Despite our baseball unfriendly weather (or maybe because of it), the Seattle area has a thriving select baseball and softball community. Throughout the Puget Sound area there are dozens and dozens of fantastic programs that offer players a chance to develop during the off-season, really honing their playing skills. Practices for most teams begin in late September with most teams having their own indoor facility. Tournament season goes from March all the way through the end of July. AAA and Majors players in Little League will play approximately 15 games per season. Select players will play as many as 40-50 games.
Queen Anne Little League believes in the Little League system of neighborhood baseball/softball and the community it engenders. These things are invaluable and should be a part of every child’s experience but with weather limitations as well as our short season, there’s only so much we can do to develop players. If your child has a deep interest in playing ball, we highly recommend that she or he consider one of these programs listed below.
While all these programs may be baseball/softball focused, no two are alike as each one has a unique approach on how to coach baseball. The key is to find the program that best fits your child. One major downside to these programs is the cost. Select programs are, unfortunately, not cheap. Many programs, however, do have scholarships and payment plans available. You should definitely speak to the program directors and find out.
This list represents only a fraction of the programs available out there. If there is a noteworthy team that we have left out, please let us know.
BASEBALL PROGRAMS:
NW Sting - This program has been around since 2007 but has just recently relocated its indoor training facility to Interbay. Most of their history has been with older teams (13+) but are now offering programs for younger players.
City Baseball - this is the most popular program with Queen Anne players due mostly to its location in Magnolia. They have over 20 teams in various age brackets (with players as young as 7 to 18) and on each team you can find a small handful of QALL kids.
Seattle Select Baseball - Located in Shoreline. This is another program popular with QALL families.
Seattle Wave Baseball - Program based in Lynnwood.
Elevate NW - This program is out in Woodinville but many QA players have played for Elevate. It's a long drive out there but Elevate offers a very competitive program. One of the directors of the program is the head coach for Lincoln High School baseball.
Lake Washington Baseball Club - Based out of Bellevue.
North Seattle Rainiers - Program located near Lake City. Programs are for older kids (usually 13 and older)
SOFTBALL PROGRAMS:
Seattle Fast Pitch Club - One of the few local clubs that offers programs for younger girls (10U) as well as older players (up to age 18)
Flame Fastpitch - Based out of Bellevue, another great program that fields teams at all age levels.
Acers Fastpitch - Large program based in South King County (Auburn/Kent). Also fields teams of all ages.
North Seattle Rage - Program primarily for teenagers (12-14)