment schedule (typically due every month), that requires all players make their final payment in May 2007 will also be provided at that time.  

As part of the tryout process, some players (based on skill level far exceeding those required to play at this level) will be given the opportunity to participate as part of the Team New Era National Travel Team program.  Those players who qualify will contacted individually at the completion of tryouts regarding this National Level opportunity.
 
By coming to Team New Era you’ve taken the first step in a journey that I’m sure you may question if you are truly ready to take.  If you love to play the game of baseball – YOU ARE READY.  There is no question.

We encourage everyone that loves the game of baseball to signup for the tryouts.  Don't underestimate what you are ready for or what your true abilities are.  If you love the game, anything is possible.
 
Looking forward to seeing you at the tryouts.  Any questions feel free to contact any of the staff at email@newerapark.com or Rich Wozniak at 716-681-3001.

2007 Tournament/Showcase Schedule (Tentative)

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* High school showcase player eligibility:  Player must be high school sophomore or juniors only with high school grades that would qualify them for a Division I college.   Contact Inferno Baseball for more information.

** Number of games is an estimate of total games played in travel league, independent team and tournament play.  Additional opportunities for scrimmage games and weekend series games with other quality travel teams within a few hours of WNY will also be available. Rain and individual tournament success will impact the actual final number of games played.

*** Estimated costs include all baseball related fees, travel expenses, an Inferno Bat Bag, team baseball cleats, uniform, team practice and travel apparel,  hotels and meals for all participants during the summer/fall season.  Fees do not cover any additional expenses for equipment and other gear and practice time, cage rentals, etc. during the off season for skills development.

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