Santa Cruz County · 9U–18U
Build the player.
Raise the standard.
We use baseball to help young athletes reach their potential on the field—and become exceptional citizens and human beings off it.
More than baseball
Our mission
Santa Cruz Waves Baseball Club is a 9U to 18U travel ball program consisting of players from across Santa Cruz County. The Waves operate under the 501(c)(3) nonprofit SC Sports Foundation, Inc.
We develop ballplayers—and the qualities that shape exceptional teammates, citizens and human beings.
Do Your Best
Your potential is limited only by your willingness to extend yourself.
Process Over Results
The process is pure and controllable. Results are often shaped by events beyond your control.
Growth Mindset
Your skills are not static. Believe you can improve with the proper mindset—then prove it.
Work Ethic
What matters is the player you want to become and how hard you are willing to work.
Accountability
Excuses get in the way of honest self-evaluation and improvement.
Focus & Discipline
New skills require constant focus and disciplined practice.
Courage
Courage is not the absence of fear—it is the choice to conquer it.
Integrity
Do the right thing and do what you say you are going to do.
Compassion
Forgive failure and treat yourself, teammates and everyone you meet with respect.
Selflessness
Put the team and your teammates above individual wants and needs.
Play together.
Grow together.Program leadership
Board of directors
Local baseball leaders, former collegiate and professional athletes, parents and community builders committed to the player experience.
Board President
Erik Barbic
Current Soquel High Varsity Baseball Coach and former University of the Pacific Pitcher. Erik has three sons who play baseball and when he isn't on a field coaching, runs a couple of Real Estate companies.
VP of Operations
Joey Wolfe
A Central Coast native drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2003, Joey played three years of Minor League Baseball as a catcher. He is the owner and operator of Paradigm Sport.
Board Member
Kevin Eichhorn
A former third-round Arizona Diamondbacks selection with a seven-year MiLB pitching career, Kevin directs baseball development programs and camps at Paradigm Sport.
Board Member
Scott McConville
A former Division I runner and team captain at UC Santa Barbara, Scott is the Race Director of the Wharf to Wharf Race and a lifelong baseball fan.
2026 program
Season & parent information
What families need to know about fees, uniforms, eligibility, practices and competition.
Team Fees
The program operates at cost under SC Sports Foundation, Inc. Team costs combine tournament fees, practice fields, equipment and insurance. Final fees are determined after rosters are formed.
Recent travel teams ran at approximately $385 per player per month, plus uniforms and tournament travel.
Season Format
9U–12U teams generally play for two months in August and September. 13U–18U teams generally play for three months from August through October.
Travel teams typically practice two to three times per week and play six tournaments. 9U and 10U ease into travel baseball through weekend league play at Manzanita Park and one end-of-season tournament.
Uniforms
Families receive a team-store link to order jerseys and hats. Two different color uniform tops are required, along with a Waves hat; players also need pants, belts and socks.
The program receives discounts on Wilson gloves and Louisville Slugger bats.
Additional Costs
Many of the six tournament weekends are within same-day driving distance. Families are responsible for travel costs based on tournament locations and their method of travel.
Age eligibility
Select the age group your player will be after May 1, 2026.
Waves apparel
Represent the program.
Shop custom Santa Cruz Waves apparel for players, parents and supporters.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Everything families need to understand the Waves experience.
How much does the program cost?+
The program is run at break-even per team, with costs developed after rosters are formed. The 2024 and 2025 travel programs ran at $385 per player per month, plus uniform costs and tournament travel.
What is included in the program?+
Travel teams receive two to three on-field practices each week and play six tournaments. For 9U and 10U, teams play weekend league games at Manzanita Park in Prunedale and finish with one tournament.
How are teams selected?+
Tryouts are held in early June. Coaches and members of the Board collaborate on player selection for teams with an established staff; the Board selects rosters for other teams.
Who coaches the teams?+
Teams are coached by parent volunteers who complete Waves coach training and follow the Waves Coaches Handbook on safety, pitch counts, conduct and playing time. The structure is designed to preserve the strengths of committed parent coaches while creating clear program-wide standards.
How many teams will there be?+
We form as many teams as available players, qualified coaches and fields allow.
Who can try out?+
Any player age 9 to 18 who is interested in competitive travel baseball may try out.
When and how often do teams practice?+
Practice days depend on the region and team. Families should generally plan for up to three two-hour practices per week. Exact days and times are confirmed after rosters are finalized.
When do tournaments begin?+
Tournaments generally begin in late July or early August.
Are teams formed by age or grade?+
At the younger levels, 9U through 13U, the program emphasizes age-pure teams to maintain competitive alignment.
What other costs should families expect?+
Families purchase two jerseys, a hat, pants, belts and socks. They are also responsible for any travel expenses associated with tournaments.
How to join
Earn your place
with the Waves.
2026 Tryout Information
The official tryout date for all divisions is Sunday, June 7, 2026. Separate tryouts are held for each division with individual time slots.
If your player cannot attend the primary tryout, email Erik to receive information about a makeup opportunity.
Contact
Let’s talk baseball.
Questions about tryouts, coaching or the Santa Cruz Waves program? Reach out directly.