13U Program - San Diego Hawks Baseball
*** This page includes additional information that is not otherwise covered in our Hawks Baseball Program page.
*** This page includes additional information that is not otherwise covered in our Hawks Baseball Program page.
Coaches / Teams
We will have 3 or 4 teams, with a very experienced group of coaches and players that have a history of playing against the best regional competition.
We continue to attract players from across the region wanting to be a part of our program. We always commit to families that their player will get the opportunity that they earn, but they should always be willing to compete within the organization against returning and new players.
Brett Balkan, one of our most senior coaches, will oversee the 13U program and be involved as a coach when final team assignments are determined in August.
13U (Prime)
13U (Gold)
13U (Navy)
We will have 3 or 4 teams, with a very experienced group of coaches and players that have a history of playing against the best regional competition.
We continue to attract players from across the region wanting to be a part of our program. We always commit to families that their player will get the opportunity that they earn, but they should always be willing to compete within the organization against returning and new players.
Brett Balkan, one of our most senior coaches, will oversee the 13U program and be involved as a coach when final team assignments are determined in August.
13U (Prime)
- This is our more advanced group that has demonstrated success at the D2 level and have been competing at the Majors (D1) level.
- Our top 12U team (Kahnert) compiled a 53-15 record this past year, with multiple championships.
- Coaches : Eric Kahnert, Brad Cooperman
13U (Gold)
- Our 13U (Gold) team will be a strong team of 13U eligible players.
- Coach Jonathan (see bio) is a next level coach that will lead and develop these players to be their best on and off the field.
- This team will consist of 12-13 players competing to for roles that help the team compete and win.
- Our Gold teams can compete at the D2 level and will win tournaments at the D3 level.
- Coaches : Jonathan Gutierrez, Luke Phillips
13U (Navy)
- The remaining 12-14 players will make up our 13U (Navy) team, that will also be competitive (e.g. play tournaments) and be structured in a way that rewards the higher performing players on that team. Our teams at every age group (and color) are better than ever before as our program attract the best players / families from across the region.
- Our Navy teams compete at the D3 level
- Coaches : Sebastian Fuchen, Kelton Carpenter
What if my 13U eligible player is an 8th grader?
Short answer : It is recommended they play 13U baseball. That is the age and for most, their physical development reflects their age. My son was in this same situation and took this path, and was ready for high school baseball --- culminating in all league recognition as a Senior.
Getting players ready for high school baseball is a priority. As the Freshman manager at Del Norte High School, I see what it takes to compete at the high school level. Our goal as an organization is to make sure our players make the high school team, but as importantly --- are key contributors on their teams during their high school years.
At a high level, incoming 8th graders each Summer have June (current year) through October (following year as a high school student) to be ready to impress their high school coaches. That is 16 months.
In addition to this, we will create a TeamSnap team named "13U (8th Grade) - San Diego Hawks" where we give these players additional information and opportunities to help on their journey towards high school readiness.
Of course, this is a recommendation based on years of experience and doesn't mean it is the right solution for all players. If you have any thoughts or concerns, as is consistent with our organizational culture, reach out and lets have a conversation.
Coach Mark
Short answer : It is recommended they play 13U baseball. That is the age and for most, their physical development reflects their age. My son was in this same situation and took this path, and was ready for high school baseball --- culminating in all league recognition as a Senior.
Getting players ready for high school baseball is a priority. As the Freshman manager at Del Norte High School, I see what it takes to compete at the high school level. Our goal as an organization is to make sure our players make the high school team, but as importantly --- are key contributors on their teams during their high school years.
At a high level, incoming 8th graders each Summer have June (current year) through October (following year as a high school student) to be ready to impress their high school coaches. That is 16 months.
- June - March (10 months) --- play 13U is fine. Do a fun Spring Training Tournament in Arizona in March, etc. Have a Drop 3 BBCORE or wood bat that you train with. Most 13U teams will practice on 60/90 fields to build strength and further prepare them for high school baseball.
- April - October (6 months, heading into your high school season) --- play 14U (60/90) baseball exclusively.
In addition to this, we will create a TeamSnap team named "13U (8th Grade) - San Diego Hawks" where we give these players additional information and opportunities to help on their journey towards high school readiness.
Of course, this is a recommendation based on years of experience and doesn't mean it is the right solution for all players. If you have any thoughts or concerns, as is consistent with our organizational culture, reach out and lets have a conversation.
Coach Mark