The Ontario Nationals season begins in early September and runs through late July or mid-August, depending on the team. Athletes start the year with fall development and evaluation, continue with structured winter training, and move into competitive league play and U.S. tournaments during the summer.
The Nationals’ roster year begins in September with a six-week fall exhibition season that runs through mid-October. Athletes get live reps and game-play with new teammates, build chemistry, and begin development ahead of winter training. Coaches use this phase to complete assessments and set training priorities.
Athletes may also choose or be invited to participate in:
After a short break in late October, athletes begin structured indoor training in November. This phase runs through April with 3–4 weekly sessions focused on:
Instruction takes place in small-group and team settings, with built-in evaluation and feedback. Athletes also receive time off during the winter holidays.
As spring approaches, the focus shifts to live reps and competitive preparation, with continued skill development. Select athletes may also join an optional March Break trip featuring live-game reps and team-building in a warm-weather setting.
The competitive season begins in May with the launch of league play in the Canadian Premier Baseball League (CPBL) —
Canada’s top youth baseball league. Nationals teams face high-level competition from 13U to 18U, with opponents spanning Ontario and Quebec.
Outdoor training resumes in late April (weather permitting). Most league games are played as weekend doubleheaders, with one to two weekly practices. Older teams may also play midweek games.
All Nationals teams travel to the U.S. throughout the summer to compete in elite-level tournaments, often held at NCAA Division I campuses and top-tier venues. These events also provide key college recruiting exposure, especially for athletes at the 16U to 18U levels.
These core elements are built into the Nationals program year-round — supporting athlete development, performance, and long-term success on and off the field.
Our year-round S&C program is led by certified strength coaches and performance specialists. Sessions are tailored to complement each phase of the season, with a focus on strength, speed, mobility, and injury prevention.
Mental performance and in-game awareness are built into winter and preseason training. Athletes work on routines, mindset, and situational decision-making to prepare for the mental demands of high-level baseball.
To support long-term health and performance, we build rest into the program year. Athletes receive scheduled breaks in August, late October, and December to recharge mentally and physically.
We partner with top organizations like PBR and Perfect Game to offer verified metrics and meaningful exposure. Athletes also participate in Nationals Scout Days, and travel tournaments that attract college and pro scouts.
We provide the training and opportunities athletes need to pursue college baseball and beyond — while emphasizing academic readiness and long-term development. Every athlete’s path is different, but our commitment to development and exposure has helped many reach the college and professional levels.
We proudly support athletes selected for the Ontario Youth Team and Baseball Canada’s Junior National Team. Our strong relationships with both programs reflect the caliber of talent developed within the Nationals system.