Frequently asked questions & Answers
Who are the Mukwonago Tribe?
We are a not-for-profit baseball community baseball club based in Mukwonago. We strive to be a high-quality organization that instills in our players the value of effort, respect, sportsmanship, leadership, community, and teamwork, and prepares our kids to play baseball at the high school level. Click here to review our Player and Parent Expectations.
How is this different than Park & Rec baseball?
Club baseball is competitive. Age appropriate fundamental baseball skills are required for a player to succeed in competitive baseball. New players will be evaluated on these skills at our annual tryout process. Existing players are continuously evaluated during each season on skill level, coachability, commitment, teamwork, and demonstration of the values of the Club’s mission statement.
Does a player have to be a Mukwonago Area School District student?
There are no residency requirements.
How many teams are at each age level?
The number of teams at an age level varies based on how many qualified players and coaches exist at that age level.
U8
When entering our program at U8, teams are generally divided to three equal teams based on skill level.
U9-U12
Our organization typically fields 3 teams at the U9-U12 age levels. Teams typically remain intact and grow together from U8 through U12. Players that leave the organization are replaced by new players that come through our tryout process.
U13-U14
Our organization typically fields 2 teams at the U13-U14 age levels. Teams will be organized based on relative skill level. For example, the top 12 players will be placed on the “A” team. The next 12 players will be placed on the “B” team, and so on. The “A” level teams have a higher level of commitment in terms of time and finances. “A” level teams will compete in a top area youth baseball league and play in 6-8 tournaments, which may include more frequent and longer travel situations. Total games played may be ~40-50.
U15-U16
Our organization is looking to field 1 team at the U15 and U16 age levels. (Click age level for more details).
Where do we play?
Generally, we play our home games at the local Mukwonago area baseball fields.
What is the cost?
Cost for the 2022 season was $500 (including indoor facility fee) plus cost of uniform (~$150). Families with multiple kids in the U8-U14 program receive a $50 discount off the 2nd+ kids.
The cost of the U13 and U14 "A" teams are higher as a result of more tournaments. Historically the player fee for the U13 & U14 "A" teams is $600-$700
Do you practice in the off-season?
Yes – we generally begin off-season practice in January. We practice indoors during the off-season at Mukwonago High School and OAW Indoor Sports Complex in New Berlin ( https://www.oawindoor.com/) . Indoor practice days and times vary and are determined by the head coach.
Can my child play other sports?
We encourage kids to play multiple sports. In-season sports take the priority. When baseball season begins (~April 1st), we expect baseball activities to be prioritized above other sports and that missing practice time is not abused. Communication with your coaching staff is also a key to success.
What other developmental opportunities are there for my child?
There are several developmental opportunities including:
How many games are played at each level?
The number of games varies based on age level and team. Generally, each team will play approximately 25 - 35 games over the course of the season; this includes 16 - 18 league games and 3 - 4 tournaments. At the coach's discretion, additional tournaments, a Helfaer Field game, and/or other non-league games may be added. You should expect the number of games to increase as the kids get older.
When does the season run?
The regular season runs from approximately early April – late July. During the season, teams typically have practice and/or games 2 - 4 times per week. Game and practice days, locations, and times vary and tournaments take place on weekends. Click here for a season overview.
When is the tryout or sign-up for Tribe baseball?
We hold tryouts for next year after the current year season ends, typically late July. Information will be posted about this process on Facebook and our website.
Existing Tribe players are continuously evaluated during each season on skills, coachability, commitment, teamwork, etc. that may preclude a tryout. Players who have proven age appropriate skills, have demonstrated the values of the club’s mission statement, and lend positive personality to the team are always welcome.
Why does Tribe use video tryouts instead of traditional in-person tryouts?
While no tryout is perfect no matter the sport or activity, we feel our video tryout process is sound in thought,
execution, and provides a better outcome for our families. Click here to read more.
How are coaches selected?
We believe one of the foundations of success is quality coaching. If you are interested in coaching, please complete the Online Coaching Application.
Do vou have volunteer and/or fundraising requirements?
We are not a fundraising-first type club. However, all families are obligated to volunteer their time during our annual Tribe baseball tournament and/or club-wide fundraising event. Funds raised are used to improve indoor and outdoor facilities and to purchase necessary training equipment. In years past, fundraising proceeds have been used to purchase 1) outfield fences at Miniwaukan, 2) indoor batting cages at MHS, 3) enhanced indoor facility space, 4) a pitching mound at Field Park. NEW in 2023: Families that do not meet the volunteer requirement will be assessed an additional fee.
Do you send teams to national tournaments (Cooperstown, Ripken Experience)?
This varies by team and is decided by what the coaches and parents agree to. In years past, U12 teams have fundraised and gone to the Ripken Experience at Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach, Battle of Omaha (College World Series), and other regional tournaments.
Does the Tribe offer programs for families suffering financial hardship?
Yes, click here for an application.
If your question has not been answered here, please email [email protected].
We are a not-for-profit baseball community baseball club based in Mukwonago. We strive to be a high-quality organization that instills in our players the value of effort, respect, sportsmanship, leadership, community, and teamwork, and prepares our kids to play baseball at the high school level. Click here to review our Player and Parent Expectations.
How is this different than Park & Rec baseball?
Club baseball is competitive. Age appropriate fundamental baseball skills are required for a player to succeed in competitive baseball. New players will be evaluated on these skills at our annual tryout process. Existing players are continuously evaluated during each season on skill level, coachability, commitment, teamwork, and demonstration of the values of the Club’s mission statement.
Does a player have to be a Mukwonago Area School District student?
There are no residency requirements.
How many teams are at each age level?
The number of teams at an age level varies based on how many qualified players and coaches exist at that age level.
U8
When entering our program at U8, teams are generally divided to three equal teams based on skill level.
U9-U12
Our organization typically fields 3 teams at the U9-U12 age levels. Teams typically remain intact and grow together from U8 through U12. Players that leave the organization are replaced by new players that come through our tryout process.
U13-U14
Our organization typically fields 2 teams at the U13-U14 age levels. Teams will be organized based on relative skill level. For example, the top 12 players will be placed on the “A” team. The next 12 players will be placed on the “B” team, and so on. The “A” level teams have a higher level of commitment in terms of time and finances. “A” level teams will compete in a top area youth baseball league and play in 6-8 tournaments, which may include more frequent and longer travel situations. Total games played may be ~40-50.
U15-U16
Our organization is looking to field 1 team at the U15 and U16 age levels. (Click age level for more details).
Where do we play?
Generally, we play our home games at the local Mukwonago area baseball fields.
What is the cost?
Cost for the 2022 season was $500 (including indoor facility fee) plus cost of uniform (~$150). Families with multiple kids in the U8-U14 program receive a $50 discount off the 2nd+ kids.
The cost of the U13 and U14 "A" teams are higher as a result of more tournaments. Historically the player fee for the U13 & U14 "A" teams is $600-$700
Do you practice in the off-season?
Yes – we generally begin off-season practice in January. We practice indoors during the off-season at Mukwonago High School and OAW Indoor Sports Complex in New Berlin ( https://www.oawindoor.com/) . Indoor practice days and times vary and are determined by the head coach.
Can my child play other sports?
We encourage kids to play multiple sports. In-season sports take the priority. When baseball season begins (~April 1st), we expect baseball activities to be prioritized above other sports and that missing practice time is not abused. Communication with your coaching staff is also a key to success.
What other developmental opportunities are there for my child?
There are several developmental opportunities including:
- Rookie League: A coach pitch league for Kindergarteners through 2nd graders focused on learning the basic fundamentals of baseball.
- Winter-Spring Baseball Clinic and/or Summer Baseball Camp hosted by the Mukwonago High School baseball coaching staff and players
How many games are played at each level?
The number of games varies based on age level and team. Generally, each team will play approximately 25 - 35 games over the course of the season; this includes 16 - 18 league games and 3 - 4 tournaments. At the coach's discretion, additional tournaments, a Helfaer Field game, and/or other non-league games may be added. You should expect the number of games to increase as the kids get older.
When does the season run?
The regular season runs from approximately early April – late July. During the season, teams typically have practice and/or games 2 - 4 times per week. Game and practice days, locations, and times vary and tournaments take place on weekends. Click here for a season overview.
When is the tryout or sign-up for Tribe baseball?
We hold tryouts for next year after the current year season ends, typically late July. Information will be posted about this process on Facebook and our website.
Existing Tribe players are continuously evaluated during each season on skills, coachability, commitment, teamwork, etc. that may preclude a tryout. Players who have proven age appropriate skills, have demonstrated the values of the club’s mission statement, and lend positive personality to the team are always welcome.
Why does Tribe use video tryouts instead of traditional in-person tryouts?
While no tryout is perfect no matter the sport or activity, we feel our video tryout process is sound in thought,
execution, and provides a better outcome for our families. Click here to read more.
How are coaches selected?
We believe one of the foundations of success is quality coaching. If you are interested in coaching, please complete the Online Coaching Application.
Do vou have volunteer and/or fundraising requirements?
We are not a fundraising-first type club. However, all families are obligated to volunteer their time during our annual Tribe baseball tournament and/or club-wide fundraising event. Funds raised are used to improve indoor and outdoor facilities and to purchase necessary training equipment. In years past, fundraising proceeds have been used to purchase 1) outfield fences at Miniwaukan, 2) indoor batting cages at MHS, 3) enhanced indoor facility space, 4) a pitching mound at Field Park. NEW in 2023: Families that do not meet the volunteer requirement will be assessed an additional fee.
Do you send teams to national tournaments (Cooperstown, Ripken Experience)?
This varies by team and is decided by what the coaches and parents agree to. In years past, U12 teams have fundraised and gone to the Ripken Experience at Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach, Battle of Omaha (College World Series), and other regional tournaments.
Does the Tribe offer programs for families suffering financial hardship?
Yes, click here for an application.
If your question has not been answered here, please email [email protected].