MYAS/Gopher State Guidelines for Organizations
The sponsoring organization must be of perpetual nature (i.e. intend to be in existence from year to year). The MYAS recognizes teams that emanate from organizations that have a democratic posture, meaning that the administrative structure of the organization must allow for open election of officers and open forums for parents and participants to voice their concerns.
The MYAS recognizes organizations that promote and implement programs for multiple age/grade levels. We do not recognize single teams formulated by any individual(s) not affiliated with or recognized by a recognized organization as described above or a bona fide association.
MYAS/Gopher State Baseball is a community-based program. Participating teams must be comprised of players who are from the community in which their parent or legal guardian resides or for the school they attend. The MYAS will recognize a team if they are derived from a recognized bona fide association (consisting of multiple teams of perpetual nature) or a school program within their boundaries according to their bylaws. Generally, association boundaries are based on a city’s limits or a high school district attendance area. The MYAS will not knowingly allow open, all-star, independent, and/or Club/Academy-All Star teams to participate in the league. These guidelines are established to maintain a community-based orientation.
If an individual within your association is requesting to participate with a different association, an “Official Player Waiver” MUST be completed and submitted to the MYAS office for approval prior to participation. The waiver process is only valid if the current association is willing to waive the individual out of their association and the receiving association is willing to waive them into their association. If an individual is not waiving into their neighboring association, a waiver must be completed by every association that is geographically in between the two associations. Each individual requesting to be waived out of their home association must complete a waiver.
The MYAS/Gopher State Baseball Board of Advisors reserves the right to rule on all waiver situations.
- On an annual basis, athletes must try out and compete with the travel association within the community where they reside or for the school they attend. Exception: In situations involving “split families,” the athlete may participate with the association closest to the mother or father’s residence.
- If there is not a travel association within the community where the athlete resides or attends school, or if the athlete has been cut or restricted from the association, they may participate with a recognized bordering association.
- Any exceptions to the above guidelines require the approval of the Gopher State Baseball Board of Advisors.
Clarification: Teams may not be formed independently, even if those players have been cut from their local tryouts, without the approval of their home Association.
Spring/Summer (Regular Season) MYAS Gopher State Baseball Events Include:
(Gopher State Baseball League, Gopher State Rec Baseball League, Gopher State Spring Invitationals, Gopher State Midsummer Classic and Gopher State Tournament of Champions. Open/Independent or All-Star teams are not eligible to participate in the Regular Season events included in this list.)
Definitions
Club/Academy, All-Star: An all-star team is defined as any team that is comprised of players from multiple communities where recognized youth associations exist.
Open/Independent: An open/independent team is defined as any team that is comprised of players who all reside in the same community or attend the same school, but who have chosen to bypass the local traveling association.
*These guidelines are not applicable for the Gopher State August Bash, Fall Baseball League or Sliding into Fall Classic (August-October).
Player Participation Rule – “Playing Up”
Players may play up with the following limitations:
*Age Based Events
Players 13U and Younger:
- Players may play up a maximum of two age levels.
- Example: An 11U player may participate with in a 12U or 13U team. The 11U player could not play with a 14U or older team.
Players in the 14U age group and Older:
- Players can play up without any restrictions. Please use good judgment.
We have adopted this rule for player safety, liability and to maintain the integrity of the events.
Levels of Play
The following terms and definitions have been comprised through the experience and research of the MYAS Baseball Staff. All teams participating in MYAS programs must be formed through a recognized, bona fide baseball association or school program (15U-19U).
- AAA – The highest competitive level; the top team from a traveling baseball association.
- AA – The intermediate level of play. The AA level is intended for teams from baseball associations that have already provided teams at the AAA level. AA may also (in some cases) be defined as a level for traveling teams that are not currently able to compete at the AAA level.
- A – The developmental level of traveling baseball. The A level is often used to place teams trying to prepare for a higher level of play. See additional information for other examples of teams eligible for the A level of play.
- Recreational – A community “In-House/Rec” level of baseball. Recreational teams consist of players that are placed on teams via a process of their home association (i.e. all players go through a draft process, random draw, etc.).
Note: All teams wishing to participate in MYAS baseball events must be derived from a recognized, bona fide baseball association or approved school program. Teams must also have the “blessing” of their home association to participate in all events they wish to enter.
The MYAS Baseball Board of Advisors reserves the right to review all team entries and place teams into appropriate divisions as necessary.
Examples of teams eligible to participate in MYAS administered “A” events:
- Teams participating in A level traveling leagues: All teams currently participating in a GSBL or MBL “A” traveling league.
- Recreational teams playing in A level tournaments: If a recreational team’s home association approves them to play in an A level tournament they may do so while maintaining their Recreational status. However, if that team earned a berth to an A post-season tournament such as the Gopher State Tournament of Champions, they would no longer be eligible for Recreational level tournaments such as the MYAS Rec State Championships.
- Recreational “Tournament Teams”: Some communities that do not currently offer A traveling teams hold an evaluation to form “tournament” teams from their in-house program. If approved, those teams are eligible to participate in A level events administered by the MYAS.
Additional Eligibility Information
- Any team that accepts a berth to and participates in the Gopher State Tournament of Champions will forego their eligibility for the MYAS Rec State Championships.
- Any player or group of players (i.e. in-house tournament team) that accepts a berth to and/or participates in the Gopher State Tournament of Champions will forego their eligibility for the MYAS Rec State Championships.
Note: This document is not intended to cover all situations regarding the A level of traveling baseball. The examples covered here represent frequently asked questions or situations that have arisen over the past several years in youth base
Associations Websites
Heat Index under 95° (All Sports)
- Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.
- Optional water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration.
- Ice-down towels for cooling.
- Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
- Provide cold tubs or child pool for water or ice baths.
- If on artificial turf (not sure how many this would impact) have water source to cool down turf.
- Stay away from energy drinks–water is the best for hydration and recovery.
- Take breaks in shaded areas when possible or in air conditioned buildings or vehicles.
- Please see Part 3 of the MSHSL Weather Information link below.
- The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature chart is a great tool to use. It is more accurate than the heat index (see page 5 in the link below).
Heat Index 95° to 99° (All Sports)
- Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.
- Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration.
- Ice-down towels for cooling.
- Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
- Reduce time of outside activity. Consider postponing practice to later in the day.
- Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat Index.
- Please see Part 3 of the MSHSL Weather Information link below.
Contact sports:
- Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact.
- Provide cold tubs or child pool for water or ice baths.
- If on artificial turf (not sure how many this would impact) have water source to cool down turf.
- Stay away from energy drinks–water is the best for hydration and recovery.
- Take breaks in shaded areas when possible or in air conditioned buildings or vehicles.
Heat index 100° to 104° (All Sports)
- Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.
- Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration.
- Ice-down towels for cooling.
- Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
- Alter uniform by removing items if possible.
- Reduce time of outside activity as well as indoor activity if air conditioning unavailable.
- Postpone practice to later in day if possible.
- Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat Index.
- Please see Part 3 of the MSHSL Weather Information link below.
Contact sports:
- Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact or necessary for safety. If necessary for safety, suspend activity.
- Provide cold tubs or child pool for water or ice baths.
- If on artificial turf (not sure how many this would impact) have water source to cool down turf.
- Stay away from energy drinks–water is the best for hydration and recovery.
- Take breaks in shaded areas when possible or in air conditioned buildings or vehicles.
Heat index above 104° (All Sports)
- Stop all outside activity in practice and/or play, and stop all inside activity if air conditioning is unavailable.
Baseball Terminology
Baseball has been bringing families together for generations through teamwork, competition, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a game-winning hit, a great defensive play, or simply playing catch in the backyard, baseball helps young athletes build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories.
Played between two teams of nine players, the goal is simple: score more runs than your opponent by hitting the ball and advancing around the bases while your team works together on defense to record outs. As players and parents become more familiar with the game’s rules, positions, and terminology, the excitement and appreciation for baseball only continues to grow.
The Registration “2026 Baseball Tryout Index” is not currently available.
Community Association Tryout Dates
For Associations: To assist in our continued efforts to promote and grow community-based travel baseball, please complete the registration form with your association’s tryout information.
For Parents: To find your local association’s tryout info, filter by association name or communities served. If you can’t find your local association’s info, reach out to baseball@myas.org.
2026 Baseball Tryouts
| Association Name | Communities Served | Tryout Dates | Age Level(S) | Website | Alternate Tryout Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Lea Youth Baseball | Albert Lea | 8U & 9U: 9/24 | 10U-15U: 9/28 | 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.albertleabaseball.com/ | |
| Alexandria Youth Baseball | Alexandria | 9/7 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://alexyouthbaseball.org/travel-leagues/travel-registration/ | |
| Andover Baseball Association | Andover | 8/16 & 8/17 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.andoverbaseball.org/ | |
| Anoka-Ramsey Baseball | Anoka, Ramsey | 8/3 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.arsports.org/baseball | |
| Becker Youth Baseball | Becker | 8/6 & 8/7 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.beckerbaseball.org | |
| Blaine Area Traveling Baseball Association | Blaine Area | Week of August 11th | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.batba.org/ | |
| Bloomington Traveling Baseball | Bloomington | 7/28 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.btba.org/ | 7/29 |
| Cambridge-Isanti | Cambridge & Isanti | 9/14 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.cicompbaseball.com/ | 9/21 |
| Champlin/Dayton Youth Baseball | Champlin & Dayton | 8/15 & 8/16 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.cdaasports.org/baseball1 | 8/17 |
| Chanhassen Baseball Association | Chanhassen | 8/8-8/10 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.chanathleticassociation.com/baseball-registration | |
| Chaska Baseball Association | Chaska | 8/16 & 8/17 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U | https://www.playballhawks.com/ | |
| Eagan Baseball Association | Eagan | 10U-14U: 9/7 | 9U: March 2026 | 15+: Spring 2026 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.eaganbaseball.org/tryout-info | |
| East Ridge Athletic Association | East Ridge School District | 9/6 & 9/7 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.eraamn.com/eraabaseball | |
| Edina Baseball Association | Edina | 12U-15U: 9/8, 9/10 & 9/11 | 10U-11U: 9/15, 9/17 & 9/18 | 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.edinabaseball.com/ | |
| Hamel Baseball Association | Hamel/Medina | September 2026 | 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.hamelbaseball.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1743963 | |
| Mahtomedi Baseball Association | Mahtomedi | Early September | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.mahtomedibaseball.org/page/show/7972398-registration | |
| Mankato Baseball Association | Mankato | 9U-10U: March 2026 | 11U-13U: 9/6 | 14U: 9/13 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.mayba.com/page/show/523276-mankato-royals-tryout-information | |
| Minneapolis Millers | Minneapolis | Multiple - Begins on 9/6 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.mplsmillers.org/tryouts | |
| Minnetonka Baseball Association | Minnetonka | 9/21 & 9/28 | 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.minnetonkabaseball.org/ | |
| Osseo-Maple Grove Athletic Association (OMGAA) | Osseo & Maple Grove | 8/12-8/14 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://omgaa.hardballsystems.com/ | |
| P.L.A.Y. (Prior Lake) | Prior Lake | Week of March 15th-22nd | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.playinfo.org/travelbaseball | |
| Princeton Youth Baseball | Princeton | 8/17 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.pysba.org/ | |
| River Falls Youth Baseball | River Falls | 8/23 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://riverfallsyouthbaseball.org/2026-registration-1 | |
| Rogers-Otsego Youth Baseball | Rogers & Otsego | 8/6-8/8 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.royba.org/page/show/7663842-travel-information-center | |
| Rosemount Youth Baseball | Rosemount | 3/13 & 3/14 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.rosemountbaseball.com/traveling-tryouts | |
| Roseville Area Youth Baseball | Roseville Area | 9/6 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.rayb.org/program/travel-program/674 | |
| Sartell Youth Baseball | Sartell | 9/6 & 9/13 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.sartellbaseball.com/ | |
| Spring Lake Park Baseball Association | Spring Lake Park | 8/9 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.slpba.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1430642 | 8/10 |
| St. Anthony Youth Baseball | St. Anthony | Early Fall 2025 | 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.saboosters.org/baseballtryouts | |
| Stillwater Baseball Association | Stillwater | 8/24 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.stillwaterbaseball.org/ | |
| Woodbury Traveling Baseball | Woodbury | 9/13 & 9/14 | 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U | https://www.waawoodbury.org/page/show/736686-tryout-information | |
| Zimmerman Youth Baseball | Zimmerman | 8/10 | 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | https://www.zimmermanbaseball.com/page/show/709392-zimmerman-youth-baseball-tryouts |
Gopher State Tournament Index Instructions:
- Click the Tournament Index link below.
- Click the “Search” Tab.
- Select Baseball under “Sport”.
- Click the Blue “Search” button.
- If searching for a specific age group, use the “Class” filter.
The list will be organized by date. GSTC Qualifiers are indicated by the gold shield/lettering for the applicable age group in the Tournament Index.
Note: Please see the “Tournament Info” section for directions on how to register for community tournaments.
GSTC Berth Breakdown
| # of Teams | Gopher State Events(Spring Invites, Duluth Invites, Midsummer Classic) | Community Events |
|---|---|---|
| 5 or Less | 2 | 1 |
| 6-8 | 3 | 2 |
| 9 or More | 4 | 2 |
Qualifying bids for Community Tournaments will not be dropped past 2nd Place. This is in an effort to make sure that teams that finish 1st or 2nd in a qualifier will get to participate in the GSTC before teams that would have previously finished 3rd or 4th and had a berth dropped down to them. Also, will help tournament directors from having to chase down teams to find out if they are accepting the berth or wanting to pass it down
How to Register for a Gopher State Event
- Log In/Create an Account at https://myasrp.com/pages/events
- Dashboard → Create a Team
- Events → Search → Choose Baseball and Age Division → Select Event
- Next to your age division select “Enter Now
Bat Standards
As a result of the Gopher State Advisory Meeting, the Gopher State Baseball League will continue to use the USSSA bat standard for the 2026 season.
Please note that according to the USSSA bat standards, USA bats will also be legal to use in competition.
9-14 Year Olds
Big Barrel Bats (2 5/8″ or 2 3/4″- 14u & Below) – Only those big barrel bats made by approved USSSA or USA licensed manufacturers that are either…
- Made with the USSSA or USA Mark (see image); or
- Is a qualified BBCOR bat; or
- Is Wood
Small Barrel Bats (2-1/4″ in diameter or less) – Only those small barrel bats made by approved USSSA or USA licensed manufacturers that are either…
- Made with the USSSA or USA Mark (see image); or
- Is Wood
Small Barrel Bat Comment: The above includes Tee Ball bats that are longer than 23 inches in length. Tee Ball bats 23 inches and shorter in length from approved USSSA licensed manufacturers will continue to be allowed without the NEW or Old USSSA marks.
15-19 Year Olds
Big Barrel Bats (2 5/8″ or 2 3/4″)
NFHS Rule 1-3-2: The bat which may be a wood or non-wood product shall be a smooth implement, from the top of the cap to the top of the knob. All non-wood bats shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient or Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silk screen or other permanent certification mark.
MYAS / Gopher State / North Star Bat Guidelines
Listed below are bat specifications for 9-19 year old teams participating in any MYAS/Gopher State/North Star baseball programs. This specification is in addition to the USSSA Bat Performance Standards which include USA bats. All bats must include the USSSA Mark, USA Mark OR is a qualified BBCOR bat and also MUST follow the size and/or weight differential listed in the chart below.
| Age | Max Diameter @ thickest part | Length | Weight Differential | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9U - 11U | 2 1/4" | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| 2 1/2" | Unlimited | Unlimited | ||
| 2 3/4" | Unlimited | Unlimited | ||
| 2 5/8" | Unlimited | Unlimited | ||
| 12U - 13U | 2 1/4" | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 2 1/2" | 36" or less | -10 | 31-inch bat cannot weight less than 21 ounces | |
| 2 3/4" | 36" or less | -10 | ||
| 2 5/8" | 36" or less | -10 | ||
| 14U - 14/15A | 2 3/4" | 36" or less | -5 | 32-inch bat cannot weight less than 27 ounces |
| 15U - 14/15A - 16U-19U | 2 5/8" | 36" or less | -3 | 32-inch bat cannot weight less than 29 ounces |
Be A Part Of something bigger
Learn more about how you can shape a positive future for the young athletes in your community.