The Mustang Baseball Travel Program is designed for players ages 9U-12U who want to develop their skills, compete at a higher level, and gain valuable tournament experience. This program is ideal for families committed to supporting their athlete’s baseball journey and understanding the increased time and travel commitments.
Why Join Travel Baseball?
- Higher-Level Competition: Play against top teams from across North Dakota and surrounding areas.
- Skill Development: Learn from experienced coaches in a competitive and supportive environment.
- Tournament Experience: Compete in 3-5 tournaments, including the North Dakota Cal Ripken State Tournament and our local tournament Badlands Battle of the Bats.
- Teamwork & Growth: Build lifelong friendships and develop both on and off the field.
Program Details
Who Can Play?
Travel Baseball is in addition to league play and is available for players in the following age divisions, determined by their age as of April 30, 2026:
- 9U Division: Born between May 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017
- 10U Division: Born between May 1, 2015 – April 30, 2016
- 11U Division: Born between May 1, 2014 – April 30, 2015
- 12U Division: Born between May 1, 2013 – April 30, 2014
Tournament Participation:
- Each team will participate in multiple weekend tournaments throughout the season.
- Every team competes in the North Dakota Cal Ripken State Tournament at the end of the season.
- Depending on the location of tournaments, some weekends may require overnight stays.
- Tournament dates and locations will be announced at in-person registration. Teams are funded to participate in up to 5 tournaments, including our home tournament, Badlands Battle of the Bats, and the North Dakota State Tournament at the end of the season. The State tournament dates will be July 31-August 2, 2026 for all age groups. More information can be found here, https://www.ndakbaberuth.com/state
Time Commitment & Expectations
Travel Baseball requires a higher level of dedication. Players and families should be prepared for:
- Additional Practices & Games – Practice frequency is determined by the coaching staff. Expect multiple weekly practices.
- Weekend Tournaments – Tournaments require travel and full participation.
- Commitment Required – Players are expected to attend all practices, games, and tournaments as part of their team responsibility.
Parent & Player Expectations:
- Travel teams require a strong commitment from both players and families.
- Coaches will communicate schedules in advance through apps like TeamSnap or WhatsApp.
- Playing time and positions are NOT guaranteed—coaches make decisions based on skill, effort, and team needs.
Travel Baseball Costs
Registration Fees:
- $250 Travel Team Registration (Covers tournament entry fees, jerseys, hats, and other team expenses).
- $200 DIBs Volunteer Deposit (Refundable upon completion of volunteer hours).
- Once teams are finalized, a separate registration form will be provided for travel fee payments. A travel team meeting will be scheduled later to try on jerseys, review expectations, collect DIBs checks, answer any questions families may have, and discuss tournament details and team logistics.
DIBs Volunteer Requirement:
- Each family must complete 2 DIB credits during the Badlands Battle of the Bats Tournament in Dickinson, June 26th - 28th, 2026.
- Volunteer Opportunities – Roles may include concessions, scoreboard operation, scorekeeping, t-shirt sales, groundskeeping, and other event support.
- DIB credits cannot be purchased—this is a mandatory participation requirement.
- 11U Travel Families: Please note that the 11U State Tournament will also be held in Dickinson this year. With all other travel teams attending State tournaments across the state, additional volunteer support will be essential to ensure the tournament runs smoothly.
Additional Costs:
Families are responsible for their own travel expenses, including:
- Transportation to tournaments
- Hotel accommodations for overnight stays (Group room blocks may be available).
- Meals during tournament weekends.
Team Selection & Tryouts
2026 TRYOUT DATES & DETAILS:
9U Tryouts: Sunday, February 8 | 8:30 - 10:00 AM
10U Tryouts: Sunday, February 8 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM
11U Tryouts: Sunday, March 1 | 3:00 - 4:30 PM
12U Tryouts: Sunday, March 1 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Makeup Date: Sunday, March 8 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Tryouts will be held at DSU Weinbergen Gym 1104 2nd St West, Dickinson, ND 58601
Playing Time & Team Expectations
Competitive Atmosphere & Playing Time Expectations
- Travel Baseball is highly competitive. Playing time is not guaranteed and is based on player performance, attendance, and team needs.
- Players may not play their preferred position but will be placed where they can best contribute to the team.
- Coaches will prioritize player development, but tournament baseball is about team success.
Transparency & Communication:
- Coaches will clearly outline expectations during a preseason parent/player meeting.
- Open communication is encouraged, but coaches' decisions regarding playing time and positioning are final.
