FAQ

Frequently asked questions:

How much are team registrations?

Baseball Calgary registration dues for Fall Ball were $450, the 2025 regular season were $3,000-$3,400 depeding on division level.  Our proceeds from semi annual casino funds allow us to heavily subsidize the cost of playing ball. Some of the things the dues cover are as follows:

• - Baseball Alberta insurance and team registration dues
• - Coach honorariums and travel expenses
• - Umpire fees
• - Uniforms that you keep
• - An extensive apparel package
• - Diamond rentals, equipment purchases, porta potty rentals
• - Use of JMElite indoor training facility on rain days, when available during regular season
• - Use of JMElite for preseason training (Jan-April)
• - Outdoor Facility rental and coaching fees for January through August
• - Contribute to the costs of marketing, maintaining and improving the fields, purchasing supplies, etc.

Is there travel involved?

Yes. Baseball Alberta schedules league play, and all Baseball Calgary teams travel throughout Alberta.

Most league games take place on weekends, typically 3-4+ games per weekend.

Teams may also choose to enter additional tournaments, which may be hosted locally or in BC, Saskatchewan, Alberta, or the United States.

Tournament entry fees and all travel costs (players and coaches) are in addition to registration and team dues.

Is fundraising required?

There are no scheduled fundraising needs. That being said, some teams may decide to do team fundraising initiatives to help offset costs. Each team can decide if and what fundraising they may choose to take on, if any. 

Are parents expected to volunteer?

Yes. (But not for coaching) Baseball Calgary is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization. Volunteers are essential for:

• Pre-season and post-season diamond preparation
• Game-day tasks (scorekeeping, field prep, etc.)
• Hosting league weekends in Calgary
• Working casino fundraisers (approx. 45 volunteers needed per casino event) 

Parents, relatives, and community members are all welcome to volunteer. Many long-time volunteers continue even after their children have aged out—your help truly makes our league thrive.

What’s the difference between Competitive and Performance?

Baseball Alberta has three levels: Community, Competitive, and Performance.

• Competitive (AA)
• Teams begin with a seeding round to determine placement within four divisions.
• Mid-season reseeding may move teams up or down.
• Final standings determine placement for Provincials.
• Performance (AAA)
• Teams play against the same Performance-level teams throughout the season.
• This is the highest level of play outside of Academy programs.

Baseball Calgary teams have traditionally competed at both the Competitive and Performance levels.

How long is the season? How many games do players typically play?

Tryouts for our regular season teams run the first week in January. Preseason practices run at our indoor facility with JMElite 1 per week Jan-Feb. increasing to 2-3 per week in March-April. Outdoor practices start as soon as possible (weather permitting) 2-3 per week April-July end at Heidelberg Playfield Park (formerly Inland Athletic Park).

League game play as put out by Baseball Alberta usually begins the first week of May and runs until late July or early August, depending on Provincial dates.

Teams that win Provincials may advance to Westerns or Nationals, which are held closer to August end. 

Players typically participate in 40+ games, including:

• Regular league games
• Exhibition games
• Additional tournaments

What does 18U BAEL Prep mean?

Baseball Calgary is committed to fostering an environment that prepares, trains, and supports our athletes in a true performance-level environment. Our goal is to provide practices that build the conditioning, skills, and baseball IQ required for players to progress into our Baseball Alberta Elite League and beyond. This program includes participating in AAA-level tournaments and focuses on developing the values, work ethic, and advanced skills needed for our athletes to reach the next level.  

Questions about the above or more, please reach out here.