Springfield Generals: Play for Us!
The Generals Baseball Club of the Ozarks, a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, field their flagship team in the the M.I.N.K. (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas) League, one of the most competitive collegiate summer/semi-pro leagues in the country. All home games are played at Price Cutter Park, a 4200 seat former minor league stadium built in 1999 and complete with a 900 sq. ft club house. Generals games are webcast/broadcast via the Internet through live and archived feeds on Websports Radio (websportsradio.com). Fans and parents of out of town players can listen to many Generals games from anywhere in the world. For freshman position players and others not selected for the MINK League, the Generals organization also fields a team in the Redriver and/or Walter Johnson Leagues, which plays at Meador Park in Springfield. High School players can compete on the Generals 18U team, which provides exposure to college and pro scouts by playing Elite USA showcase tournaments at college & university fields all over the Midwest & South.
Player applications for the 2007 college and high school seasons can be downloaded off this website (see the "downloadable forms" page) and mailed in. (Sending in the app. does not provide a roster spot, but simply increases consideration.) Players or coaches with questions can contact general manager, Rusty Aton, Mon-Wed. 1-8pm and Sat. & Sun. 1-6pm at 417 881-2920 email to rda160@excite.com
Cost of Playing
Because the Generals operate as a state and federally registered not-for-profit organization, all players contribute the minimum amount necessary to cover the cost of the season. Player fees for 2008 are estimated at $1800 for the 18u team and $700 for the college team. The actual out of pocket cost to players can be greatly reduced by fund raising programs set up by the team. This includes selling ads in the program (yes out of town players can successfully sell to out of town businesses and especially large corporations!) and by sending out tax-deductible donation letters to family, friends, and businesses. Info on both is available by contacting the team management at: jasonamohler@aol.com
Once a roster spot is offered and accepted, a $200 (high school) and $100 (college) non-refundable deposit must be returned immediately with the PLAYER REGISTRATION FORM. NBC CONTRACTs- available through email or downloadable off this website under the "Downloadable Forms" page are also required for college players.
Player packets are sent out Dec. 1, or after signed contact and deposits are received....which ever is later.
Players are provided:
- Two jerseys (which MUST be returned)
- two undershirts
- a hat
- two free season passes
- limited access during season to Extra Innings indoor facility
Players may need to provide:
- One navy blue belt
- One navy or red belt (varies by team so check)
- One (or more) pair(s) of navy blue socks.
* It is recommended that players provide their own newer solid white and solid grey pants (no pipping and no old practice pants) to ensure correct length and fit. If you do not have any, pair(s) can be loaned.
*All equipment is available at a discount over typical sporting goods store prices from team partner--Extra Innings. See coach for details
Keep in mind that all coaches are unpaid and, therefore, players do all field prep work. Players report to the field at least 3 hours before home games.
After the season starts, player fees are NON-REFUNDABLE, except in a situation where a drafted player signs a professional contract. Otherwise, players who quit FOR ANY REASON or are removed from the team for misconduct will receive no refund....no exceptions!
Housing, Jobs, and Transportation
Housing: Housing for players without friends or family in the Springfield area is provided through apartments/houses near the stadium. The cost averages $200 per month, plus about $50 per month for utilities. A limited number of host families are available in the Springfield/Ozark area. Host family arrangements need to be made well in advance of the season and placement is on a first come-first serve basis. Strict rules apply to staying with host families, meaning anyone desiring flexibility and independence will want to choose to the stay in an apartment.
Jobs: In addition to kids summer camps ran by the team in conjunction with the Ozark Parks department and with team partner Extra Innings, jobs allowing 20-40 hours per week scheduled around playing are available and need to be arranged by April 1. Players are not allowed to work over 10 hrs a week AND take summer school, as it usually conflicts with the playing schedule. Examples of some available jobs are listed below. It is the players responsibility to follow up these in the appropriate time frame.Please contact the team about jobs of interest listed below and then follow the direction:
1. Springfield & Ozark Park Boards- Youth Summer Day Camp Counselor & Sports Camp Counselors. ($6.50 per hr.) Visit www.parkboard.org and down load and print an application. Fill it out, entering "SPARCS" as the department and "Counselor" as the job. Also, write "Attention SPARCS Director- J.C. Loveland" at the top of the application. Call J.C at 417 837-5737. Jobs with the Sports Camps should be listed as Sports Camps as te dept. and need eo be labeled "Attn. Maria Johnson" at the top. Maria can be reached at 417 837-5817 ex. 14 Mail to the park board office address listed on the application. For the Ozark parks dept, contact the team.
As of May 15 you nedd to email Kevin at- kshatswell@ci.springfield.mo.us about jobs.
2. Umpiring & Coaching- Team partner Extra Innings runs youth & adult summer leagues that players can work at during off nights. Both umpiring and little league & junior high team coaching opportunities are available. Select players with more experience umpiring can also officiate rookie legion games in the Springfield area.
We also have a partnership with Baseball City in Fordland and players can umpire 2-3 evenings a week in crews of two and four.
3. Buckingham BBQ- Work in restraunt at counter and in kitchen. average $7.00 call M-F 9am-11am and talk to Dave Campbell- 417 863-0112
4. Elliot Lodging- Front desk attendent. ($7.00 per hr.) Contact the team about your interest in this early morning/afternoon oriented job and a referral name and phone number will be given.
Transportation: Transportation around the Springfield/Ozark area is the responsibility of all players. All players must bring a vehicle and drive themselves to work and games. Team transportation for roadtrips in the form of fifteen paseanger vans should be available, with carpooling used for short trips.
Wood Bats
Position players are expected to provide their own wood bat. Players may use ash, maple, or composite bats, but no metal bats will be allowed at any point-- no exceptions!
All Generals players received deep discounts on wood bats from the pro shop Extra Innings. All major manufactures are available at well below even Baseball Express prices, from southwest Missouri's largest instock supply of wood bats or special orders can be placed (taking 10 days).
