ABOUT CLB
Crystal Lake Baseball was founded in 2010 by members of Crystal Lake National LL with the goal of providing a premier youth baseball organization in Crystal Lake, Illinois. CLB is a not for profit Illinois (501c3) corporation solely operating an educational baseball program run by volunteers. CLB is funded by player membership fees, fundraising, corporate sponsorships and concession sales. Scholarships are available for any family in need.
OUR MISSION
To provide the optimal youth baseball experience by promoting character, integrity, sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, and most of all, respect for and enjoyment of the great game of baseball.
We will accomplish this mission first, by educating our coaches to be exceptional leaders and trainers, and second by helping our players improve their baseball skills, engage in teamwork, develop friendships, and have fun by creating lasting memories.
CLB offers multiple different paths for players depending on skill level and engagement.
If you are brand new to baseball or are looking for the toughest competition possible, it can be done under one organization.
In House Instructional League
Skill Level: Any
Travel: Local
Cost: Low
Ages: 4-13
Time Commitment: 2-3 Events per week
Tryouts: All Players Accepted
Spring League: April - June
Fall League: August - September
The In House Instructional League is designed for players of all skill levels. The focus is on establishing the fundamentals of baseball and creating opportunities for players to learn and improve. Through instructional clinics in addition to the games and practices, it’s a great opportunity to have fun and compete.
STARS
Skill Level: In House All Star
Travel: Local
Cost: Low
Ages: 8-12
Time Commitment: 1-2 Additional Days (In House Required)
Tryouts: April
Spring League: April - July
The Stars program made its return in the Spring 2025 season! This exciting opportunity allows In-House players to compete against other area All Star teams and participate in up to two local tournaments. Only players currently enrolled in the In-House league are eligible to try out.
This program is focused on players seeking a higher level of competition and who are willing to make a substantial commitment to playing baseball. The program assembles full-time travel teams at the 10U, 11U, 12U and 13U levels for 'Single A' competition, participating in approximately 20-30 games against other community travel teams and entering 2-3 local tournaments. Teams will also have the option to participate in one out-of-state tournament on the season.
Bulldogs
Skill Level: Intermediate
Travel: Full-Time Local Travel
Cost: Medium
Ages: 9-13
Time Commitment: 3-4 Events per week
Tryouts: Yes - late July
Spring League: April - June
Windy City Hit Dogs
Skill Level: High
Travel: Full-Time Travel
Cost: Variable
Ages: 8-18
Time Commitment: 4-5 Events per week
Tryouts: Yes - June/July
Spring League: April - July
Launched in 2024 through a partnership with the Crystal Lake Cardinals NFP, the Windy City Hit Dogs serve as our full-time travel program for players competing at the AA, AAA, and Majors levels. This elite program represents the highest level of competition and academy-style baseball offered through Crystal Lake Baseball.
The inaugural season is already underway and has had a strong, successful first year!