Hi, I’m Jack. I am one of the creators of Flips and I am on my high school varsity baseball team. This summer, I had the opportunity to compete in the 16U WWBA tournament with my summer travel team. My dad and I decided to drive from Austin to Atlanta instead of flying. We knew it was going to be a long drive and I had just gotten my driver's license so I helped out by driving some on the way there.
I had known about the WWBA for a while and I knew it was a big deal. There were almost 500 teams in the tournament so it was bigger than any one that I’d ever been in. My team played in 6 games over 6 days and I got to see some of the best competition in the country. It was a great experience and it was definitely a highlight of my summer.
The WWBA gives you the opportunity to play with a higher level of competition and see how you and your team stack up against teams from around the country. It is a great time to showcase your skills, and get exposure to college scouts- learn about the NCAA's new scholarship rules here. I also enjoyed the experience of being able to play at high-quality fields and schools as well. Playing on fields surrounded by tall Georgia pines was unforgettable.
My goal for this post is to let the readers know what to expect when experiencing the WWBA tournament. I encourage you to use this as a guide to prepare for the tournament and to make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Introduction
First off, the WWBA (World Wood Bat Association) tournament is one of the biggest stages for high school baseball players to showcase their skills. It’s a great opportunity, but it can also be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. So, let’s dive into the frequently asked questions and get you ready for this awesome event.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can we find accommodations for the tournament?
Finding the right lodging is crucial for a good tournament experience. Staying close to the venues makes everything so much easier!
2. Are there any specific hotels you recommend?
Teams won’t know their scheduled game locations until shortly before the tournament starts. I had teammates staying in hotels in the Atlanta area. We decided to stay in an Airbnb centrally located in Smyrna, GA with another teammate's family. This ended up working out well because we were never too far (never more than an hour away) from where the games were and it was fun staying with friends. It also saved money sharing the costs. We were also close to the Better Baseball super store not too far from downtown Atlanta. Having access to a full kitchen was also a really good idea for a week-long tournament. It was nice having our own living room to relax in our off time- if we weren’t streaming a game on MLB, then we were probably watching a baseball movie!
3. What should we know about transportation and parking at the venues?
Traffic: Don’t underestimate Atlanta traffic. I repeat, don’t underestimate Atlanta traffic. We relied on Google Maps and found it helpful to avoid the inevitable traffic jams. We were also able to take alternate routes to get off the highways and see some pretty backroads.
Parking: Don’t overthink this one. If you’re playing at the WWBA you probably have plenty of experience parking at tournaments. We didn’t find there to be any issues- in fact, we usually found parking to be more organized and accessible than many of our local tournaments.
4. What are the food and drink policies at the venues?
Most of our game locations allowed fans to bring coolers but some did not. If coolers were not allowed that meant a concession stand was available. Chances are you will want to pack a cooler regardless so you can have cold drinks to enjoy after playing in the hot Georgia sun!
5. What is the weather policy for the tournament?
The tournament guarantees a minimum number of games, weather permitting. It’s important to keep an eye on weather forecasts and any announcements from the tournament organizers regarding schedule changes due to weather. It seems like quick, almost daily, showers are the norm for Georgia summers. We saw a couple of rain delays, but the organizers did a great job of keeping everyone informed and rescheduling games. (Note: there was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico that had us a little nervous for a few days before the tournament. We were hoping that it wouldn’t bring rain to sit over Georgia for days. Turns out that it had no impact at all!)
6. How do we purchase tickets for the games, and what are the costs?
My dad bought his tournament pass at the gate at our first game for $65. The pass is a wristband but he attached it to his keychain instead. He said that it was very convenient since he didn’t have to worry about stopping to pay the gate fee at each game. We were able to stop by and watch several games to watch a high school teammate. If you have a fan that isn’t staying the whole week they do have daily passes available for $12, with discounts available for seniors and military personnel.
7. What are the rules regarding player equipment?
Of course, only wood bats are allowed in the tournament, so make sure you’ve got the right gear. Check the tournament page for a list of allowed bats. We saw plenty of broken bats so have a backup plan. Better safe than sorry!
8. How can we keep track of game schedules and results?
Game schedules and results are typically posted on the Perfect Game website and updated regularly. My mom and brother didn’t make the trip so they were able to keep up on Perfect Game’s DiamondKast. You can get a short term membership to DiamondKast and many of our games were live streamed. I have also enjoyed keeping up with other friends and teams from around the country.
9. Smart Travel
A week away and several states away from home also means more than just baseball. Do some research to see if you’ll be near any colleges you want to visit. We were able to make quick visits to schools in the Atlanta area and on the drive to and from Georgia from Texas.
Conclusion
The WWBA tournament in the Atlanta area that is an incredible experience for any high school baseball player. From the competition to the camaraderie, it’s something you won’t forget. Preparation is key, so make sure you know what to expect at the WWBA tournament in Atlanta. Pack your gear, book your accommodations, and get ready for a lot of baseball.
Don’t forget to make time with whoever you are traveling with to enjoy being on a summer trip. If you’re like us, this trip is also counting as a summer vacation. Enjoy the memories with friends and family. We enjoyed outstanding food, exploring Atlanta, visiting the Georgia Aquarium and caught a Stripers game (AAA Braves affiliate). I also took my golf clubs and played a little golf after games.
I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared for the tournament and your trip to Atlanta. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you and help out however I can. Good luck, and see you on the field!