GENERAL INFORMATION
What is a developmental travel ball team?
Our developmental travel team focuses on skill development and competitive play for young athletes, emphasizing our core values of perseverance, humility, attitude, sportsmanship, and effort. We focus on the process of acquiring skills through lessons, practices, and work at home. Games are only a test of a players’ preparation.
What sets 706 apart from other teams in the community?
Coach Cason has been in the game for nearly 20 years. He wants to give opportunities to be taught the game the right way and truly develop the player. He wants to teach families and players that the developmental process is a journey, there is no quick fix. It takes time to grow, train, and develop physically and mentally. His Bachelors in Exercise Science along with his Masters from UGA in Strength and Conditioning and Clinical Exercise Physiology, has given him the chance to impact players in more ways than baseball alone. Obtaining objective data and metrics on players, will allow our coaches to track the progress players make to hold them more accountable to this journey in becoming stronger men on and off the field.
What is the mission behind 706 Baseball?
At 706 Baseball Club we want to empower the next generation of baseball players, by instilling a growth mindset and providing a developmental program to constantly pursue a higher potential in themselves. By providing metrics and resources to hold each player accountable, we can help to foster an environment of growth as a man and player.
What are the coaches’ philosophies?
We follow the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and USA Baseball. The American Development Program with USA Baseball states for ages 12-18 years old, practice should make up 65% of their time and only 35% being competition. In our world today, many believe this to be reversed. The goal at 706 is not asking your coach, “How many game reps will my child get?”. Instead we hope it to be, “How can we properly prepare my child with the right training, develop, resources, and techniques to allow them to grow and let their desire to conquer the competition come to life?”. We want our teams to have fun, however that is not the only foundation of our team. A desire to work hard and compete with each other to develop into a stronger player is just as essential.
Our approach is the player must put the work in to play. If your attitude, effort, and lack of sportsmanship are low to name a few, you will not be in the starting line up. In life you are not given everything; instead you work and earn what you achieve. We are preparing players and families for high school and beyond as these coaches in your future will cut a player, dismiss them from the team, or bench them for poor behaviors on the field and in the stands. The culture of our program is key!
We are working on a philosophies page for more elaboration to Coach Cason’s vision and mindset behind the program.
How important is winning and the number of games played to the program?
Winning is a result of putting in the hard work daily. Preparation is one of the most important factors in building confidence. Players that attach their confidence to results create a fickle sense of confidence where they thrive on the peak of victory and wallow in the valley of defeat. With confidence built on preparation, players navigate the season in a more healthy mental state. Results don’t define them. Their character and work ethic have more influence on their confidence than their wins and losses. Tough competition should excite players as they get the opportunity to put to test their preparation. If they are only exposed to easy competition to just say you won, it halts the maturation process of development physically and mentally.
What steps need to be taken to be considered to join the team?
The prospect form is your first step to gain an understanding of the players positioning and baseball background. Once tryout season is open, a tryout registration form will be opened up to sign up. If a spot is offered on a team, final registration steps will secure your spot.
What makes your coaches different from other teams?
We hold our coaches to high standards and expectations. They are required to complete a yearly background check and child abuse training course through USA baseball. We ask them to stay current with continuing education and coaching certifications. Several coaches are ABCA members to keep their knowledge fresh for the game. We have coaches who have played high school ball, college ball (in a variety of levels), and up to the MLB. With the wide array of exposure in the game, our coaching staff works hard to put together efficient practice plans and ways to assist players to progress.
TRYOUTS
When are tryouts held?
Tryouts are typically held in July (for fall) and November (for Spring) of each year. Please check our website or social media for exact dates and times. Players who play in the fall are not required to have a tryout for the spring. Players who play in the spring are not required to try out for the fall.
How do I register for tryouts?
You can register for tryouts through our website by filling out the registration form (given out at the time of tryout season). There is a small fee to cover field rental and coach time.
What should players bring to tryouts?
Players should bring their own baseball equipment, including a glove, bat, helmet, and cleats. They should also wear appropriate practice attire and bring plenty of water/snacks. Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to check in.
How long after tryouts do you find out if a spot is offered?
Depending on when all tryouts are scheduled, the goal is within 2 weeks to have an offer or denial email sent out.
What do the coaches look for at a tryout?
Our coaches are looking at baseball skill and knowledge, how a player handles their emotions, sportsmanship, attitude, and effort to name a few. Metrics will also be taken for objective measures. Tryouts are a time we can see how families are as well. Toxicity in the stands is just as bad as toxicity on the field.
PRACTICES AND GAMES
How often do teams practice?
The goal is for each team to practice 2 times per week in the Spring and 1 time in the fall. Practice times vary depending on the team and facility availability. They last typically for 2 hours. If an age group holds 2 teams, they generally will practice together.
Where are practices held?
Practices are held in Athens, Statham, and Oconee County usually mid week to allow for recovery after games.
How many games and tournaments do teams play in?
At 706 we are more focused on the preparation and training side of baseball, not the number of games played. More games played doesn’t mean there is better development of the player. Teams typically play in 7-8 tournaments in Spring (striving to end by early July) and 3-4 in the Fall (some are on Sunday only around football and finish in October). The start date is dependent on middle/high school ball schedules. These tournaments are usually spread across weekends and will require out-of-town travel.
How many players do you carry per team?
In the Spring we carry a larger roster of a minimum of 12 players. This gives wiggle room for vacations, injuries, and sickness. It also allows for less of a need for pick up players. We have systems to rotate players and ensure everyone has a job to play their part in the team.
Do we play in destination tournaments?
The goal is to have a fun destination tournament at the end of the Spring season. Some seasons it will be prebooked or a vote will go out to the families who have committed for the season.
How do coaches set a line up for a tournament?
Several factors are taken into consideration. Coaches view a line up for the team as a whole. They look at items such as: the number of games for a weekend, pitching rotations, number of plate appearances, attendance, attitude, and effort.
Do you carry more than one team per age group?
Depends on the season and interest in that age division.
COST
What is the cost to participate?
Costs vary depending on the age group, level of competition, and numbers of players per team. The dues cover several items to ensure the team runs smoothly each season. Some items included are: tournament entry, gate fees, sanction fees, coaching, team insurance, baseballs, practice field facility rental, and administrative costs. Uniforms will be a separate, along with travel expenses.
Are there any fundraising opportunities?
Yes, we provide a fundraising letter for each family to customize to their needs if desired to be used.
Do we pay for the entire year?
No, we base fees off a Spring/Summer and a Fall season. They are considered to be two separate seasons. You will be given an offer letter per season if you are invited back. This is to ensure we have solid players and families involved in the program. If we are not the right fit for a family or you are not the right fit for our program, this allows us to part ways peacefully.
By paying to be a part of a travel team, does that ensure my child will play every single game?
No. Even though we understand paying to be on a travel team is an expense, we do not want complacency or entitlement to enter into the program. These are poor qualities on the field and in life. We want the players to work hard for what they get. If a player has poor effort, a bad attitude, bullying, no showing practices, etc. will push them off the starting line up. Coaches are also watching out for pitch counts and wanting to prevent overuse injuries. We have guidelines we follow to ensure your child is safe now and into the future.
TEAM COMMITMENT
How much travel is involved?
Travel varies depending on the tournaments your team participates in. Some tournaments are local, while others may require overnight stays. Other than a possible destination tournament, most are in the surrounding areas of Athens and Atlanta.
What is the level of commitment expected from players and families?
Players are expected to attend practices and tournaments. Along with off field work each week. Preparation is the key to success. Games are only a test of preparation. We ask families to know their limits of schedules and secondary sports. Families should be prepared for weekend travel during the tournament season. Last minute cancellations create havoc on your team and can result in canceling a tournament if there are not enough players on the roster to cover the amount of games projected.
Do you have any extra training tools to provide for off field work?
Yes! With the extensive background and training from Coach Cason and his coaching staff, 706 has pitching programs, off-season & in-season workouts, and skill progression guidelines. As of Fall 2024 we are partnering with the Futures app to allow better access to their training content along with the programming from our coaches. This allows for better metric documentation and is a way to hold our players accountable to the standards of the program.
Do you have any off season preparation?
Yes, we are offering 2 days a week off season work in Fall of 2024 in the months of November and December. The program consists of arm/velocity training, speed and agility, defensive skill work, and pre/post metrics taken.
TEAM SUPPORT
How do you handle hard situations?
Communication. Open mindedness from all parties is vital. Coaches want players to be comfortable coming to them with any concerns, as this will be expected in high school and beyond. If a parent needs to step in, we usually require a 24 hour rule before contact. Remember, your coach is looking out for the entire team. As a player and parent, you are looking after your family. We ask to always seek to understand a situation before projecting blame, drawing conclusions, and spreading gossip (that may only be your opinion and not based on the truth). Obtain the facts of a situation. There is usually more to the story than you may be aware of. Our team culture is a vital part to enjoy your time in 706. If there are cancerous behaviors and parties, they will be removed from the team.
How do I stay updated on team events and schedules?
We primarily use email and a communication app (such as the Band or Stack team) to keep parents updated on practice schedules, games, and important team announcements.
How to support your player?
Keep challenging your players to be on a path of constant improvement and help find ways to get them to develop those daily habits that would make them develop confidence in themselves and improve their skill set. 706 Baseball is meant to prepare kids for the next level and this type of accountability puts them on the right path. Don’t allow them to be complacent, blame others for their mistakes, and be entitled.
Is the environment and culture of the team an important element?
Yes! There are several factors that create a fun and enjoyable season. Constant communication, trust, respect, effort, lack of gossip and assumptions, a team mentality, not a single player/family perspective, etc. to name a few. These items will help to foster a healthy environment for all parties involved in the program. We will address situations that arise that are against our standards and expectations outlined in our team packet. Toxicity of any kind will not be tolerated from anyone in the program.
How can a parent be involved?
We want our parents to cheer their kid(s) and team on in the stands! There may be times when we need a parent to help assist at practice or warm ups. Our program is led by paid coaches with a wide range of baseball experience. The desire is for parents to learn to let go and trust us so they can sit back and enjoy the game. Our expectation from spectators is to have positivity towards your player and the team as a whole. Players feed off of the negativity coming from the stands. Also, no one enjoys a negative fan who is loud and opinionated. Coaching from the stands and disrespectful outbursts towards the coaches, umpires, and players will not be tolerated.