INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SDI BASEBALL FAMILY?
Coop S.D. Ireland Legion Baseball is currently enlisting interest in joining our program for 2021 summer season.
About The Program
State Champions in 2020, and runner up in 2019, S.D. Ireland Legion Baseball (once known as the Sons of American Legion) is an American Legion Baseball Program based out of Hinesburg, Vermont. Each year, we draw talented, deserving baseball players who take pride in their mission to get better and have fun.
Our program was founded in 2003 by a group of local coaches, parents and players with the goal of giving players the opportunity to play the game that they love, help them improve on and off the field, get exposure by playing at a higher level of competition, assist them in their collegiate journey (if desired), and compete for an Vermont American Legion Baseball Championship. We have long enjoyed, and continuously strive to maintain a proud tradition of competitiveness, sportsmanship, leadership, commitment and work ethic.
Due to the lack of an Legion post in our territory, American Legion requires a team to obtain a private sponsor in order to participate. Thankfully, with the support of the Ireland Family (who live in our territory, own S.D. Ireland Companies, and have had family members play in our program) they have helped the program give these opportunities to local baseball players, as they too love the game of baseball, and fully believe in our core values. We thank them for their continued kindness and generosity.
Over the years, the program has created initiatives to empower our players in achieving their dream which might include going to college. With that said, we fundraise each year to make sure some costs for players are covered, something no many nearby organizations do. We also have established scholarships exclusively for SDI players, with more available from the State of Vermont and American Legion. These initiatives have helped SDI be represented by players who have gone on to attend schools such as Wake Forest, Boston College, Endicott, Union College, Ithaca, St. Lawrence, Middlebury among more! Our program also makes sure to give back to the communities that support us, by hosting charitable baseball tournaments and various community service projects.
Once you become part of the SDI family, you will never regret it. We invite you to come out and watch us play, and as always thank you for your support!
Where We Play
We are extremely fortunate to call the baseball field at Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU), or home during the summer season. Easily one of the best venues for baseball in Vermont, the field is taken care of all year (including before and after our games). Amenities around the field include spacious dugouts, batting cages, bleachers for spectators, a state of the art sound system, clean restrooms
and scenic views that can take your breath away!
The Schedule
SDI Baseball recognizes that there are other aspects of life besides baseball. With that said, we try and do as many baseball related activities as possible while asking those involved to stay in constant communication with the coaching staff when conflicts arise. During the winter season, SDI offers voluntary workouts which occur on Saturday evenings at a local training facility. These sessions include fielding drills, bullpens and various hitting drills. When the spring season comes, our program allows all players solely focus on their spring season without interference, no matter where they are playing. When the summer comes around, or schedule typically consists of 30-38 games throughout June, July and sometimes early August. Besides the first few weeks which are dedicated to team practices, most matchups will be league games (the farthest has been Lyndon, Vermont). We also may schedule some non-league games (the farthest has been Brattleboro, Vermont) with the opportunity to also participate in some out-of-state tournaments if desired by the team. The schedule is formatted to have evening games on the weekdays, and will most likely include doubleheaders on most weekends. There are also days built in solely for days off and make up days to provide flexibility for all team personnel and their families.
Other Opportunities
Besides the opportunities already discussed, SDI provides additional opportunities to players who can work with the coaches on off days and on game day (before or after the game and based on the coaches availability). We also advise all players of opportunities to attend showcases and clinics throughout the year.
Travel and Lodging
While these aspects are dependent on the result of the current pandemic, SDI Baseball encourages caravanning among players, parents and coaches. By doing this, we help save everyone involved money on traveling costs, and it allows players to spend time together when they are not playing a game. Players who are allowed too, can drive themselves, however traveling together is highly encouraged unless directed otherwise. If the team is on a trip that requires an overnight stay at a lodging establishment, the program will make reservations for team personnel only. There typically are three players to a room with strict team rules established prior to the trip. Parents will be advised on where the team is staying and can book reservations for themselves if desired. The program offers to cover all lodging costs for players if those players have been involved in SDI’s fundraising efforts.
Tournaments
S.D. Ireland Legion Baseball believes that participating in tournaments is an opportunity for players to improve, showcase their talents, and play against different levels of competition. These opportunities are available if desired by the team
and are not a requirement. Our program along with Post 91 Baseball (Essex) hosts the “Punch Out Cancer Baseball Tournament” which takes place in mid-June each year. The tournament is a charitable eight team tournament with teams coming from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and Canada. The other tournament that SDI participates in each year is the “Cooper’s Cave Baseball Tournament” in beautiful Saratoga Springs, New York. There are typically eight to twelve teams involved including the host, Saratoga Stampede. This event is ran by a collegiate head coach and is highly attended by collegiate scouts. SDI has also been to the following tournaments: Itri Square Cranston Classic (Cranston, Rhode Island), Brian Mehan Memorial Tournament (Plattsburgh, NY), Monsters on the Mohawk Classic (Schenectady, New York) and Keene Post 4 Tournament (Keene, New Hampshire.
Cost
We are extremely fortunate to be sponsored by S.D. Ireland Companies. They contribute money each year to help keep costs for participation down. We try our absolute best to keep the cost as minimal as possible. Unfortunately fundraising can-
not cover all expenses which can include umpire fees, equipment, insurance, uniforms, etc. We are proud to say that player fees have remained steady for the past few years and for 2021 the fees are $900 for returning players, and $1100 for new players. These fees are still one of the most affordable options around and even allow flexibility as our program offers payment plans to alleviate any troubles that may persist.
Eligibility
Those players who are interested must meet two requirements, the age requirement and the territorial requirement. Those who are born after January 1, 2002 and before January 1, 2009 are eligible to play during the summer of 2021. Players must also live in our territory, as you will have to provide what school you attend/or where you live to determine if you are eligible. Please contact Coach Albertson or Coach Fontaine if you have any questions about American Legion Baseball’s eligibility requirements.
Attendance
Players are expected to attend all games, practices and team events (while being on time for them). Every team event will include an arrival time and start time so team personnel can plan in advance. We also understand that there will be times that other obligations will have precedent, but we ask players to communicate in advance with with the coaching staff so proper arrangements can be made. Players are also required to participate in 30% of all league games during the regular season in order to participate in the Vermont Legion Baseball State Tournament at the conclusion of the season.
Communication
Players that play for S.D. Ireland Legion Baseball are high school or college aged players therefore, we feel that players are obligated to communicate with the coaching staff when situations arise. Communication with parents should be a last resort. The coaching staff is responsible in communicating with players, parents and fans in regards to the operation of the program. If changes do arise, they will be communicated effectively through email, text message, our website and our social media.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
Playing Time
While one of our main program goals is to get those who participate in our program better through experience, please realize that the coaching staff will field the best players with the goal of winning the game. The coaching staff will be up front with all players in making sure they are getting every opportunity to play and succeed. While league games are the most important, the staff will schedule additional non-league games for others to get into games as well.
Sportsmanship
Players and coaches are expected to be role models within each community and when wearing SDI Baseball apparel. This includes during games as team personnel are required to show their best sportsmanship as mentioned in the Legion code. If there is a situation that does not meet this expectation, the team manager, head coach and league commissioner will determine an appropriate discipline which can Include a full dismissal from the team/program.
Questions?
We would love to hear from you. If you have ANY interest, please contact Coach Albertson or Coach Fontaine
Coach Tim Albertson | 802-922-4151 | sdilegion@gmail.com
Coach Sam Fontaine | 802-324-5067 | radarsam25@gmail.com
About The Program
State Champions in 2020, and runner up in 2019, S.D. Ireland Legion Baseball (once known as the Sons of American Legion) is an American Legion Baseball Program based out of Hinesburg, Vermont. Each year, we draw talented, deserving baseball players who take pride in their mission to get better and have fun.
Our program was founded in 2003 by a group of local coaches, parents and players with the goal of giving players the opportunity to play the game that they love, help them improve on and off the field, get exposure by playing at a higher level of competition, assist them in their collegiate journey (if desired), and compete for an Vermont American Legion Baseball Championship. We have long enjoyed, and continuously strive to maintain a proud tradition of competitiveness, sportsmanship, leadership, commitment and work ethic.
Due to the lack of an Legion post in our territory, American Legion requires a team to obtain a private sponsor in order to participate. Thankfully, with the support of the Ireland Family (who live in our territory, own S.D. Ireland Companies, and have had family members play in our program) they have helped the program give these opportunities to local baseball players, as they too love the game of baseball, and fully believe in our core values. We thank them for their continued kindness and generosity.
Over the years, the program has created initiatives to empower our players in achieving their dream which might include going to college. With that said, we fundraise each year to make sure some costs for players are covered, something no many nearby organizations do. We also have established scholarships exclusively for SDI players, with more available from the State of Vermont and American Legion. These initiatives have helped SDI be represented by players who have gone on to attend schools such as Wake Forest, Boston College, Endicott, Union College, Ithaca, St. Lawrence, Middlebury among more! Our program also makes sure to give back to the communities that support us, by hosting charitable baseball tournaments and various community service projects.
Once you become part of the SDI family, you will never regret it. We invite you to come out and watch us play, and as always thank you for your support!
Where We Play
We are extremely fortunate to call the baseball field at Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU), or home during the summer season. Easily one of the best venues for baseball in Vermont, the field is taken care of all year (including before and after our games). Amenities around the field include spacious dugouts, batting cages, bleachers for spectators, a state of the art sound system, clean restrooms
and scenic views that can take your breath away!
The Schedule
SDI Baseball recognizes that there are other aspects of life besides baseball. With that said, we try and do as many baseball related activities as possible while asking those involved to stay in constant communication with the coaching staff when conflicts arise. During the winter season, SDI offers voluntary workouts which occur on Saturday evenings at a local training facility. These sessions include fielding drills, bullpens and various hitting drills. When the spring season comes, our program allows all players solely focus on their spring season without interference, no matter where they are playing. When the summer comes around, or schedule typically consists of 30-38 games throughout June, July and sometimes early August. Besides the first few weeks which are dedicated to team practices, most matchups will be league games (the farthest has been Lyndon, Vermont). We also may schedule some non-league games (the farthest has been Brattleboro, Vermont) with the opportunity to also participate in some out-of-state tournaments if desired by the team. The schedule is formatted to have evening games on the weekdays, and will most likely include doubleheaders on most weekends. There are also days built in solely for days off and make up days to provide flexibility for all team personnel and their families.
Other Opportunities
Besides the opportunities already discussed, SDI provides additional opportunities to players who can work with the coaches on off days and on game day (before or after the game and based on the coaches availability). We also advise all players of opportunities to attend showcases and clinics throughout the year.
Travel and Lodging
While these aspects are dependent on the result of the current pandemic, SDI Baseball encourages caravanning among players, parents and coaches. By doing this, we help save everyone involved money on traveling costs, and it allows players to spend time together when they are not playing a game. Players who are allowed too, can drive themselves, however traveling together is highly encouraged unless directed otherwise. If the team is on a trip that requires an overnight stay at a lodging establishment, the program will make reservations for team personnel only. There typically are three players to a room with strict team rules established prior to the trip. Parents will be advised on where the team is staying and can book reservations for themselves if desired. The program offers to cover all lodging costs for players if those players have been involved in SDI’s fundraising efforts.
Tournaments
S.D. Ireland Legion Baseball believes that participating in tournaments is an opportunity for players to improve, showcase their talents, and play against different levels of competition. These opportunities are available if desired by the team
and are not a requirement. Our program along with Post 91 Baseball (Essex) hosts the “Punch Out Cancer Baseball Tournament” which takes place in mid-June each year. The tournament is a charitable eight team tournament with teams coming from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and Canada. The other tournament that SDI participates in each year is the “Cooper’s Cave Baseball Tournament” in beautiful Saratoga Springs, New York. There are typically eight to twelve teams involved including the host, Saratoga Stampede. This event is ran by a collegiate head coach and is highly attended by collegiate scouts. SDI has also been to the following tournaments: Itri Square Cranston Classic (Cranston, Rhode Island), Brian Mehan Memorial Tournament (Plattsburgh, NY), Monsters on the Mohawk Classic (Schenectady, New York) and Keene Post 4 Tournament (Keene, New Hampshire.
Cost
We are extremely fortunate to be sponsored by S.D. Ireland Companies. They contribute money each year to help keep costs for participation down. We try our absolute best to keep the cost as minimal as possible. Unfortunately fundraising can-
not cover all expenses which can include umpire fees, equipment, insurance, uniforms, etc. We are proud to say that player fees have remained steady for the past few years and for 2021 the fees are $900 for returning players, and $1100 for new players. These fees are still one of the most affordable options around and even allow flexibility as our program offers payment plans to alleviate any troubles that may persist.
Eligibility
Those players who are interested must meet two requirements, the age requirement and the territorial requirement. Those who are born after January 1, 2002 and before January 1, 2009 are eligible to play during the summer of 2021. Players must also live in our territory, as you will have to provide what school you attend/or where you live to determine if you are eligible. Please contact Coach Albertson or Coach Fontaine if you have any questions about American Legion Baseball’s eligibility requirements.
Attendance
Players are expected to attend all games, practices and team events (while being on time for them). Every team event will include an arrival time and start time so team personnel can plan in advance. We also understand that there will be times that other obligations will have precedent, but we ask players to communicate in advance with with the coaching staff so proper arrangements can be made. Players are also required to participate in 30% of all league games during the regular season in order to participate in the Vermont Legion Baseball State Tournament at the conclusion of the season.
Communication
Players that play for S.D. Ireland Legion Baseball are high school or college aged players therefore, we feel that players are obligated to communicate with the coaching staff when situations arise. Communication with parents should be a last resort. The coaching staff is responsible in communicating with players, parents and fans in regards to the operation of the program. If changes do arise, they will be communicated effectively through email, text message, our website and our social media.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
Playing Time
While one of our main program goals is to get those who participate in our program better through experience, please realize that the coaching staff will field the best players with the goal of winning the game. The coaching staff will be up front with all players in making sure they are getting every opportunity to play and succeed. While league games are the most important, the staff will schedule additional non-league games for others to get into games as well.
Sportsmanship
Players and coaches are expected to be role models within each community and when wearing SDI Baseball apparel. This includes during games as team personnel are required to show their best sportsmanship as mentioned in the Legion code. If there is a situation that does not meet this expectation, the team manager, head coach and league commissioner will determine an appropriate discipline which can Include a full dismissal from the team/program.
Questions?
We would love to hear from you. If you have ANY interest, please contact Coach Albertson or Coach Fontaine
Coach Tim Albertson | 802-922-4151 | sdilegion@gmail.com
Coach Sam Fontaine | 802-324-5067 | radarsam25@gmail.com
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