Greater Minnesota Resource Center

Welcome to the MYAS Outstate Resource for the Gopher State Tournament of Champions! This resource is intended to be a guide for teams in greater Minnesota that do not participate in the GSBL or the MBL on what requirements need to be met to participate in the GSTC. The goal is to help teams navigate their appropriate level of play to ensure a competitive tournament.

Under the league structure, teams participating in the Gopher State Baseball League (GSBL) and the Metro Baseball League (MBL) are already classified at the AAA / AA / A level. To ensure proper competitive levels, any team NOT participating in the GSBL or the MBL will need to petition to play below the AAA level.

It is recommended that teams petition prior to the start of the season so they can participate in the appropriate level of GSTC qualifier tournaments. Teams will need to petition each year – please note that classification levels for teams outside of GSBL / MBL may change based on tournament results.

Player Eligibility

The MYAS/Gopher State Baseball Board of Advisors reserves the right to rule on all waiver situations.

On an annual basis, athletes must try out and compete with the travel association within the community where they reside or for the school they attend. Exception: In situations involving “split families,” the athlete may participate with the association closest to the mother or father’s residence.
If there is not a travel association within the community where the athlete resides or attends school, or if the athlete has been cut or restricted from the association, they may participate with a recognized bordering association.
Any exceptions to the above guidelines require the approval of the Gopher State Baseball Board of Advisors.

Clarification: Teams may not be formed independently, even if those players have been cut from their local tryouts, without the approval of their home Association.

For any questions involving Player Eligibility, please contact Bobby Strickland & Jesse Tollefson

Tournaments/Qualifiers

The Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) is the premier youth baseball event in Minnesota for community-based travel baseball associations and their teams. In 2026, the GSTC brought together 610 teams across three levels of play and represented all areas of Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin. Teams compete for berths to the GSTC by participating in qualifier events throughout the summer. The qualifiers are hosted by both community associations and by Gopher State Baseball.

The link below displays a list of tournaments for the summer of 2027. GSTC Qualifier Tournaments will be Highlighted with a Gold Shield.

Teams may participate in qualifier tournaments above their classification level (i.e. an A level team may participate in a AA level event). However, if a team qualifies for the GSTC at the higher level, that team is only eligible for the GSTC at the highest level in which they qualified. For example, if a AA team qualifies for the GSTC in a AAA level tournament, they must play at the AAA level.

Search for 2027 Baseball Tournaments in Minnesota

Levels of Play

Gopher State Baseball offers the following levels for both league and tournament play. The following terms and definitions have been comprised through the experience and research of the MYAS Baseball Staff. All teams participating in MYAS programs must be formed through a recognized, bona fide baseball association or school program (15U-19U).

AAA – The highest competitive level; the top team from a traveling baseball association.
AA – The intermediate level of play. The AA level is intended for teams from baseball associations that have already provided teams at the AAA level. AA may also (in some cases) be defined as a level for traveling teams that are not currently able to compete at the AAA level..
A – The developmental level of traveling baseball. The A level is often used to place teams trying to prepare for a higher level of play. See additional information for other examples of teams eligible for the A level of play.
Recreational – A community “In-House/Rec” level of baseball. Recreational teams consist of players that are placed on teams via a process of their home association (i.e. all players go through a draft process, random draw, etc.).

Note: All teams wishing to participate in MYAS baseball events must be derived from a recognized, bona fide baseball association or approved school program. Teams must also have the “blessing” of their home association to participate in all events they wish to enter.

The MYAS Baseball Board of Advisors reserves the right to review all team entries and place teams into appropriate divisions as necessary.

MYAS Guidelines/Levels of Play

Team Classification

Any team that does not participate in the Gopher State Baseball League or the Metro Baseball League must submit a petition to compete at any level below AAA. The goal with team classification is to create the most competitive levels of play within Gopher State Baseball.

Association Presidents/Directors: Each petitioning team, originating from your association, must fill out a separate form. Information must be thorough and complete in order for the petition to be accepted.

For any questions involving Team Classification, please contact Bobby Strickland & Jesse Tollefson

2027 Gopher State Classiciation Petition

Bat Standards

Bat Standards

As a result of the Gopher State Advisory Meeting, the Gopher State Baseball League will continue to use the USSSA bat standard for the 2027 season.

Please note that according to the USSSA bat standards, USA bats will also be legal to use in competition.

9-14 Year Olds

Big Barrel Bats (2 5/8″ or 2 3/4″- 14u & Below) – Only those big barrel bats made by approved USSSA or USA licensed manufacturers that are either…

Made with the USSSA or USA Mark (see image); or
Is a qualified BBCOR bat; or
Is Wood

Small Barrel Bats (2-1/4″ in diameter or less) – Only those small barrel bats made by approved USSSA or USA licensed manufacturers that are either…

Made with the USSSA or USA Mark (see image); or
Is Wood

Small Barrel Bat Comment: The above includes Tee Ball bats that are longer than 23 inches in length. Tee Ball bats 23 inches and shorter in length from approved USSSA licensed manufacturers will continue to be allowed without the NEW or Old USSSA marks.

15-19 Year Olds

Big Barrel Bats (2 5/8″ or 2 3/4″)

NFHS Rule 1-3-2: The bat which may be a wood or non-wood product shall be a smooth implement, from the top of the cap to the top of the knob. All non-wood bats shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient or Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silk screen or other permanent certification mark.

MYAS / Gopher State / North Star Bat Guidelines

Listed below are bat specifications for 9-19 year old teams participating in any MYAS/Gopher State/North Star baseball programs. This specification is in addition to the USSSA Bat Performance Standards which include USA bats. All bats must include the USSSA Mark, USA Mark OR is a qualified BBCOR bat and also MUST follow the size and/or weight differential listed in the chart below.

Age	Max Diameter @ thickest part	Length	Weight Differential	Example
9U - 11U	2 1/4"	Unlimited	Unlimited
	2 1/2"	Unlimited	Unlimited
	2 3/4"	Unlimited	Unlimited
	2 5/8"	Unlimited	Unlimited
12U - 13U	2 1/4"	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
	2 1/2"	36" or less	-10	31-inch bat cannot weight less than 21 ounces
	2 3/4"	36" or less	-10
	2 5/8"	36" or less	-10
14U - 14/15A	2 3/4"	36" or less	-5	32-inch bat cannot weight less than 27 ounces
15U - 14/15A - 16U-19U	2 5/8"	36" or less	-3	32-inch bat cannot weight less than 29 ounces

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