Libertyville Youth Baseball

Program Overview - Updated July 2025

 

OVERVIEW

           

Libertyville Youth Baseball (LYB) is a non-profit 501(c)(7), community-based organization recognized as the approved Libertyville High School baseball feeder program. Our mission is to do the following:

 

• Develop fundamental baseball skills while participating at an appropriate level of competition
• Provide age-appropriate (8 to 14) situational training
• Utilize playing dimensions that support the progressive development of the players 
• Create a fair and unbiased player selection process that allows all interested players equal opportunity to compete for a spot on an LYB team each year
• Develop teams that represent the Libertyville community with pride and model respect for others in both winning and losing

LYB operates in close conjunction with Libertyville Little League (LLL), Libertyville High School (LHS), and Slammers LLC to create the following synergies that benefit players, parents, and managers in our program:

 

• Schedule and field coordination to minimize conflicts and maximize the number of games played during the season
• Access to Butler Lake Park and local practice fields gives us the ability to play close to home as well as host tournaments
• Advanced-level instruction and off-season training facilities
• Multiple levels of play, competition, training, and cost allow families in our community the ability to select the best option for their needs.
• Interaction with current and former LHS players, coaches, and administrators to foster community pride.

 

PHILOSOPHY

 

LYB is committed to providing the youth in our program a positive and constructive baseball environment that fosters growth as both players and individuals.  We strive to select experienced team managers able to provide effective skills instruction, communication, player engagement, and leadership that aligns with our philosophy.  We recognize the critical importance of age-appropriate development and have established the following age group-specific guidelines**:

 

• 8u      Introduction to next level practice and play with an emphasis on instruction. The approximate number of innings played will be evenly distributed amongst all players, and field positions will be rotated so that infield/outfield time is generally balanced.  Managers are encouraged to expose each player to each position when suitable (in some cases, not every player will play each position as development and safety concerns may exist).  The overall objective is to introduce the players to travel baseball while engaging them in the development process.

 

• 9u      Player development with increased competition level and volume of gameplay. The approximate number of innings played will be evenly distributed amongst all players, and field positions will be rotated so that infield/outfield time is generally balanced.  Managers are encouraged to expose each player to as many positions as are suitable. The overall objective is to develop each player’s skills while introducing the preparation to outcome correlation and overall team accountability.

 

• 10u    Player development with the introduction of some limited position specialization and individual/team accountability. Continued position diversity with some limited exceptions based on performance.  The approximate number of innings played should be generally balanced while introducing the concept of competitive situational positioning.

 

• 11u    Player development with some positional specialization and increased individual/team accountability.  Continued position diversity with some exceptions based on performance. The approximate number of innings played should be generally balanced while introducing the concept of merit-based playing time.

 

• 12u    Player development with increased specialization and individual/team accountability.  Position diversity and innings played should be balanced when possible, and an increased emphasis on desired outcomes is introduced.

 

• 13u    Player development with specialization based on individual skills and merit.  Advanced level instruction (independent paid team managers when desired and possible).

 

• 14u    Player development within the context of team success. Advanced level instruction (independent paid team managers when desired and possible), preparation for high school baseball.

 

** LYB recognizes that each age group and team is unique. The information above is intended to be a generally accepted guideline consistent with our philosophy centered on player development.

 

POSITION BALANCE

 

LYB’s intent is to develop players in both infield and outfield positions. Because player physical development evolves each year, we believe it is important that players learn and expect to play both infield and outfield positions through 12u.  This position balance must be maintained over the course of the season, and ideally (but not necessarily) per game.  The competitive significance of tournament versus League play may factor into position balance.

 

TEAM FORMATION

 

Teams within each LYB age group are divided into Orange / Black / White rosters depending on the volume of selected players.  When appropriate, an “A/B/C” (Orange/Black/White) model is implemented.  LYB feels that, in some cases, maintaining even roster strengths during early-stage development is the most effective method for fostering player engagement and growth.  

 

LYB BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

There are currently six volunteer board members responsible for the structure and direction of LYB.  Each board member brings quality baseball experience, including that of a player, coach, manager, and parent.  The LYB board empowers each team manager with the ability to make important decisions such as tournament selection, league selection, and game/practice schedules.  We recognize that team managers volunteer significant amounts of time and energy, and all LYB board members can provide information, support, and guidance as needed.

 

MANAGERS AND COACHES

 

Team Managers and Coaches for 8u – 12u are typically unpaid parents with proven baseball knowledge, experience, and philosophy consistent with LYB. Managers are vetted and selected by the LYB Board of Directors. LYB strives to provide non-parent paid team Managers for 13u and 14u levels.  In the event that a non-parent paid team Manager is not available or desired, LYB will select a parent Manager consistent with our 13u - 14u philosophy.

 

CALENDAR

 

Below is an overview of a typical year for LYB 8u - 14u. 

 

• Jan – Apr: 9u-14u organized team workouts held at Slammers (one weekend day per week, 1.5 hours) led by the team manager.
• May: 8u team tryouts are conducted, and rosters are finalized.     
• May – Jun: LLL (8u and 9u only) and LYB practice and gameplay, LYB tournament play. 8u/9u game and practice schedules are coordinated to allow players to participate fully in both LLL and LYB. If a scheduling conflict does arise players are encouraged to attend the LLL event, and the LYB event will be adjusted accordingly.  
• Jul – Aug: LYB practice, league, and tournament play.  LYB seasons will conclude in early to mid-August, depending on individual team schedules. 
• Jul: LYB 9u-14u tryouts are held to determine players for the next season. Team Managers and rosters are typically announced within 10 days of the tryout date.
• Nov: LYB uniform fitting day.  Payment of the participation fee is due on this day.
• Dec: Team Manager researches, selects, and registers for league and/or tournament play for the next season, and releases schedule once complete.

 

SUMMARY

 

Libertyville Youth Baseball is proud to offer players and parents in our community a baseball experience that emphasizes player development while competing at a high level.  LYB remains committed to its partnerships with LLL, LHS, and Slammers, and dedicated volunteers within our community to achieve its mission.

 

GO WILDCATS