BASEBALL FOR ALL.
COMPETITIVE BASEBALL
Sherwood Junior Baseball’s Competitive Program offers playing opportunities for athletes of all skill levels, ensuring every player is placed in an environment that is safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate. Through a combination of tryouts and league-wide evaluations, we work to identify each player’s current abilities and place them on a team that best supports their growth. Our goal is to challenge players competitively while fostering confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game—building strong athletes today and stronger leaders tomorrow.
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Sherwood Junior Baseball is an affiliate of Junior Baseball of Oregon (JBO). This includes teams from all over Oregon and Southwest Washington. JBO comprises three districts/Counties: Westside, Clackamas, and Valley. Sherwood JBO is part of the Westside District, and plays regular-season league games with other Westside teams.
Different from our Rec program, JBO teams travel to visiting communities to play competitive baseball. Each division plays 10-16 games a season, half of those being at home in Sherwood (either at Sherwood Middle School or Hawks View Elementary).
Teams participating in JBO Baseball play games at one of three skill levels (Federal, American, and National), tryouts/evaluations for each Division are held in the pre-season to help inform the draft.
Teams participating in JBO have the opportunity to qualify for the Westside Youth Baseball District Tournament and the JBO Championship State Tournament, which is comprised mostly of teams within the state.
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The competitive league is split based on grade level—not age.
Our Senior Level is meant for grades 7 and 8, Junior Level for grades 5 and 6, and Minor Level for grades 3 and 4.
In rare circumstances, a 2nd grader is allowed to play up with the Minor Level based on evaluations and board approval. No 2nd grader is allowed to play at the Federal Division.
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In Sherwood, Federal baseball is the pinnacle of skill and dedication within JBO. Top players from Minor, Junior, and Senior Leagues often transition to the Federal League, showcasing exceptional hitting, pitching, and fielding.
If you are considering attending the Federal Tryout, please review the Federal skills listed in the section below to ensure your player is ready for this Division of play.
Federal teams practice 3-5 days a week, play 2-3 games a week, and play 4-6 tournaments a season (beyond the potential District and State tournaments). Federal level players are expected to be working outside of practice to keep their skills sharp.
Families interested in playing at the Federal level should understand the time commitment asked of players and recognize that by attending the tryout, they are committing to the increased practice, games, and tournaments.
Additional tournaments are at the expense of the families/players. Financial assistance, if needed, should be managed through the Coach and the Division Coordinator.
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Our American Division represents a significant number of talented ballplayers in Sherwood. Historically, each level, fields two American Division teams. While these players haven’t made the Federal team, they likely have strong skills in several areas, but not across the board. American ballplayers are striving to play at the next divison of play or better their skills every practice.
Players within the American Division should expect to practice 3-4 days a week, play 2-3 games a week and play 3-5 tournaments a season (beyond the Westside District Tournament and JBO State Tournament).
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In Sherwood, National Division baseball reigns as the largest in JBO, showcasing players with diverse skill sets.
Our National Division has players who are fundamentally sound players, who haven’t reached the American level of play in several skill areas, as well as players who haven’t played baseball before. Our player draft for this division is crucial to ensuring that each of our Sherwood teams is balanced and able to compete across the District safely and competitively.
National Division players can expect to practice 2-3 days a week, play games 2-3 times a week, and play 1-3 tournaments a season (outside of the Westside District Tournament and JBO State Tournament).
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Post-season play is segmented for each level and division. For instance, there is a JBO State Tournament for all levels, Senior Federal, Senior American, and Senior National.
Qualifying for the JBO State Tournament requires your team to place in the top 2-4 of the Westside District Tournament (also segmented as noted above). JBO State is a seeded, 8-team, double-elimination tournament.
Qualifying for the Westside District Tournament is determined by a series of Autoberths and Play-in games that can be found on the Westside Tournament page. All District Tournaments will be 8 teams, double elimination. Teams will be seeded based on their League record.
Westside Tournament dates haven’t been finalized for the 2026 season as of 12/1/2025.
FEDERAL DIVISON SKILL PROGRESSION
The following outlines the expected skills and progression for SJBO Federal-level players from Minors (10U) through Seniors (14U). It is designed to help parents, players, and coaches understand development expectations and evaluation criteria. Please use this information to determine if your player is a good fit for the Federal Tryout.
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Proper stance and grip, consistent contact, bat control, timing and rhythm, basic bunting, aggressive but smart base running
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Fundamental glove work, proper footwork, basic throws, position awareness, catching mechanics
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Basic mechanics and control, consistent strikes, proper catching mechanics
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Understand outs and counts, basic situational awareness, communicate with teammates, sportsmanship
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Speed and agility, hand-eye coordination, basic strength and conditioning
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Supports teammates, communicates positively, and begins understanding roles
MINOR (10U) TOP-LEVEL SKILLS
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Advanced mechanics, gap-to-gap hitting, situational hitting, plate discipline, advanced bunts, and smarter base stealing
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Advanced footwork and range, quick release and accuracy, double plays, cutoffs/relays, position-specific skills
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Improved mechanics and control, some pitch variety, catcher management basics
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Advanced situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, leadership emerging, mental toughness developing
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Increased speed and strength, better agility, endurance improves
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Takes on vocal leadership, helps guide younger or less experienced players
JUNIOR (12U) TOP-LEVEL SKILLS
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High-level mechanics and power, situational mastery (hit-and-run, bunts, defensive shifts), excellent plate discipline, consistent extra-base hits, advanced base running strategy
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Mastery of footwork and range, strong accurate arm, precision double plays and relays under pressure, advanced position-specific execution
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Advanced mechanics and velocity, multiple pitches with control, catcher framing, blocking, pitching management, and strategic calls
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Expert situational mastery, advanced decision-making, on-field leadership, mental toughness and composure under pressure
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High-level strength, endurance, speed, and agility; consistent execution under long game or tournament conditions
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Strong on-field leadership, mentors teammates, communicates effectively, helps maintain team focus and composure