Q: Road Map to Play for Team USA.
Note: In each step below, EVERY PLAYER MUS BE RERCOMMENDED BY THE USA BASEBALL/NTIS TASK FORCE.
Invitations can be sent as late as 3 weeks prior to each STEP below.
Q: What is USA Baseball?
Since 1978, USA Baseball has been the national governing body for the sport of baseball. It represents the sport in the United States as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and internationally as a member federation of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
Nearly every major national amateur baseball organization in America is united as a USA Baseball National Member Organization. As a result, USA Baseball governs more than 15.6 million amateur players in ballparks and playgrounds across the country.
As the commissioner’s office for amateur baseball, USA Baseball is a resource center for its various membership group, fans, and players. USA Baseball is also responsible for promoting and developing the game of baseball on the grassroots level, both nationally and internationally.
Q: What is the current international age determination date?
The current international age determination date states your birthday must fall on January 1 or later of a specified year to be eligible for particular age groups. The age a player reaches during the calendar year of the international competition will serve as his competition age.
(For example, if your son/daughter wants to play on the 18U National team in 2018, he/she must be 18 years old or younger during the entire calendar year. If your son/daughter would turn 19 on or before December 31 of 2018, he/she would not be eligible to participate with the 18U National Team because his/her competition age would be 19, regardless of his/her age during the time of the tournament.)
For 2023, the international age determination date dictates:
For a complete listing of bat specifications for all USA Baseball events, including the National Team Identification Series regional selection process, click here.
Q: Where can I sign up for an Elevated Exposure Event?
All Elevated Exposure Events are on the Firecracker Sports web site, click here.
Q: Who do I contact with any questions regarding the Elevated Exposure Events?
Dan Kennedy is the Director of Events for Firecracker Sports as well as Liaison for USA Baseball/NTIS. Please contact him at dkennedy@firecrackersports.com