Foxes Baseball · 8U

8U Baseball Tryouts

A new Foxes 8U travel team launching for the Spring 2027 season — built on player development, team culture, and the Forge Model.

Tryout Dates

Mark your calendar

Age eligibility: Boys trying out should have birth dates no earlier than May 1, 2015.
July
2
6:00 PM
Go For It Sports Dome — Indoor Turf
9231 Galena Rd
Yorkville, IL 60560
July
6
6:00 PM
Steven G. Bridge Park
1865 Kennedy Rd
Bristol, IL 60512

Both tryout sessions are open to interested 8U players. Attend one or both.

Coaching Staff

Meet your coaches

Head Coach
Kevin English

Four years of high school baseball, two years at junior college, and Division II baseball at Arkansas. Coaches at the Parks & Rec level and travel ball through 10U and 11U. Strength: experience. Ranks development and culture above winning — his job, in one sentence: "Make sure the boys are having fun and someone gets better that day."

“My job is to make sure the boys are having fun and someone gets better that day.”
Player DevelopmentCulture-FirstD2 Experience
Assistant Coach
Kevin Ruebensam

Played baseball into high school. Six years coaching baseball and t-ball through the Yorkville Park District; currently coaching 1st–2nd grade spring baseball and a top assistant on his son's 10U Illinois Hawks travel team. Strength: fundamentals and baseball IQ — building knowledgeable players who understand the whole game at every position.

“Develop ballplayers and the culture is established — winning will come.”
Baseball IQFundamentalsAccountability
Assistant Coach
Shahzad Shamsuddin

Currently assists on his son's baseball team and has coached 6-year-olds in basketball. Strength: passion, drive, and understanding of the game. Believes you create the culture first, then help kids reach their full potential — and the wins follow.

“Help develop these boys and show them how to lift each other up.”
Culture FirstPassionLead by Example
The Program

What this season looks like

Fall 2026 (Optional)

Depending on player availability, the team may run a limited Fall 2026 season for additional reps and team building heading into Spring.

Spring 2027 Kickoff

Training begins February 2027 on the indoor turf at the Foxes facility inside Go For It Sports Dome — the home base for skill work, drills, and live reps through the winter.

Local League + Tournament

The Spring season runs a local league with a league championship tournament, plus friendly competition selected to fit the team's needs.

Forge-Backed Development

Significant training and development supported by the YYBSA Forge Model: Person → Competitor → Player. Built before built up.

Tournament Schedule

The team plans 3–4 tournaments across the season, with possibly 1 overnight travel event so players experience higher-level competition.

Season Fee

$1,500 for the full 2027 season — covers training and tournaments.

What's included:

  • Uniforms
  • Tournament entry fees
  • Field rental
  • Umpire costs
  • Training facility access

Ready to try out?

Save the dates and grab your registration spot the moment it opens.

Register for Tryouts
Registration link coming soon.