Who We Are
River Falls Youth Baseball is a volunteer-run travel program for boys in 3rd through 8th grade. Teams are built by grade, 9U through 14U, and compete in the Metro Baseball League and the Gopher State Baseball League. Our job is to teach the game, build teammates, and get players ready for Legion and Wildcat high school baseball.
Register in August
Registration opens in August. $250 at signup covers the $50 evaluation and the first $200 of the season fee. The remaining $275 is due December 1. Scholarships are available, just email us.
Evaluate in August
Every player attends a formal evaluation arranged by the board in late August. Teams are split by skill level, AAA, AA, and A, using the evaluation score and last season's coach evaluation, so each player lands where he can compete and grow. Players not placed on a travel team are encouraged to play in the City's Park-and-Rec program.
Play May to July
16 weeknight league games, weekend tournaments, and playoffs from May through mid-July. Weeknight away games are in the east metro and western Wisconsin. Informal practices run through fall and winter, formal practices start in spring.
Who Can Play
Travel teams are based on grade. 3rd grade and younger play 9U, 4th plays 10U, 5th plays 11U, 6th plays 12U, 7th plays 13U, and 8th plays 14U. Playing age is the player's age on evaluation day, and players are encouraged to play with their grade whenever possible.
Players must be 8 years old by August 31 to participate. This is a board rule based on grade level.
Younger players can request an exception. Underage players are only placed if a 9U team is short, and the tryout fee is not refunded because evaluations are run by a third party.
What It Costs
Travel baseball costs money, and we would rather you see the number now than at signup. Here is the full 2027 picture. We keep a limited number of scholarships for families in need. Email the board and let us know your circumstances.
$50 Evaluation Fee
Non-refundable. It pays the outside evaluator who assesses your player in late August, and it is collected with your $250 registration payment.
$475 Season Fee
$200 is paid at registration and the remaining $275 is due December 1, 2026. Fees must be paid before the season so we can pay league and tournament fees and order uniforms.
Every family also gives up to 2 volunteer hours and takes part in one fundraiser, with a goal of $200 per player.
What It Covers
Three tournaments (up to $1,500 per team), league fees, umpires for home games, a jersey and hat for every player, coach apparel, 24 new game balls per team, and field maintenance and gear upkeep.
Uniforms and Equipment
RFYBO provides: a game jersey and hat for every player. Both are covered by the season fee.
You provide: the rest of the uniform (pants, belt, and socks), ordered through the RFYBO uniform site by mid-February so it arrives before the season, plus personal gear such as a glove, cleats, bat, and bat bag.
Bats: we play in the Metro Baseball League and the Gopher State Baseball League. RFYBO does not recommend a brand, but every bat must be USA, USSSA, or BBCOR stamped.
Our Mission
The RFYBO exists to teach and promote the game of baseball in an environment that fosters competition and individual development, instills the importance of being part of a team, readies players for Legion and High School baseball, and enhances the enjoyment of youth baseball in the River Falls community. Our success is measured by the experience of each child and the lessons that stay with him for years.
We Believe
Baseball should enrich the lives of players of every age and ability. We build the game through teamwork, sportsmanship, honesty, and loyalty. We believe in fairness on and off the field, marked by equality, integrity, and trust, and in respect between players, coaches, spectators, and officials. We develop coaches and athletic leaders to advance the organization, and everyone who takes part in RFYBO is responsible and accountable for their actions and decisions.
Our Goals
A safe learning experience in partnership with the City of River Falls, Troy Township, the River Falls Baseball Council, and the River Falls School District. Community interest in RFYBO and what it gives our city's youth. Healthy bodies and minds, skill and proficiency in the game, better fields and facilities every year, and effective, high-quality training for players and coaches at every level. Above all, youth sports are about developing kids first, without adult ambition for personal glory.
Sportsmanship
Respect the opponent and the officials. Know, understand, and appreciate the rules. Keep your self-control. Appreciate a good play no matter the uniform. No profanity, no improper actions, no arguments in front of players and spectators, nothing thrown. Teach players and spectators good sportsmanship, and set the example for others to follow.
Baseball Beyond RFYBO
Park-and-Rec Program
City of River Falls Parks and Recreation
The Park-and-Rec program is run by the City of River Falls Parks and Recreation department. Programs are T-ball (K and under), Cub A (1st and 2nd grade), Cub B (3rd and 4th grade), Pony (5th and 6th grade), and Mini Traveling (7th and 8th grade). All games are in River Falls, except Mini Traveling which plays away games against local towns such as Hudson, New Richmond, Ellsworth, etc. The registration brochure for the City programs is published in March with registration deadlines in early to mid-April.
There are no tryouts.
The season is May through July.
River Falls High School Wildcat Baseball
We partner closely with the high school program to ensure we're preparing our athletes to be successful should they choose to continue the sport in 9th-12th grade. The high school has a varsity, junior varsity and junior varsity 2 team.
We highly encourage RFYBO families to check out a high school event!
RFYBO Sponsors
