FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Who are the Brookfield East Jr. Spartans?
We are a non-profit community based select baseball organization within the Brookfield East 'Elmbrook' area focused on developing our players between the ages of 8/9 through 14 years old. Our players typically are in the Brookfield East High School District or neighboring communities. We strive to be a high-quality organization that prepares our kids to play baseball at Brookfield East HS level as well as to succeed for life after baseball. For more info see: Program Mission
We play at the Brookfield East High School Baseball and Softball Fields, as well as 4 beautiful home fields which are located at Elm Grove Village Park (Fields 1 & 2) and Wirth Park (North Fields 5 & 6). We have access to Lilly Heights Park & Krueger for overflow. Each park field has a nearby playground for siblings, as well as trails for a run, walk or bike ride. Our indoor Winter training facility 'The B'East Box' is nearby in Menomonee Falls just North of Brookfield East HS. Home games are at our fields, while Away games & tournaments are held in and around Waukesha County or surrounding counties. For more info see: Field Locations
What is the time commitment for a full season?
From the time the team is assembled, and rosters are locked for the season:
- Early Sept. - Early Nov.: Fall Ball scrimmages and practices outdoor.
- Practices may move indoors in November.
- Thanksgiving through Mid-January is a break period before practices resume.
- Mid-Jan. through Mid-March: Winter practices in our B'East Box.
- Spring Break - practices put on hold for break.
- April: "Spring Training" month as our teams utilize our indoor facility, as well as nearby larger rented facilities.
- Rented fields include but not limited to: OAW (New Berlin), D-Bat (Brookfield), BSC (Brookfield), or others.
- May through July: In-Season time of our baseball season before next season tryouts.
- In season teams may take Memorial Day and Independance Day breaks.
How many teams are in the program?
Our core philosophy is based on starting with great coaches and focusing on development for the kids. We are NOT looking to be the biggest program but we strive to be one of the best. With that said, our fields allow us up to 14 teams, 2 teams each age level from U8 to U14. For more info see: Teams
What does it cost to be a Jr. Spartan?
We are charging $750 per player which is on the low end compared to other select baseball organizations in Southeast Wisconsin. We conduct two fundraiser events as well. We are a non-profit organization so all remaining funds and donations get put back into the program. With excess funds and sponsorship donations we can keep our fees low, bring in professional coaching to enrich our player's development, maintain our facilities and organizational equipment, or purchase new team equipment. For more info see: Fees
We encourage and support multi-sport athletes. Multiple sports develop great athletes and reduce injuries. However, we expect our players to commit to their baseball season April-July, prioritize in-season games & tournaments, and don’t abuse missing practice time. Over-communication with your coaching staff is also a key to success.
How many games are played at each level?
This is at the coach's discretion; however, our program usually has 14-18 select league games held during the weeknights. Add 4-6 tournaments for the season, your player should expect to play in total of approximately 30-40 games. Also expect the number of games to increase as your player gets older. Our teams play in either of the SYBL, or MYBL leagues. For more info see: SYBL State League or MYBL Major League.
When are tryouts (registration), when are parents notified, how are teams formed?
Each season tryouts occur at the end of July or early August and offers extended shortly after tryouts. At U8/U9, and after, head coaches have priority to their players to inform parents about tryouts or offers. Teams are formed as coaches see fit, with max 12 players per team. If there are multiple teams, per age level, they'll be designated as Navy & Red. Head coaches are given control as to the makeup of their team. After tryouts, roster spots are filled through our formalized offer process. A filled acceptance form with full payment secures tryout offers. For more info see: Tryout Registration & Process
How is this different than Little League or Rec baseball?
Jr. Spartans is a developmental, competitive, select baseball program. Age-appropriate fundamental baseball skills are required for a player to succeed at this level. New players will be evaluated on these skills at our annual tryout process. Existing players are continuously evaluated during each season: skill level, coachability, commitment, teamwork, and demonstration of the values of the program’s mission statement.
Hierarchy of nearby programs:
- Community-Based Select Baseball Club
- Brookfield East Jr Spartans (& Brookfield Central Jr Lancers)
- Participate in Select Leagues (SYBL or MYBL) and Tournaments against other community-based select teams
- Team trains & plays together all season & typically stays together under the direction of 1 HC
- High School Feeder Organization – Affiliated with HS Coaches (Advisor to our Board)
- Most competitive
- Brookfield East Jr Spartans (& Brookfield Central Jr Lancers)
- Supplemental Tournament Team
- Elmbrook Braves
- Tournament only select team through Elmbrook Little League.
- Players must play league with a different EBLL league team in the same season.
- Two different teams, two different coaches, with two different levels of play.
- Competitive
- Elmbrook Braves
- Little League / Parks & Rec Teams
- Elmbrook Little League (EBLL)
- City of Brookfield Parks & Rec
- Entry-level competition
We have a recruiting process of coaches from nearby youth programs to ensure we have as many high-quality coaches in place before tryouts. All coaches go through a background check. Our focus is on a coaching staff with baseball & youth coaching experience but focused on a fun, developmental environment.
Only U12 or older teams typically participate in an out-of-state tournament. This could be Cooperstown, Field of Dreams, Myrtle Beach, Branson, Pigeon Forge or additional tournaments in the Midwest area. Any of the out-of-state logistics or travel costs are the responsibility of the player family who's participating in those tournaments.
Are there any volunteer requirements?
No mandatory volunteer hours, or deposits are required. We do ask for participation on the Board, or supporting roles, if interested. Our program conducts two fundraising events for additional program funds: our Fall fundraiser and NCAA March Madness pool. Interested in volunteering? For more info or questions about how to be involved: Contact Us
The Board of Directors is made up of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. In addition, we have Trustees who in combination with the Board have voting rights. Trustee roles include Facilities, Marketing, Fundraising, Team Reps, Program Development and more. For more info see: Program Mission