Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM?
A: An affordable opportunity for outstanding baseball players to meet one another, and team up to play exciting, top-flite tournaments. Formed in 1995, as a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly-supported organization, BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM participates in national tournaments (ages 10 - high school/18 & Under) each year, and also offers/conducts numerous instructional activities for players, coaches, and families.

Q: Is a player required to be a member of all of each year's age-group tournaments?
A: No...only those which we agree on.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Per tournament player fee, click here for more information on player fees.  [Note: No qualified player or family has ever missed out, or not participated,because of limited/lack of financial resources...we will always work things out!] All fees (annual and player/coaches')represent investments in the overall BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM, not just for a specific/designated activity (instructional or tournament)...please understand this critical point.

Q: What is covered with the player fee?
A: Uniform, tournament entry fee, administrative costs, baseballs, and miscellaneous. Travel to the tournament site, along with lodging and meal expenses, are the responsibility of the player/parents. Occasionally, (e.g., Cooperstown Dreams Park Invitational Tournaments), lodging and meals are included on a select tournament basis. For more information, check out our section on Player Fees.

Q: What about refund of player fees?
A: There is no refund of player fees for a player/family who, for whatever reason, does not participate in a planned activity (instructional or tournament). If a player is not able to participate in the agreed-upon activity (instructional or tournament) because of injury, illness, family complications, school, all-star/post-season involvement,etc.,the submitted fees may be applied to future program activities---again,THERE WILL BE NO ACTUAL REFUND OF SUBMITTED FEES FOR ANY REASON. If, however, a player/family decides to play with another team/opportunity, and thereby fails to follow through with his/their commitment to participate in agreed-upon tournament(s), he/they not only relinquish the related player fee(s), but also jeopardize future opportunities with the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM.
There is no proration or refund if tournament/team participation is cancelled, or if tournament duration is shortened for any reason (e.g., inclement weather, team losing out of medal contention early, other teams not showing up, manager/coaches' decision, etc.). However, in some circumstances, the player fee may be partially/fully applied to future, agreed-upon age-group activities (instructional or tournaments), provided that the player/family have handled all participation commitments in a fully responsible, timely, and appropriate manner, and who thus remain in good standing.
Players/families and tournament hosts/organizers following through with their understood and agreed-upon tournament and participation commitments represent a critical dimension to the integrity and effectiveness of our overall program... the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM takes its commitments (to all players, families, organizations, and tournament sites) very seriously, and will do everything possible to fulfill such important obligations in positive, personable, and professional manners, at all times.

Q: Is financial support/sponsorship of the teams possible?
A: Yes...efforts are continually underway to solicit substantial charitable and/or corporate sponsorship to assist with all team expenditures (e.g., uniforms, travel, lodging, meals, entry fees, equipment, etc.) for players, coaches, and families. Because the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation, we are legally eligible for and postured to accept tax-deductible contributions. Our team welcomes any possible monetary and/or material support in this regard.

Q: Who coaches?
A: Myself (Steve Cosgrove), and other top coaches, whom I select.

Q: What do you look for in players?
A: Character, courtesy, team spirit, enthusiasm, discipline, respect, exemplary work ethic, outstanding baseball skills/talent, commitment to development, in-depth experience (for older ages!), coachability, and desire to be the best ...someone who is fun!

Q: What do you look for in coaches?
A: TRUST; loyalty to BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM; integrity; impeccable character; follow-through and timely responsiveness to requests, correspondence, telephone calls, etc.; dependability and responsibility; commitment to coaching development and openness to learning; understanding that this is about we - not me; effective baseball coaching and instructional capabilities; deep respect for the game of baseball and its tradition; appreciation and recognition of the unique opportunities and challenges specifically associated with our program; decision-making ability which takes into account the well-being of players, families, team(s), and our overall baseball operations; someone who shows a positive attitude toward all players, families, and fellow coaches; someone who is fun!  I am very selective of our coaches, and require a 100% positive and professional approach at all times and in all situations with our players, families, opponents, spectators, umpires, and tournament officials ... coaches set the tone for team character, team temperament, and tournament success!
We believe "A pint of example is worth a barrelful of advice."

Q: What is needed and wanted from BOB-NTT players, families, and coaches?
A: Several things: First, a clear understanding of what the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM stands for; full support of our CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT; ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN BOTH INSTRUCTIONAL AND TOURNAMENT ACTIVITIES... it is not our program plan to have players, families and coaches just show up at tournament sites to play...it is critical that everyone associated with our overall program HELP BUILD THE PROGRAM (e.g., showing up and participating with our instructional activities, solicit tax-deductible contributions, identify quality players/families who can fit with our standards and directions, and support the development, enjoyment, and success of everyone associated with the BOB-NTT). And, lastly, a steadfast commitment to a first-class presence in all that we do, both on and off the baseball fields.

Q: What is NOT allowed in your players, parents or coaches?
A: Poor sportsmanship of any kind; anyone who is a self-centered whiner or a quitter; anyone who abandons his team (physically, emotionally, or mentally); anyone who demeans, discourages, or disrespects others; anyone whose exclusive concern and overt support is devoted only to his or her own child; anyone who creates confusion, complications, or problems for our team(s), our organization, and/or others; any disrespect shown during the presentation of our flag, our pledge of allegiance, and our national anthem (...and that of other countries); any lack of cooperation in any form by anyone; and lastly, anyone who criticizes, blames, second-guesses, or undermines a fellow player or coach for any reason, at any time, in any manner, to any audience.

Q: What is expected with each tournament?
A: To always handle ourselves with class; to demonstrate superior sportsmanship, hustle, effort, and enthusiasm; to play well and with heart(...we will always strive to leave a lasting, favorable impression on all with whom we interact); to create wholesome, meaningful friendships; to leave each dugout, each ball park, the tournament site, the host community, and each other in better shape than we found them; and lastly, to have a blast playing baseball!
 
Q: What is the application procedure?
A: FIRST, TAKE THE TIME TO READ THOROUGHLY OUR ENTIRE WEBSITE
(...as we have found that 98% of all questions about our program are addressed on our website),
THEN DO THE FOLLOWING:

Send, via mail, the following:

$50 ANNUAL FEE, payable to BOYS OF BASEBALL... this applies to all players. Completed application form Signed CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT Copy of birth certificate Documentation of player/family insurance

Q:What is the purpose of the ANNUAL FEE?
A:The ANNUAL FEE ($50)is requested to help offset some of the extensive operational costs of our program, such as: postage/mailing, letterhead/paper, envelopes, ph/fax/e-mail, website maintenance. This annual fee is for each separate chronological year (2005, 2006, etc.), and is asked of all players and families, including those who have played with us in the past years.

Q:What is the player selection procedure?
A: Preferably, through participation in one of our BASEBALL SCHOOLS & DAYS OF INSTRUCTION, or a strong recommendation from someone whose opinion I (Steve Cosgrove) trust. Character, quality, commitment, class, and capability serve as the basis for our player selection, team formulation, coaching decisions, and overall team operation.

Q: How is player participation determined?
A: Starting lineups, pitching rotation, positions, and substitutions are decided by coaches; efforts will be taken to have all players participate commensurate with their abilities; some players may have more playing time, plate appearances, etc., than others; and, matching particular individual player baseball skills with game/tournament situations, and, most importantly, pursuit of our goal of team success, drive all coaching decisions.

Q: How are age-group rosters formulated?
A: Each tournament roster will be kept to an appropriate and manageable size, given the nature and stature of the specific tournament. Team formulation revolves around pitchers, catchers, and all other positions, respectively; hitting, defense, speed, team balance, and lastly, team chemistry. Pools of players are created for each specific age-group, from which each specific tournament team is formulated.

Q: What about player equipment?
A: Players need to bring a pair of white belt-loop pants, solid black socks, black belt, and all of their personal baseball equipment for use in practices and games, including catcher's gear and batting helmets (if available) ... don't go out and buy one just for this, though! Teams provide everything else needed.

Q: What about lodging and meals?
A: Arrangements and payments for player lodging and meals are the family's responsibility, with the exception of the Cooperstown tournaments. At each tournament site, a block of rooms has been set aside for our players and families. Each of the lodging properties has a reservation cut-off date well in advance of the tournament ... please don't procrastinate on making your call and confirming your lodging. It is vitally important that the players and coaches, in particular, all stay at the same lodging property. For more information, view our section on lodging.

Q: What about uniforms?
A: Three jerseys (teal, white, and black), two hats, t-shirts, and/or long-sleeve shirts are provided. Please bring a pair of white belt-loop pants, black socks, black belt, and all other uniform items which you like to wear. Uniforms are worn with full respect for the tradition and integrity of the game of baseball. (i.e., shirts fully tucked in, hats on properly, pants at knee showing calf-length socks, etc.) ... all players, families and coaches must agree with, and fully support, our uniform policy and dress code.

Q: TRADING PINS...does BOB-NTT do pins?
A. Yes...at Cooperstown Dreams Park only...and, it's a lot of fun for players. And, only on-site, during the week, by players with other players and youngsters (ages 12 & under). Please respect that this is strictly a player-to-player activity, and is conducted solely at The Park. As such, there is no mailing or phone/e-mail correspondence about pins. BOB-NTT pins are available only in this manner and time.

Q: What is involved in pre-tournament preparation?
A: It is imperative that our players (and coaches!) arrive in top condition, and well-prepared to contribute to our tournament successes. Every player needs to be doing push-ups and sit-ups, and jumping rope, along with running every day, in addition to daily baseball skill activities (e.g., swinging the bat, quick hands drills, fielding, throwing/long toss, pitching/catching, etc.). I recommend a lot of hitting off a T or soft-toss ... check your balance, bat speed, and limited head movement with each swing ... the better our overall level of fitness, the better we feel about ourselves, the better we play!

Q: What about the schedule?
A: As indicated on our schedule, numerous age-group tournaments are planned each year, including several World Series/National Championship caliber competitions. The level of tournament play will range from above-average to the very best ... we do everything possible to enter top tournaments, and to get matched with the toughest teams. By doing so, our individual play and team performances are fully challenged. It is important that all of our tournament teams be well-rounded and competitive. Additionally, it is equally important that financially each tournament pays for itself, as there is no structure in place to resolve post-tournament debts. If I see or anticipate significant complications or problems associated with any tournament, I will, without hesitation, cancel that particular age-group competition, and redirect attention to other tournaments. I/we will do our best to ensure a full slate of top baseball tournaments, and this can best be accomplished by devoting time, energy, and resources toward problem-free, hassle-free tournaments ... your understanding, responsiveness, active participation, and on-going support are critical links to a successful and enjoyable year.

Q: What is Steve Cosgrove & Associates?
A: In order for me to be able to personally devote the tremendous amount of time and resources required to create and maintain our successful baseball program, Steve Cosgrove & Associates must also be active and productive. My professional services consulting firm has conducted more than 2500 seminars/presentations throughout 45 states and Canada, with 70% of my work resulting from referrals and/or repeat business. Please access www.leadershipcosgrove.com, and feel free to encourage others to contact me on this matter ... ANY LEADS ARE APPRECIATED!

Q: What about travel/itinerary?
A: Arrangements for travel to and from the tournament site are the responsibility of each player and his respective family. Plan to arrive at the lodging property on the first day listed on the schedule, so that we can carry out a 1:00 p.m. practice, conduct team meetings, etc. Departure plans vary, but again, planning to leave around 6:00 p.m. on the last day listed on the schedule should generally be suitable. Occasionally, a player will need to arrive late or leave early, and that is understandable ... please let us know when this is necessary so that we can plan accordingly. We will do everything that we can to reasonably accommodate everyone in this regard, while at the same time ensuring team strength and tournament success.

Q: Have any of your players been offered scholarships and/or gone on to play baseball in college?
A: Yes, as follows:

Alabama Amherst College Appalachian State Arizona State Arkansas Auburn Baylor Berry College Bethune-Cookman Birmingham-Southern Bluefield College Boston College Brevard Brown Bucknell Cal State Fullerton Central Florida Charleston Clemson College of the Ozarks Columbus State Dartmouth Davidson Dowling College Duke East Carolina Eastern Michigan Embry-Riddle Faulkner

Florida Tech Fordham FSU Gardner Webb Georgia Georgia Southern Georgia Tech Harvard Hawaii Hawaii Pacific Huntingdon Illinois Jacksonville Jacksonville State Kent State Lenoir-Rhyne Long Beach State Long Island University LSU Lynchburg Madonna Marshall Miami Michigan Middle Tennessee Mississippi State New Mexico North Carolina NC State

North Florida Northridge University Notre Dame Oklahoma Oklahoma State Samford San Diego SIU at Carbondale Sonoma State South Carolina Southern California Southern University/A&M St. Louis Stanford Tennessee Texas Texas A & M Troy UC Irvine UCLA University of AL/Birmingham University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Valdosta State University Wake Forest Washington Western Kentucky William & Mary Yale and other institutions

 
Q: Have any of your players been drafted and/or involved with professional baseball?
A: Yes, as follows:

• Anaheim Angels
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Atlanta Braves
• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox
• Chicago Cubs
• Chicago White Sox
  Donny Lucy (CA), 2004 Second-Round draft pick, #50
• Cleveland Indians
• Colorado Rockies
  Matt Roney (OK), 1998 First-Round draft pick, #28
• Detroit Tigers
• Florida Marlins
• Houston Astros
• Kansas City Royals
  Chris Lubanski (PA), 2003 First-Round draft pick, #5
• Milwaukee Brewers
  Prince Fielder (FL), 2002 First-Round draft pick, #7
• Montreal Expos
  Brendan Murphy (TN), 2003 draft pick
• New York Mets
• New York Yankees
  Eric Duncan (NJ), 2003 First-Round draft pick, #27
• Oakland Athletics
  Landon Powell (NC), 2004 First-Round draft pick, #24
• Philadelphia Phillies
• St. Louis Cardinals
• San Diego Padres
• San Francisco Giants

Q: What is the ANNUAL COACHES' AWARD?
A: The ANNUAL COACHES' AWARD is that recognition bestowed upon our high school senior players who represent the essence of the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM. First, they have consistently demonstrated superior sportsmanship, always carrying themselves in a first-class manner, both on and off the baseball field. Secondly, they have always exerted a constructive leadership role with their fellow players and coaches (...always leaving each dugout, each ballpark, each situation, and each other in better shape than they found them!). Lastly, they have been involved extensively and meaningfully in instructional and/or tournament activities with the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM. This award has been presented as a unique recognition to the following outstanding young men:

1998	Devin Cole, Garden City HS, Garden City, MI Chad Henry, Mosley HS, Lynn Haven, FL Bobby Huddleston, Trinity Presbyterian School, Montgomery, AL Derek Little, Auburn HS, Auburn, AL
1999	Dustin Davis, La Costa Canyon HS, Encinitas, CA Brian Specht, Dougherty HS, Colorado Springs, CO Travis Spratlin, Auburn HS, Auburn, AL Ehren Wassermann, Sylacauga HS, Sylacauga, AL
2000	Blake Balkcom, Chipley HS, Chipley, FL Skyler McGarry, Westminster Academy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Landon Powell, Apex HS, Apex, NC
2001	Dusty Harris, Lee-Scott Academy, Auburn, AL Bradley Hightower, Phenix City Central HS, Phenix City, AL Myles Landers, Sylacauga HS, Sylacauga, AL Michael Nix, Auburn HS, Auburn, AL Andrew Yancey, Little Rock Central HS, Little Rock, AR�
2002	Coleman Cosgrove, Lee-Scott Academy, Auburn, AL  Hunter Harrison, Hooper Academy, Montgomery, AL  Clark Jinks, Childersburg HS, Childersburg, AL  Adam Kitchen, Savannah Christian Academy, Savannah, GA  Allen Ponder, Lee-Scott Academy, Auburn, AL�  Brandon Reed, Opelika HS, Opelika, AL  Josh Sullivan, Little Rock Central HS, Little Rock, AR
2003	Alex Henderson, Summerville HS, Summerville, SC Chris Lubanski, Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic HS, Schwenksville, PA Brendan Murphy, Grace Baptist Academy, Chattanooga, TN Jesse Retzlaff, Milford HS, Milford, DE Ben Tankersley, Houston Academy, Dothan, AL Dan Tankersley, Houston Academy, Dothan, AL
2004	Justin Arsenault, Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse, NY Smoot Carter, Woodberry Forest, Winchester, VA Andrew Emrich, Catholic HS, Maumelle, AR Matt Landis, Brookwood HS, Lawrenceville, GA Randall Gray "Bubba" Mauldin, Auburn HS, Auburn, AL
2005	Chris Auten, Oaks Christian School, Malibu, CA Kyle Carter, Lee-Scott Academy, Auburn, AL Jon Eiland, Lee-Scott Academy, Auburn, AL Nathan Hughes, Lee-Scott Academy, Auburn, AL David Hum, Catholic HS, Little Rock, AR Daniel Miller, Ballard HS, Louisville, KY Brandon Monk, LaGrange HS, LaGrange, GA Junior Munoz, Pine Ridge HS, Deltona, FL Gabe Ruiz, Pacific Grove HS, Pacific Grove, CA Mike Sterk, Brother Rice HS, Oak Lawn, IL Jake Sullivan, Little Rock Central HS, Little Rock, AR Brandon York, West Wilkes HS, Millers Creek, NC
2006	Matthew Adams, The King's Academy,  West Palm Beach, FL Bryce Anderson, Redmond HS, Redmond, WA David Blackwell, Walsh Jesuit HS, Shaker Heights, OH Bart Butler, Demopolis HS, Demopolis, AL Jordan Casas, Palma HS, Salinas, CA Greg DeSantis, Bridgewater-Raritan HS, Bridgewater, NJ Craig Miller, Auburn HS, Auburn, AL Tyler Monkman, Clinton HS, Clinton, IL Miguel Morel, Westport HS, Ocala, FL Brad Newstead, Pine Ridge HS, Deltona, FL Blake Parrott, Pike County HS, Meanesville, GA Max Sapp, Bishop Moore HS, Windemere, FL AJ Wirnsberger, Paul W. Bryant HS, Tuscaloosa, AL Bryce Worrell, Jennings County HS, North Vernon, IN
2007	Jordan Brewer, Vidalia HS, Vidalia, LA Jon Francis, Annapolis HS, Annapolis, MD Richard Hevier, Westhill Central HS, Syracuse, NY Bo Kinder, Clinton HS, Clinton, IL Colby "BAMA" Martin, Houston Academy, Dothan, AL Michael Meintel, Shadyside High School, Shadyside, OH Joey Munoz, Pine Ridge HS, Deltona, FL Tucker Patrick, Northview HS, Dothan, AL Briggs Smotherman, Valdosta HS, Valdosta, GA Marty Stewart, Childersburg HS, Childersburg, AL
2008	Cole Gobbell, Fr. Ryan HS, Nashville, TN Logan Pierce, Charles Henderson HS, Troy, AL TJ Privett, Grundy County HS, Palmer, TN Will Ruffin, Lee-Scott Academy/Auburn HS, Auburn, AL Abe Ruiz, Pacific Grove HS, Pacific Grove, CA William Teal, Charles Henderson HS, Troy, AL Shane Turner, Red Level HS, Red Level, AL

Q: What is the OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD?
A: The OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD is given for exemplary long-standing support and service to the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD For exemplary long-standing support and service to the BOYS OF BASEBALL - NATIONAL TRAVEL TEAM. 2007 Kimberly Faraci, Long Island, NY Tom & Jenny Francis, Annapolis, MD 2008 Jerry Arsenault, Syracuse, NY Bryan Gobbell, Nashville, TN Terry Jinks, Childersburg, AL Chris Miller, Auburn, AL Jerry Murphy, Chattanooga, TN