The dates for the 2011 Sarasota Baseball Classic have been set. The 26th annual event, recognized by Baseball America as one of the premier prep tourneys in the country, will be held from Monday, March 14 through Thursday, March 17, 2011.

While last season we had two 16-team brackets, the plan for next year is to go to 24 teams. We will have a 16 team elite field, which will be a single elimination format to the championship game (but bracketed to guarantee all teams four games). We also will have an eight team premier bracket with a pool play format that again, guarantees four games. Our committee will seed schools and place in the appropriate brackets. You can be assured that, as always, we will have highly competitive teams in attendance.

If you are interested in attending, please fill out the linked questionnaire. The criteria for selection will include, but not be limited to, past performance of your program and your 2011 outlook. We are limited to 24 teams, so be sure to get back to us by August 31, 2010.  The field will be announced by September 10, 2010.

Finally, because our host schools will not be on spring break during next year’s tournament, we will be playing late afternoon and evening games. Therefore, teams from surrounding areas that are not on spring break can still participate without having to pull kids out of school.

Thank you for your interest in the Sarasota Baseball Classic. If you have any questions, please e-mail or call Tournament Director Brian Ahles at 941-266-2764.