LMBA is proud of the 9U Rookie program that was developed in Lacombe and has been the foundation of our grassroots baseball program. Over the years, the association has seen a significant increase in registration and growth. This has brought ample opportunities for the association to evolve and progress to meet the ever expanding needs of the association. LMBA is dedicated to maintaining our core values of sportsmanship, community and encouraging a love for sport and the game of baseball. For the 2025 season, Lacombe Minor Baseball is piloting a development program designed to build on our already successful 9U program.
Objective:
The program will focus on developing the fundamental skills necessary for players to progress in their baseball journey, including proper techniques for throwing, fielding, hitting and advanced baseball IQ. The start of the year will defer game play and perform many practices that include skill based stations. This format encourages development and progression prior to transitioning into game play. The season will run from early April until mid July.
Eligibility:
The Program is only available to LMBA players born in 2016. LMBA will have a roster of 12-13 players for this program. Should there be more than 12-13 players desiring to participate, evaluations will be held and align with the AA team selection process in LMBA.
Practices:
The practices that will be in place are designed to be more beneficial for development than what is typically found in a traditional game play focused program. Our current 9U program prioritizes engagement and skill development. This program will build on that foundation. Starting early April, a practice format based around multiple stations will be implemented. This allows for numerous reps, quality instruction and situational development as well as a high level of player engagement and active participation. There will be a high coach to player ratio during each practice. Practices will utilize available city amenities including school fields, green spaces, etc.
Games and Tournament Play:
- Exhibition games potentially starting in May and continuing throughout the remainder of the season.
- Participate in the 11U LMBA Community Tournament May 30 - June 2nd with guaranteed 3 games.
- 11U gameplay throughout the month of June with neighboring associations.
- Participate in 11UA Provincials to extend the playing season. This would involve travel outside of Lacombe. Dates: June 28/29, July 5/6, and July 18-20.
Cost Module:
-9U Fees: $225 season fee
-LMBA Community Tournament: $15 per player
-Provincial Weekend Add-on: (travel / hotels will be at own expense)
- $100 per player registration (field rental, BA registration, and insurance costs).
- $150 - $200 slush fund to cover umpire fees, balls, etc.
Coaching:
Aaron Heck has been selected as the head coach for this pilot program. Aaron initiated the opportunity for the players with his dedication to the young athletes in Lacombe. Alongside Aaron will be coaches Jeff MacDonald and Tyler Guppy who bring decades of coaching and baseball experience to the program. All of the coaches involved have experience in numerous sports and levels of play including grassroots and competitive streams. LMBA is grateful to the individuals who have committed their time, passion and knowledge to the association.
Introduction from Aaron Heck:
I grew up playing minor ball just like these little baseball players. I remember playing in all the local tournaments, provincial tournaments with all my peers all the way up to Midget level. After that, I played senior baseball in my hometown for 6 years as well as coaching and managing the team as a player coach for the last two years before moving to Lacombe. Once I moved to Lacombe I began coaching minor sports. Whether it was coaching the Lacombe U18AA Hockey team before my family started, to coaching U7, U9, U11 with my own kids I have enjoyed volunteering my time and efforts to develop these athletes whether it was hockey or baseball. I have also spent time coaching in the 9U baseball program various times in the last 3 years and enjoy seeing first hand how much fun these little athletes have.
Please fill out the 2016 Pilot Development Program Player Interest Form by March 15th if interested.