- Merton select baseball programs are organized by the Merton Athletic Association for baseball players ages 9 – 14 in the greater Merton and Arrowhead communities.  The purpose of these programs is to provide more opportunities to area youth baseball players who want to learn and play more baseball and compete at a higher level than what area recreational leagues provide.

- The program focus is on developing baseball skills.  Each age level will have an age appropriate baseball skill and strategy outline that will be covered during the season.  Team focus will be on improving baseball skills, participating positively in a team environment, encouraging sportsmanship, and promoting overall enjoyment of the game.

- Participants must prioritize baseball over participation in other sports from April 1 to July 31. Participation will average 3 to 4 days per week. Winter workouts may be organized in February and March. Attendance at winter workouts is encouraged, but optional. Practices and games after April 1 are considered mandatory and stronger participation (not missing practices/games) will be given playing time priority.  

- Players may only play in an older group (play up) if it means staying with kids in their same grade. Any other players seeking to play up in an older age group must clearly demonstrate the maturity and skill level required for the higher level and be approved by the Program Director before tryouts.

- Playing time and positions will be determined by the Head Coach on a merit basis.  Playing time is not equal, but minimum playing time requirements exist at each age level. Head coaches are committed to developing the baseball skills of each player who make the team and include all players who make the team in a healthy team environment.

Merton Mavericks-

 The Merton Mavericks program consists of (6) teams organized for the U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, and U14 age groups. The cutoff birth date is May 1^st for each age group. Players may not be older than the age group of their team as of May 1. For example, a player for U9 can not turn 10 before 5/1/09.  Players will be asked to submit a birth certificate.- Teams will play 16 – 22 games in an area Select League against teams from other communities. In addition, each team will play in 3 – 5 weekend tournaments. Some tournaments may be outside of Waukesha County. Total game schedule will be over 30 games. Participants in the Merton Mavericks program must live in the Arrowhead school district and must be selected through the Mavericks Tryout process (below).  Players will be asked to submit a 08-09 school year report card.

- Family financial commitment for Mavericks participation will be a minimum of $250 (initial program fee) depending on the level of sponsorships and fundraising achieved by the program.  Families are also responsible for uniform costs. Uniforms are retained by the families.

 Merton Mustangs-

If there is enough interest in select baseball at specific age groups, a Merton Mustangs “all-star” team will be formed (after Mavericks teams are full).  Players must go through select tryouts with the Mavericks and/or Mustangs and will be assigned to different MAA teams in an area Rec league.  These players will then come together for additional practices and participate in 3-5 weekend baseball tournaments.  Mustang practices will normally be on Sunday when there is field availability and when there is no conflict with Rec team practice and game schedules.  - The Merton Mustangs program consists of (3) teams organized for combined U9-U10, U11-U12, and U13-U14 age groups.  Merton Mustang teams will only be fielded if there are enough volunteer coaches and player participants.  The cutoff birth date is 5/1 for the 2009 season.  Players may not be older than the age group of their team as of May 1.  For example, a player for U9-U10 can not turn 11 before 5/1/09. Players will be asked to submit a birth certificate.  Participants in the Merton Mustangs program are not required to live in the Arrowhead school district but must be part of the MAA recreation program.

- Family financial commitment for Mustangs participation will be a minimum of $150 depending on the level of sponsorships and fundraising achieved by the program.  This fee is to fund Mustang tournament fees and uniform rental and is in addition to Rec team fees.

Merton Select Baseball Programs - 2009 Tryouts

- All players interested in participating on a 2009 Mavericks team must participate in August, 2008 tryouts.  All players interested in participating on a 2009 Mustangs team must participate in August, 2008 Mavericks tryouts and/or late August/September, 2008 Mustangs tryouts. Mustangs tryout dates and times will be announced later. The following is the location and schedule for Mavericks tryouts by age group:

U9 – Pollworth Park #4 – Wed 8/6 530-730pm, Tue 8/12 530-730pm, Sun 8/17 5:30-7:30pm

U10 – Primary School #3 – Sat 8/2 9-11am, Sun 8/3 4-6pm, Sat 8/16 9-11am,

 U11 – Primary School #2 – Sun 8/3 4-6pm, Sun 8/17 4-6pm, Sun 8/24 4-6pm,

 U12 – Pollworth Park #3 – Sun 8/3 4-6pm, Sun 8/10 4-6pm, Sun 8/24 4-6pm,

 U13 – Fireman’s Park #2 –  Sat 8/2 9-11am , Sun 8/3 5-7pm, Sat 8/16 9-11am,

U14 – Fireman’s Park #2 – Sat 8/9 9-11am, Su 8/10 2-4pm, Su 8/24 1-3pm-

Players should plan to attend the first two sessions if possible. The third session for each age group will be a makeup for players who are not able to attend one or both of the first two sessions. Players who only attend one session will still be eligible for selection, but will have fewer opportunities to demonstrate skills. There will be a fifteen-minute parent meeting at the beginning of each session to review each program, tryouts procedures, and answer questions.   A registration form should be printed off of the MAA website, completed, and turned in at the tryout.

- The tryout will be conducted and selections made by a single Head Coach. Volunteer adult evaluators who have baseball knowledge and no conflict of interest will assist the head coach with the tryout. Assistant Coaches are selected only after the tryout from volunteer parents of children who have already made the team.

- Head Coaches will notify families shortly after the tryout of results. Players who accept an offer to be on a team must submit the program fee within 5 days of the offer to be placed on the permanent roster. 

Select Program Question
- Questions related to the Merton Mavericks or Merton Mustangs Programs and / or Tryouts may be directed to MAA Select Baseball Program Director, Larry Gundrum at: lmgundrum@earthlink.net