Question 1

Who is USA Prime Alabama and why play for them?

Accepted Answer

USA Prime is a national travel baseball organization based in Dallas, Texas. Established in 2017, USA Prime has now extended into 20 states and amassed over 800 college commitments and 37 MLB Draft Picks. USA Prime is the top organization in the country and now the official team partner of BBP.

Birmingham Baseball Performance is a 6,500 square foot, climate controlled, player development facility in Vestavia Hills. Additionally, we have our own outdoor practice field with lights and high school grade playing surface.  BBP is owned and operated by CEO JJ Roupe, a former Hewitt Trussville prep player and Jacksonville State University Catcher. A former high school (Hewitt Trussville, Oak Mtn) and college coach (Samford- Recruiting/Ops), Roupe is one of the premier instructors in the area.

USA Prime Alabama's goal is to grow and develop players by teaching them actual fundamental concepts from a wholistic point of view. We use data and technology such as HitTrax to track player improvement over time and hold our coaches accountable to the success and growth of our players. Our process is big picture: teach players how to play the game at a physical and mental level they can carry with them long term. We have a staff of over 15 former college and professional players that will have a part in your player's development. No volunteers, no politics, nothing unearned. We encourage our players to Swing Hard, Throw Hard, and Train Hard! We develop players...and prove it.

Question 2

When would the season begin and end?

Accepted Answer

The season for USA Prime Alabama begins at different times based on the age of the team. From 8u-12u, we begin with an optional throwing program in January; however, on field activities begin the first week of February and all tournaments and practices will conclude in mid June.

For 13u and up, all official team activities begin in mid April and run through the end of June. There are short season spring opportunities for those who do not have middle school or league obligations in February and March. Contact us for more info on this.

Question 3

What is the cost of the team?

Accepted Answer

The team cost varies by age group considering the needs and demands of each group are different. All costs are set at the corporate level and we offer fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to offset costs. Our goal is to coach and develop players and keep pricing as simple as possible. Fall team costs are generally around half of the spring team cost. All costs listed are within range of what to expect:

9u-12u: $2,100 / February - mid June
 
13u & up $2300 mid April - end of June

Question 4

Where will the team practice?

Accepted Answer

8u-12u will practice at Hoover East. Age groups 13u and up practice at the new BBP Field off of Acton Road. Each team practices twice per week and days are TBD. Indoor practices due to weather are held at BBP.

Question 5

How many tournaments will we play?

Accepted Answer

BBP will play 8 tournaments 8u-12u and 6 tournaments for 13u-14u . Additionally, we will be off one of the weekends of spring break and also Memorial Day weekend. The 8u-12u tournaments will be played mostly on alternating weekends and will be spread out over 4 months (March-June). The 13u-14u tournaments will take place from the last weekend in April - end of June (excluding Memorial Day).

Question 6

Who coaches the team?

Accepted Answer

The coaches at USA Prime Alabama are all former collegiate and/or professional baseball players with extensive experience in player development. The coaching staff and their bios can be found at https://www.usaprimealabama.com/staff

Question 7

Are the tournaments local?

Accepted Answer

The tournament locations vary by date. Typically we try to sign up for tournaments that are within 1 hour of travel time. There are times when a group will collectively decide to play more distant travel tournaments and we are open to discussing that on a per team basis.

The older teams will travel a bit more than the younger teams. We are also able to enter bigger tournaments out of state if an entire team wishes to travel.

Question 8

Are parents expected to participate in coaching / administration / team activites?

Accepted Answer

No. Parents are there to be parents and cheer on their players in practices and games. Because this is a professional organization, we believe that our process (similar to a high school program) is best served when parents participate at a distance and allow our coaches, staff, and players to develop and get better.

Frequently Asked Questions