FAQ’s

Q:  If there are two elite teams, how are the teams picked?

A:  The Blizzard Blue teams will have the top 12 players/prospects from the tryouts on the team.  Players who are graded out 13-24 will placed on the Blizzard Black roster if the staff feels like they can compete on a national level.

Q:  How many kids per team?

A:  Elite teams will carry a roster of 12 players.  We will carry additional members on the team if that additional member is a P.O. (pitcher only).  Pitcher only players will not play a position or hit during the tournament unless required to.  Blizzard fall teams will carry 13-14 players per team.

Q:  How are additional players, add-on/fill-in players picked and what is their role on the team?

A:  Every year, players are unable to go to some tournaments for extenuating circumstances.  Our staff will be responsible for picking players to fill that void.  That player will be put in a position where he is going to be able to help the team the most.  It might be the starting shortstop, 3-hole hitter, additional outfielder or relief pitcher.  We’ll communicate with the team what everyone’s role is during the season and make sure everyone is on the same page with additional or add-on players.

Extra players or add-ons are typically picked from our Fall Blizzard teams or from scout referrals.  Last year, our program picked up approximately 12 players to travel on the elite teams with us.  All of those players came from our Fall Blizzard program.

Q:  How is playing time determined? 

A:  Blizzard Elite:  Tournaments are usually 4-game guarantee (2 games on Friday / 2 games on Saturday) Players will bat in continuous order 1-12 with players receiving relatively equal defensive playing time.  If the team earns a playoff spot, the coach can opt to play 9 players.

Q:  What is Al Newman’s role on the Minnesota Blizzard?

A:  Yes…that Al Newman from the Minnesota Twins.  “Newmie” has come on board with the Minnesota Blizzard this year and playing a larger role in our practices, games and tournaments.  He will be our roving instructor during our tournaments spending time with hitters, base runners, fielders and his baseball knowledge.  Newman is one of seven players on the Minnesota Twins who won World Series in 1987 and 1991.

Q:  Explain the Fall Showcase on September 25^th?

A:  On September 25^th, Minnesota Baseball Academy will hold its largest college and pro showcase to date with every school and organization in the Midwest invited.  Blizzard members have an automatic invite, but they must register and pay separately.  Non-Blizzard members must have a scout reference.  Cost: $200

Q:  What if I play another sport?

A:  If you play other sports that are going to interfere with a commitment to the Blizzard, please take that into consideration before trying out for Fall Blizzard or Blizzard Elite.

Q:  Do we "the Parents" have to travel with our son?
A:  For 14 and up the fee that you pay for the tournaments will cover your son's
hotel room.  Although we encourage the parents to come, you do not have to.  For ages 13 and under, players will be staying with their parents.  This info will covered in more detail in the “Costs – What’s Included…”

Q:  What if I am picked as a pitcher only?

A:  You can tryout as a pitcher only and/or you might be chosen as a pitcher only.  If you are in one of these two scenarios, you will receive lessons to compensate offensive playing time.  Each player will be a case by case basis. 

Q:  How many tournaments do we go to this year?

A:  The Blizzard Elite teams will travel to three tournaments this year!  Last year, the Blizzard traveled to two tournaments with an optional third tournament.  This year, we are going to travel to three tournaments before January 1^st in order to keep the team intact before winter sports affect multi-sport athletes.  The Blizzard will be traveling to additional tournaments after January 1^st, but the Blizzard Elite program you try out for in July are for the first three tournaments. 

Q:  What happens if a tournament gets rained out or cancelled?

A:  If weather is an issues in a tournament, players playing in less than ½ of the guaranteed games will receive if you play less than half of the games, you will receive your portion of the tournament fee back.  We will discuss this more at the parent meeting. 

Q:  How many roster spots do you carry on a team? 

A:  Fall Blizzard teams will have a roster of 13 players.  Blizzard Elite teams will have rosters of 12 players with the option to add one or more pitcher onlys. 

Q:  Will there be chaperone's at the hotel?

A:  Yes.  Each team will have a chaperone on the road – either a coach or a parent to do bed check, etc.  All players are expected to follow the Blizzard guidelines and rules which will be covered in depth at the Blizzard meeting. 

Q:  When do we need to arrive at the hotel for the tournament?
A:   You need to book your flights at least one day before the tournament
starts.  Example:  If the tournament starts in Las Vegas on Friday October
30^th, you need to be to the Hotel by Thursday the 29^th.

Q:  When should we book our Flight to Return back home?
A:   At most of the tournaments the Championship game is played at around
3pm on the last day of the tournament.  A 2 hour game would have it
completed at around 5pm.  Therefore you DO NOT WANT TO ARRANGE A FLIGHT ANY EARLIER THAN 8PM on the last day of the tournament. 

Q:  What if my son is flying alone?

A:  Players who are traveling alone, regardless of their age will be picked up at the airport by a coach, chaperone or a Blizzard parent.  Your flight information should be forwarded to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as it is booked.  If your son is staying an extra night because his flight leaves the day after the tournament, a minimal hotel fee will be charged.

Q:  Does my son get to keep his uniform?
A:   Yes.

Q:  Who and how should I contact if I have any questions regarding travel
or tournament details?
A:  Steve Daugherty (Montana) is best reached by email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Or by Cell phone:  651.468.6541