H.A.C. Travel Baseball (Homer Heat and Homer Inferno):

The Homer Heat and Homer Inferno Travel Baseball Program is governed and managed by the Homer Athletic Club’s Board of Directors, under rules and policies established by the Board of Directors. Volunteers operate all HAC sports programs, including the travel teams. There is a Director(s) to supervise the Travel Baseball Program.

The Travel Baseball Program exists as an extension of and a complement to the HAC Recreational Baseball program. As such, HAC schedules travel activities to co-exist with the recreational program, which is HAC Baseball’s first priority.

The mission of HAC Travel Baseball teams is to provide the youth of the Homer Township area a competitive experience for players wanting to continue their pursuit of baseball at a higher level.  The program strives to develop a sound and healthy attitude toward sportsmanship, leadership and competition and to create and promote team spirit.  Improving playing skills and physical conditioning are also a priority.

HAC Travel Baseball teams are known as either the Homer Heat or the Homer Inferno. The first team or ‘A’ Team approved by the HAC Board, within each age group, is known as the Homer Heat. The second team or ‘B’ Team approved by the Board, within each age group, is known as the Homer Inferno.

The players are selected following a try-out process held in August each year.  Check the web site for exact dates each season.  The HAC will attempt to field two competitive teams at each age groups: U9, U10, U11, U12, U13 and U14.  In the selection process the Heat Team is filled with the first selection of players.  The Inferno Manager then selects from the pool of players that are left. 

The travel baseball season runs from April to August for most teams. Most teams play in the highly competitive Northern Illinois Metro League, and play in Chicago area tournaments during that same time.  Some teams choose to travel outside of Illinois to play in regional or national tournaments.  Teams typically have three or more games and practices per week during April and May and five or more games and practices per week during the June and July tournament season.  Most teams have planned indoor training activities during winter and spring months starting as early as November.  The starting date and number of practices will vary by team.

Playing on a travel team is a major commitment for the player and the family.  All players are expected to attend all games and practices as scheduled by the team head coach.  If you vacation or have conflicting commitments during the season you should not consider playing travel baseball.

Note that playing time will depend on, but is not limited to, a player’s performance, dedication, and attitude during practice and games and is at the MANAGER’S DISCRETION.  Players will not be guaranteed playing time.  Every effort will be made to give players a chance to earn positions during practices and practice games.

A deposit fee of $200 is due after being selected for a team.  No player will be placed on a travel team if the deposit fee has not been paid; this fee is non-refundable.

The total cost involved in playing travel baseball will vary by team.  Check with the individual team managers on the team plans and estimated costs.  The families of the players will cover the team costs . Some teams have fundraisers to help reduce the additional costs to families.  Total family cost and fundraising varies by team.  Travel teams are responsible for all team expenses incurred during the season including uniforms, equipment, umpire fees, tournament fees and travel expenses.

If you have any questions about the HAC Travel Baseball Program please contact the Travel Program Director(s) or the Manager for your son’s age group for more details.