FAQs

Our motto is to "pursue the crown."  In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul wrote, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever" (NIV).  As athletes, we dedicate countless hours of attention and focus to developing in our sport.  Although we should pursue our passion in athletics with all of our ability, we should equally be pursuing our relationship with God because as Paul writes, the crowns of our sport will not last, but the crown of Christ will last forever.

What this means for us as coaches and players is that we ought to play the game differently than the average baseball player does.  We must buy in to the following values: Hustle, Attitude, and Toughness.  When other teams, parents, umpires, and coaches watch us play, we aspire for them to notice a difference in the way we play the game.  We play for a higher purpose.  We do not take our God-given talents for granted.  We play every pitch as if it were our last.  Our coaches and players hustle on and off the field at all times. We have good attitudes, encourage one another, and respond appropriately both to victory and adversity.  Finally, we play the game with an unrivaled toughness, both physically and mentally.

Our program is open to all players, whether they grew up in the Church or have no faith at all.  We see our role as exposing our players to what a relationship with Christ looks like and how that impacts there lives a young men and athletes.

We attempt to accomplish this through team prayer, bible studies, community service, and fellowship events outside of baseball.

For the fall of 2024, we anticipate having the following team structure:

• Upperclassmen: This will consist of juniors and seniors. Their main focus will be college exposure and development.
• 16U: The main focus will be development and playing outside competition.
• 15U: The main focus will be development and playing outside competition.

Upperclassmen (2025/2026):

• Games
• We will split into two Impact teams and play against one another throughout the fall. These games will take place at our Collegiate Fall Showcase at Macken (20+ college coaches have attended each of the past two years), Benedictine (8/31), Missouri Western (9/7), and Rockhurst (9/14).
• Games on college campuses will be attended by at least one member of the college's coaching staff.
• We will also participate against outside competition in the KCCBA tournament at Creekside. This is a heavily scouted event with over 25 universities coming in 2022 and 2023.
• Practices
• One practice per week for IF (Tuesdays at Pius) or OF (Thursdays at Macken).
• Two practices per week for POs and C.
• 16U and Upperclassmen will practice together.

15U and 16U:

• Both 15U and 16U will have 11-game schedules, which will be a blend of local tournaments and double headers against outside competition mainly.
• 15U Practices will be on Wednesdays at Macken.
• 16U will practice with Upperclassmen. See above for details.

Collegiate recruiting for the most part takes place at camps/showcases that players attend individually versus a team atmosphere.  Moreover, technology has changed the game which allows for coaches to recruit from their home using their tablets, computers, and smart phones.  There is some recruiting that takes place at summer tournaments, but it typically is minimal.  A helpful resource for you is to checkout our "College Commitments" page under our "Alumni" section. It details how each player was recruited to the university they attended.

We utilize a ton of video via Pocket Radar and post to Twitter. Moreover, we work with players to assess their goals and give advice on what we feel is realistic.  We help with connecting players with coaches and crafting communication to successfully connect and create future opportunities to perform in front of them.

Ultimately, if a player has the ability to play past high school, they will have the opportunity to keep playing if that's their desire.

This 30 minute video is a great introduction to the recruiting process and how we assist players along the way.

Our players choose from a variety of options to craft their needs throughout the winter months. Options include:

• Private lessons.
• 6-week pitcher development program.
• 6-week catcher development program.
• Pre-HS hitting program in February.
• Hitter development program.
• Strength and conditioning with outside agencies.
• Throwing programs with reputable agencies locally in KC.

We have opted not to own a facility. The increase in overhead drives up the cost further for families, so we see that as a disadvantage. We rent the space when rain is in issue in the summer/fall for team practice.

Our main tryout will take place on Monday, July 15th at St. Pius X HS (field located south at the end of Davidson Rd.) from 5 - 8 pm. We really prefer that families make this date work.

However, we have a backup option on Tuesday, 7/16 during our normal practices at Macken Park 4-6 pm or at Pius 6-8 pm.

Registration is now closed. Please email us at iaofkc@gmail.com for more information on private tryouts if roster spots still exist.