Frontier League Tryouts And Draft Returns To Southland For First Time In 20 Years

CRESTWOOD, IL — For the first time in 20 years, the Frontier League tryout camp and draft returns to the Southland Tuesday, April 22, and Wednesday, April 23 at Ozinga Field, in Crestwood, home of the Windy City ThunderBolts.

All 18 teams from the Frontier League will be represented during the workouts, as well as scouts from multiple MLB teams. Players will be tested on their hitting, fielding and base running skills on the turf before Frontier League managers and MLB scouts.

“The ThunderBolts are very excited to welcome great baseball talent from around the country and from all over the world, as well as the managers and representatives from the Frontier League to the Chicago Southland,” ThunderBolts' GM Mike VerSchave said in a news release. “The tryout camp is a great event each year, featuring players who are sure to make an impact on Frontier League rosters and beyond, and we're proud to be a part of it.”

Workouts officially begin 9 a.m. CT on April 22. The tryout camp will feature running, fielding and throwing drills for infielders, outfielders, and catchers, and batting practice for position players while pitchers will throw 15-20 pitch bullpens. All players who try out will receive analytical data about their performance.

After the first day, managers will post a list of players invited back to the Wednesday inter-squad games. At the conclusion of the games on Wednesday, action will break for 30 minutes as clubs and prepare for the draft. The draft will take place at Ozinga Field in the afternoon. The draft will also be livestreamed.

Over the past several years, an average of 36 players each season sign Frontier League contracts, with dozens more signing with other independent leagues. MLB organizations have signed players from each of the past eight tryout camps, according to the league.

Of the 44 players taken in the 2024 draft, 19 saw regular season action in the Frontier League and three more played in other MLB Partner Leagues. Derrick Edington, who was drafted in 2023 by the host Windy City ThunderBolts, was signed by the Tampa Bay Rays in May 2024 and was recently selected to participate in the Arizona Fall League.

“The Tryout Camp and Draft has proven to be a great opportunity for free agent players to showcase themselves to our managers immediately before our spring training opens,” said Frontier League Commissioner Steve Tahsler. “Dozens of players have gone from the Tryout Camp to Frontier League rosters and then signed with MLB organizations, including four who have appeared in MLB games.”

Prospective players must be 18 years of age to try out. No metal spikes allowed. Only molded spikes and turf shoes only. Learn more about player eligibility.

Interested players can sign up here for the 32nd Annual Frontier League Tryout Camp and Draft .
Ozinga Field is located off of the Cicero Avenue South exit when coming off I-294 into Crestwood, approximately 30-45 minutes from Chicago and 30 minutes from Midway International Airport.