2017 United Shore Professional Baseball League Open Tryout Tickets

As the new baseball season approaches, many young athletes are looking to chase their dreams of playing professional baseball. The United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) is providing one avenue for undiscovered talent to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on one of three teams in the independent league.

The USPBL held its annual open tryouts on April 30th at Jimmy John's Field in Utica, Michigan. Over 200 players from around the country and even internationally attended the event with hopes of catching the eye of USPBL scouts and coaches.

The open tryouts consisted of a series of evaluations, including 60-yard sprints, position-specific drills, and live batting practice. Each player was given an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the USPBL's coaching staff.

"The open tryouts are a great opportunity for us to see what kind of talent is out there," said Brian Berryman, director of baseball operations for the USPBL. "We're always looking for the best players to add to our rosters."

The USPBL was established in 2016 and has quickly gained recognition as one of the top independent leagues in the country. In its inaugural season, the league attracted over 300,000 fans to Jimmy John's Field and featured numerous former major leaguers and high-level college players.

The league operates as a developmental league for aspiring professional baseball players, with many players coming from NCAA Division I programs or affiliated minor league systems. The USPBL aims to provide a platform for players to continue their careers and potentially earn an opportunity to sign with a major league organization.

Several players who have participated in past USPBL open tryouts have gone on to play significant roles on league rosters. In 2016, pitcher Connor Hoehn was signed after impressing at the open tryout and went on to set the single-season record for saves with 19.

"The USPBL gave me a great opportunity to continue my baseball career and showcase my skills in front of professional scouts," said Hoehn. "I'm extremely grateful for the chance they gave me."

While making a professional baseball team is no easy task, the USPBL's open tryouts provide an opportunity for dedicated athletes to pursue their dreams and take the next step towards achieving their goals.

As the 2017 season looms large, it remains to be seen which players will earn a spot on the USPBL's rosters. However, with many talented athletes showcasing their abilities at the open tryout, fans can expect to see an exciting brand of baseball on the field when the season kicks off on May 11th.