Major League Baseball will again gather the best youth players in Europe for its annual academy from August 4th to 27th in Tirrenia, Italy. Before that interested players around the continent will get the chance to show off their skills at several tryouts this spring.
The first date was revealed by the Swedish Baseball and Softball Federation (SBSF) on its website. On April 30th players between ages 15 and 18 years can attend the tryout in Sundbyberg, Sweden. Talent scouts from the MLB Scouting Bureau, MLB staff and SBSF Coach Tony Klarberg will be on hand to evaluate the players.
Interested players have to contact Tony Klarberg through their clubs or their association if they want to attend the tryout. For more information go to the website of the SBSF.
Preliminary Schedule:
- 15:00–15:30/30min Registration at the club house, if possible start earlier.
- 15:30–15:45/15min Introductions and warm up
- 15:45–16:15/30min 60 yard dash – outfielders run first then warm up arms
- 16:15–17:00/45min Throwing evaluations (Outfield from RF (2 to 3B, 2 to home)–infield warm up; Infield from SS (4 ground balls throw to 1B)–catcher warm up; Catchers pop to pop (4 throws to 2B))
- 17:00–18:00/60min Hitting evaluation on main diamond (max 10 swings); Pitching evaluation on main diamond (10 pitches) or in pen
- 18:00-18.30/30min Cool down and wrap up
I just don’t get it why they have these try-outs in Sweden.. The last time I played a national youth team (under 18) of Sweden they couldn’t field a ball if it was going 2 miles an hour… Not even talking about their hitting..
Having these try outs in Italy/Netherlands/Germany actually might be worth it..
There also will be tryouts in these countries. Dates not announced yet.