Hello South Families! All Star season is upon us and we drafted the following FAQ to help answer some of our most frequent questions. South’s Youth Baseball has a rich history of All Star participation and success. Each All Star team is forged by teamwork, perseverance, and an unyielding dedication to be the best. Let’s honor our history by continuing to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together!

What is All-Stars?

The All-Star Babe Ruth Program is composed of the top players from each league division categorized by age groups. All-Stars are selected and participate in District, State, Regional, and National tournaments. The selection process involves every manager from each division, along with the Chief Umpire and League President, who come together, nominate and vote for players based on performance, sportsmanship, and overall contribution to their recreational team throughout the spring season.

All-Star teams allow the league to showcase the top players in a competitive setting beyond the regular season. Additionally, it provides players the opportunity to develop further and compete at a higher level of play against other top players at the local and state levels.

Who Can Participate?

At South, any player currently playing in our Minors or Majors division, who participated in the our Spring 2025 recreational season and played in at least 50% (plus one) of the spring recreational league games is eligible. (A child is eligible to play on only one All-Star team.)

IMPORTANT: If your player gets selected, please know that there is a list of required documents that must be filled out and submitted to participate in the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth District Tournament.

Is there an Evaluation Session/How is the team selected?

No. Players are selected by a majority vote of Spring Recreational Team Managers along with the Chief Umpire and League President. Select members of the South Ft Myers Youth Baseball Board are in attendance at the selection meeting, but do not vote on player selection.

How Much of a Time Commitment Can I Expect?

The schedule is contingent upon the success of the team: The more you win, the further you advance, the more games you play. Typically, All-Star practices begin the second week of May and warm up tournaments begin as early as mid-May. The number of practices are up to the manager’s discretion but expect 2-3 practices a week. District Tournament dates are the first week of June. If the team continues advancing past Districts and States, expect to go to Regionals in mid-July then the World Series at the end of July/early August.

Can I Take a Summer Vacation?

Yes, you can take vacation. However, players need to be available for practices and games/tournaments. Tournaments are scheduled by the state Cal Ripken organization.

If you think your child would like to be considered for All-Star play, but he or she is going to be unavailable (away on vacation) during tournaments or for a significant number of team practices – this is probably not something you should plan to pursue.

When would practices start?

Field availability for All-Stars opens at the end of the Spring Season. Some teams will be sharing the fields so managers will work together in order to provide equal field time.

What Can I Expect From a Tournament Weekend?

Warm up tournaments are usually in a weekend format of Friday/Saturday seeding games and then single elimination bracket on Sunday. District and State tournaments are either pool play or double elimination style. These tournaments typically start on a Wednesday and conclude that Sunday. Per Cal Ripken Babe Ruth Rules, you can NOT have an entire lineup bat, which means there is no mandatory play time rule for our All Star teams.

Official Bat Rules for All Star Tournaments:

Cal-Ripken Baseball (Minors Division) USA Baseball Marking
2 5/8" Barrel Maximum
NO BBCOR BATS

If you can’t find the answer to your questions here, please reach out to our League Information Officer, Holly Ross, at: HMRoss2011@gmail.com

Let’s Go SOUTH!!!