CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATON ON THE TRYOUT CAMP AND DRAFT, THE VENUE, OR TO REGISTER!
Official Tryout Camp Press Release can be found HERE.
The 2025 Frontier League Camp and Draft is an official Fronter League event and is operated, organzied and regulated by the Frontier League.
The Windy City ThunderBolts will not hold their traditional team specific tryout in 2025 due to this event being held at Ozinga Field.
If you have any questions please contact Matt Shepardson of the Frontier League at [email protected].
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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Are there requirements or an age limit to tryout?
Players must be at least 18 years old to attend. Players with college eligibility remaining should check with their school's compliance officer before registering.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Ozinga Field is located two miles south of I-294 at exit 12 (Cicero Avenue).
Chicago Midway Airport is approximately a 20 minute drive from Ozinga Field. Preregistered players will receive a letter with the host hotel and discount rate code once this information is finalized. Players are responsible for their transportation to and from Ozinga Field. If you will not have a car, you should be able to find a ride by asking the other players in the hotel lobby. Limited rideshare is available in the area via popular apps.
What can/can't I bring to the event?
Ozinga Field features an artificial playing surface, and per the manufacturer's warranty, metal spikes are not allowed. All players, including pitchers, must wear either molded cleats or turf shoes. Seven of the Frontier League's ballparks feature artificial surfaces and have the same policy.
In addition, sunflower seeds, tobacco, and gum are not allowed on the field, the bullpen areas, or in the dugouts as they cause problems with the quality of the turf.
Players are responsible for bringing their own baseball equipment, including bats, batting helmets, and catching gear, and should wear baseball pants. Baseballs will be provided by the Frontier League.
How does the Tryout Camp work?
The workouts officially begin at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, April 22 and will feature fielding and throwing drills for infielders, outfielders, and catchers, and batting practice for position players. Hitters will be timed from home to first and from first to third as part of batting practice. Pitchers will throw 15-20 pitch bullpens in front of our pitching coaches.
Following the first day, the field managers will compile a list of players invited back for inter-squad games on Wednesday, April 23. At the conclusion of the games on Wednesday, action will break for 30 minutes as clubs and prepare for the draft. The draft will take place at Ozinga Field on Wednesday afternoon.
What if I play multiple positions?
Sign up at your primary position. Position players who also want to pitch need to register as both a pitcher and a position player. Players can also send their college or professional statistics verifying that they are a two-way player to [email protected].
If I am drafted, when does spring training begin in the Frontier League?
Frontier League Spring Training opens on Thursday, April 24. Opening day rosters are due by Wednesday, May 7. Tryout camp participants are guaranteed at least one week in Spring Training barring injury or a violation of team rules. If you will have issues reporting on April 24, speak with the club who selects you so alternate arrangements can be made.
If I still have college eligibility remaining, can I attend?
It is our understanding that participating in the workouts does not impact your college/amateur eligibility as long as you do not sign a contract. However, the ultimate decision is up to the NCAA, NAIA, or related organization. We have had players attend each year who return to complete their college seasons before signing contracts and reporting. We encourage any current college player to check with your compliance officer to see what you can and cannot do to protect your eligibility.
Can people come to watch the workouts?
Yes, friends and family members can watch the workouts from the seating bowl at Ozinga Field. Only players will be allowed on the field
What happens if it rains?
We will make every effort to do as much of the workout as possible on the field at Ozinga Field. The artificial playing surface allows us to play through light rain and to resume immediately as soon as heavier rain stops. We do have access to an indoor facility if necessary. Regardless of the weather, the event will conclude on Wednesday, April 23, as players report to their teams for Spring Training beginning on Thursday, April 24.