Baseball Victoria is pleased to confirm plans for the 2021 National Showcase Series – Victoria early next year. This follows Baseball Australia’s announcement on the cancellation of the 2021 Australian Youth Championship due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2021 AYC will be replaced with local state events featuring a showcase and underage tournament to ensure athletes still receive extensive high performance and development opportunities with exposure to college and professional scouts.
The National Showcase Series – Victoria will be held at Melbourne Ballpark from Tuesday, 5 January – Wednesday, 13 January 2021.
Similarly to the traditional AYC tournament, the Victorian event will take place during the January school holidays and include the Under 16 and Under 18 age brackets with a combination of showcasing and a series of games.
“We are excited to bring this new AYC format to Victoria in 2021 following an eventful year,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “While we have had to make adjustments along with other states and territories, we look forward to creating a challenging and memorable experience for Victorian baseballers who would typically be playing in the Australian Youth Championship.”
Tryouts for the National Showcase Series – Victoria will be held at the end of November, with specific dates and times to be confirmed as soon as possible.
The National Showcase Series – Victoria will include:
1. Local Showcase
Tuesday 5 and Wednesday, 6 January 2021
Players will participate in a showcase for data collection and scouting purposes. The showcase format and data collection will be coordinated nationally with all players across Australia participating in the standardised event.
2. Local Underage Tournament
Two teams in both the Under 16 and Under 18 age brackets will compete in a 7 game series from Thursday, 7 January – Wednesday, 13 January 2021.
3. National Underage Squad Selection and National Program
The Under 16 and 18 National Junior Squads will be selected from the players who participate in the National Showcase Series. Subject to government restrictions, the National Junior Squads will be invited to a camp in Canberra over Easter 2021. Following this camp and again subject to restrictions, the national teams will be invited to a Perfect Game event in Florida.
4. Baseball Victoria Aces Academy
The National Showcase Series – Victoria will be used as one component of player evaluation for potential invites to the 2021 Baseball Victoria Aces Academy.
Below are several frequently asked questions regarding the 2021 National Showcase Series – Victoria.
How do I enter the showcase?
Two teams for Under 16 and two teams for Under 18 will be selected to participate in the National Showcase Series from the tryouts. Baseball Victoria will provide a link to register in the coming weeks, along with all the tryout details as dates will be confirmed ASAP.
What do I need to do before turning up at tryouts?
All players must register before arriving at tryouts. Players must also be free of COVID-19 symptoms to attend tryouts. Players need to ensure they are physically prepared to throw, sprint, field and hit.
How much will the showcase series cost?
We are still confirming the costs based around the changing COVID landscape. At this stage we anticipate the costs for the local showcase, along with the 7 day tournament series, to be less than $250.00.
Will my parents or other spectators be able to attend the showcase?
At this stage that is not certain, we will need to adapt to COVID restrictions, including those associated with this field being used for professional baseball. We will continue to update players and parents on the requirements, if we are not able to accommodate spectators, we will provide alternative ways to stream all the action.
What are the COVID-19 safety measures in place for tryouts and the showcase?
There will be player and spectator safety restrictions in line with Baseball Victoria’s Return to Activity and Return to Play Plans, along with additional restrictions or safety protocols applied on the professional grounds. All protocols will be clearly outlined before the tryouts.
What will the uniforms for the showcase be?
Uniforms will be provided once you have been selected to participate. They will be included in the costs.
What happens if I can’t attend the showcase?
If you are unable to attend the showcase, you can discuss your absence with Baseball Victoria’s Talent Development Manager Damian Shanahan. Click HERE to view the National Junior Selection Policy.
How are Baseball Victoria and Baseball Australia making sure the showcase provides the same level of opportunity and exposure as the AYC?
Baseball Victoria and Baseball Australia are collaborating in the collection and distribution of data and video plus performance assessment within the National Showcase Series to ensure player exposure is maximised at a level that exceeds the traditional AYC.