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2026 Spring Season - Select Team Pilot Program
The Los Alamitos Youth Baseball (LAYB) Board is pleased to announce an exciting new Select Baseball Pilot Program for the upcoming 2026 Spring Season. Our mission with this initiative is to significantly enhance the youth baseball experience for advanced athletes by providing access to high-level competition and specialized training, all designed to complement our broader Los Alamitos Youth Baseball League. Our vision is to offer your child a truly competitive baseball environment right here within LAYB, eliminating the need for expensive travel ball fees and providing families with the flexibility to participate in other sports during the Spring season.
This pilot program is open exclusively to players in the 11U, 12U, and 13U age divisions. To ensure a well-rounded experience, selected players will participate in both our local LAYB recreation division and the Irvine Select League. A minimum participation requirement in the LAYB recreation division will be necessary for eligibility to play in the Select League.
If you believe your youth athlete is qualified and would like to try out, or if you want to learn more, please contact the Select Program Commissioner, Samuel A. Lewis, at safety@layb.org or (805) 469-0029.
When are try-outs for the Select Team Pilot Program?
Tryouts will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 at the LAYB Pony Field:
11U: 9:00–10:30 AM
12U: 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
13U: 12:15–1:30 PM
What are the benefits of the program? How is it different from LAYB’s regular league?
The Select Program offers players and families the opportunity to play competitive baseball without leaving LAYB for traditional travel baseball. Our mission is to elevate the youth baseball experience for advanced athletes by providing high-level competition and training that complements the broader Los Alamitos Youth Baseball League. We aim to ensure that the Select Program enhances, rather than detracts from, the opportunities and experiences available to all players. Athletes in the program will be challenged to grow as competitors, leaders, and teammates while upholding respect for the game and their peers.
How much does the Select Team cost? What is included? What is not covered?
The fee for the 2026 Spring Season Select Team Pilot Program is $940.
This comprehensive fee includes:
- Registration for both the LAYB recreation league and the Irvine Select League
- Three Select Team uniforms
- Select Team helmet
- Four Select Team sessions with an outside professional coaching organization
- Access to additional field time for practices and games
Not included:
- Travel costs
- Tournament fees
- Any additional private coaching beyond the first month
What age divisions are being supported, and how many teams are there?
For the 2026 pilot, LAYB plans to field one team each in the 11U, 12U, and 13U age groups. If the pilot proves successful, the league may consider expanding to additional age groups in the future.
Where and when will Select Team games and practices take place?
Practice locations are still being finalized. If field availability allows, the Select teams will practice at LAYB facilities. If not, funds are allocated to rent suitable local fields nearby.
Select teams will play away games in various locations, including areas as far north as Whittier, as far east as Covina, and as far south as Dana Point. All home games will be played at LAYB facilities.
Who will coach the Select Teams?
For the 2026 pilot, last season’s LAYB All-Star coaches will be offered the first opportunity to coach a Select Team. If they decline, the LAYB Board of Directors will appoint a qualified coach.
Does my child need special equipment?
Select Baseball allows for more bat options than the LAYB recreation division. Your child may use USSSA bats for Select games. (LAYB recreation games still require USA Baseball–certified bats, per PONY rules. See the LAYB FAQs for more information.)
Where do I have to live in order for my child to participate in the Select Program?
No. At this time, there are no residency restrictions for participation in the Select Program.
Can my child participate in the normal LAYB recreation league and the Select Program??
Yes. In fact, it is mandatory. Your child must participate in the LAYB recreation league in order to be eligible for the Select Team Pilot Program.
How much time is required?
Players participating in the Select Program must also be registered and active in the LAYB Recreation division. Families should expect a combined schedule of approximately two practices and two games per week.
Is the Select Team Program open to boys and girls?
Yes, the program is open to both boys and girls.
When does the Select Team season start and end?
Practices for the Spring season begin in December, and the season will conclude in May. Select Team players will also be automatically invited to All-Stars in Summer 2026.
Will the Select Team participate in tournaments? If so, how far will the team travel?
Tournament participation will be at the discretion of the coach. Outside tournament play is not advised by LAYB during the spring regular season as it may come in conflict with LAYB Spring Season schedules and Select schedules. Tournament play should start Memorial Day weekend as Select Teams are required to play in the Irvine tournament after the LAYB regular season is over.
If my child does not play Select, can they still be eligible for All-Stars?
Yes—absolutely. Select participation is completely separate from All-Star eligibility. A separate All-Star team will be chosen, and players who are not on a Select Team will still be eligible.