As the 2024 season approaches, we are excited to launch the SYBL Tournament All-Stars team.

This new team will consist of AAA-level SYBL players ages 12 and under and will compete in tournaments and other local games. It will be overseen by DNA Academy staff with help from volunteer coaches and other assistants.

Please note that this new team is intended to complement, not replace, play in SYBL. All SYBL Tournament All-Stars must be registered and participate in SYBL to be eligible for the All-Stars.

Tournament-level play can be rewarding for those eager and prepared to supplement their SYBL experience with a more competitive environment. Players will be expected to take coaching, accept feedback and failure, be serious about their development, and attend all games and practices. We anticipate tournaments the weekends of June 15-16 and July 6-7.

To join the SYBL Tournament All-Stars, players must try out with and be selected by a group of independent evaluators. Tryouts will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, in the Shaker Heights High School Gymnasium.

Registration for tryouts is open now through March 20 here.

Team eligibility is determined by age. The SYBL Tournament All-Stars will compete in the 12U division. To be eligible, players must be 12 or younger as of May 1, 2024.

There is no cost to try out. However, players selected to the SYBL Tournament All-Stars will be assessed a fee of $175. This amount covers tournament registrations and a uniform. Financial assistance is available through the Shaker Schools Foundation Level The Playing Field Fund.

To prepare interested players for this jump in competition, DNA Academy will again offer concentrated training opportunities. These will occur from 3-4:15 p.m. in the Shaker Heights High School South Gym on the following five Sundays: Feb. 25 and March 3, 10, 17, and 24. To register, visit dnasportsonline.com/training-events.

If you have questions about this new opportunity, please email DNA directors Andy Pohl (andrewfpohl@gmail.com) or Phil Turner (phil@shakerbaseball.org), or SYBL director Steve Baker (bak78@aol.com).

We look forward to seeing your child at tryouts and to another exciting season of SYBL. Play ball!