America's premier international traveling team since1984.
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FAQ about the American Eagles Baseball Club
1. What qualifications do I need to be invited to become a member of the American Eagles Baseball Club?
An invited player must have the equivalent of H.S. Varsity baseball experience or better and a verifiable record of good citizenship and character. References will be expected and contacted.
2. How are players found that are invited to join the American Eagles Baseball Club?
There are several sources which are utilized to recruit players for the club: College prospect lists, college clinic/camp lists, internet sources for college recruiting, scout teams, the American Eagles Baseball Club web site (www.Eagles-Baseball.org), and personal recruiting by coaches.
3. What is the level of competition the Eagles can expect when playing overseas?
The competition is usually equivalent to a high level H.S. Varsity or JC program but in recent years it has been getting better. Most are "A" grade club teams, all-star regional teams, or state all-star teams. Efforts have been made to improve the competition even more by inquiries to the MLB International Academy located on Queensland's Gold Coast.
4. How many players make up an American Eagles team?
Normally, 15 players make up an American Eagles team. However this is not a number set in stone. Some years, there may be enough invitees that accept their invitations to make it possible for more than one team to travel. In this case, the minimum number of players per team would be 13. The number per team is flexible due to demand and team depth at all positions.
5. Is there any organized fundraising to off set the costs of the tour?
Due to the fact that players recruited for the Eagles come from different parts of the country, a central general fundraising effort is impossible. Players may initiate their own per-sonal fundraising. The club has on file a general letter that can be personalized for fundraising use by invited players.
The tour price includes: round trip airfare to the destination from LAX (Los Angeles Int'l. Airport), accommodations in quality hotels (2-4/room) and with host families, transportation to hotels, games and sightseeing venues, breakfast daily in hotels, tournament entry fees, entry fees to all sightseeing venues, sanctioning fees for international competition, social events with hosts, travel bags for game gear, travel shirts, and assorted extras. The tour price does not include: Medical, accident, baggage, or trip cancellation insurance, any sightseeing trips not specifically included in the package, tips for services, meals other than specified, fees for passports or visas (if necessary), airport taxes, drinks, laundry, phone calls, or any items of a personal nature. Players are responsible for transportation to and from LAX. The Eagles are organized and promoted by Sports Promotions International (SPI) and sanctioned by the USA/Australia Baseball Exchange.
7. How does an invited player confirm a spot on the roster?
Once a player has received an invitation letter, a $500 deposit will confirm a spot on the 15-player roster on a first-come, first-served basis. Deposit checks should be made out to "American Eagles Baseball Club" and mailed to the address on the invitation letter. Cancellation penalty is $500 plus any funds not recoverable.
8. Does an invited player need a passport to travel and play overseas?
You must obtain a valid passport to travel overseas. Depending on the destination, there may be other requirements for travel. You will be advised of all necessary requirements to travel with the team.
9. Are there any scheduled tryouts or practices for the team?
There are no tryouts for the team per se as qualified players are invited based on evaluations and references from the various sources used for recruiting purposes. However, in the weeks prior to traveling, voluntary workouts are scheduled in Southern California for those able to attend. The first full team practice occurs the first day in the destination country.
10. What is the age requirement for the American Eagles Baseball Club?
Generally, team members should be between the ages of 16 and 22 during the tour. However, older players will be given consideration on a case by case basis. Younger players are usually asked to wait until they reach the age requirement,
11. Are friends or family members allowed to travel with players?
Friends and family are invited and encouraged to join the tour as supporters. This is an excellent opportunity to travel with and support a family member in a foreign country. Many times team supporters have been utilized as trainers, scorekeepers, and staff assistants depending on qualifications. The cost of the tour for supporters is the same as the players and they will enjoy the same benefits.
12. What about changes in tour conditions?
The price of the tour and the posted itinerary is based on airfares, tariffs, land costs, and exchange rates currently in effect and is subject to change.
13. If I go to Australia, will I see koalas and kangaroos? Is the koala really a bear?
Yes. No.
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SOME OF THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE AMERICAN EAGLES, SPORTS PROMOTIONS INTERNATIONAL, AND THE USA/AUSTRALIA BASEBALL EXCHANGE
"The San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers have been sending players to Australia through Vince Askey & SPI since 1990 and the association has been a long standing success. We look forward to the relationship maintaining itself into the years ahead."
Randy Smith
General Manager
San Diego Padres ('94-'95)
Detroit Tigers ('96- ‘04)
"My trip to Australia as the coach of the American Eagles in 1989 will long remain as a highlight of my baseball career. SPI and the Eagles are the only organizations I would ever go with. The country, the people, the baseball is an experience not to be missed."
John Kentera
Sports Personality - XTRA 690
Former Scout - Florida Marlins
"Taking a high school team to
Dan Radison
Major League Coach
San Diego Padres ('93-'94) - Chicago Cubs ('95-’99) - Washington Nationals, Houston Astros (present)
Manager - Brisbane Bandits ('93-'96)
"Playing and coaching in Australia as part of the Eagles & SPI program was the greatest international baseball experience I've ever had. I still go back to see the many friends I've made there and enjoy the fantastic life of the Land Down Under. The Eagles will offer any young baseballer one of the best opportunities of his life. Thank you."
Rene Gonzales
Major League Player - Expos, Orioles, Blue Jays, Angels, Indians, Rangers, Padres, Rockies
Minor League Manager - Milwaukee Brewers
Eagles Coach - 2003 & 2004
"Visiting Australia and witnessing Aussie baseball was a special experience for me. The efforts of the Eagles & SPI to coordinate my trip will always be greatly appreciated. I also find it extremely gratifying to have seen the tremendous progress made in the development of the game in Australia and envision the growth to continue."
Roland Hemond
Former Vice President
Arizona Diamondbacks
"...baseball is growing in Australia...this helps create another Australian-U.S. bond...Vince Askey and Tom Nicholson are making this culturally unifying process happen...they have helped to create a cultural bridge to the U.S. and other countries."
Former Indiana Congressman & Current U.S. Ambassador to India Tim Roemer
"Taking 3 baseball tours to Australia with the Eagles & SPI were some of the greatest baseball experiences in my 16 years of coaching. My players and I made life-long friends and enlarged all dimensions of our lives in baseball."
Glen Elliott
Athletic Director / Baseball Coach
Hood River High School, ORE
"Coaching in Australia was a trip-of-a-lifetime. The Eagles & SPI are the most professional and
quality oriented international baseball organizations I've ever known."
Tom House
Former Major League Pitcher
Former Major League Pitching Coach (Texas Rangers)
International Consultant (San Diego Padres)
"Being involved with the Eagles & SPI while playing in Australia, Japan, and Europe are among the greatest highlights of my baseball career. SPI is Major League when it comes to international baseball promotion. I recommend this program to anyone and everyone."
Mark Garcia
Former International Operations Coordinator (California Angels)
Former International Scout (Boston Red Sox & Milwaukee Brewers)
"I had traveled with another sports tour operator before going to Australia
and
Jack Hodges
Head Coach - Saddleback College
Founder and Coach of the American Eagles Baseball Club ('84-'88, ‘99)
Coach & Selector for the USA Junior National Team
"Traveling with SPI tours to Australia and Italy was the perfect blend of baseball and tourism. My son furthered his baseball development through the SPI program and helped his efforts to attract college opportunities in baseball."
Joe Vellano
Former Owner
St. Petersberg Cardinals
Hamilton Redbirds
"...I support the USA/Australia Baseball Exchange and Sports Promotions International. This type of investment is strengthening U.S. relations with its allies is commendable, and I thank Mr. Askey.
Former Senator Dennis DeConcini
State of Arizona
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American Eagles Baseball Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 423
Solana Beach, CA 92075
phone: 858-755-1016
