As we look ahead to the future of fastpitch in Minneapolis, we’re excited to share a new hybrid pilot program called Minneapolis Premier (previously referred to as 612 Sapphire).

Minneapolis Premier is a proposed 12U community-based team designed to expand competitive opportunities for committed athletes while staying rooted in our core values as a community-driven organization.

This pilot team will launch following the 2025 Fall Ball season and compete in both the Big West League and USSSA tournaments throughout the 2025–2026 season.

Sign up HERE to register.

Tryouts take place Tuesday, 9/30/25 - 6pm at Neiman.
(Rain date following day, same time and place)
 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Q: What is Minneapolis Premier?
A: Minneapolis Premier (previously referred to as 612 Sapphire) is a new 12U pilot team launching in Fall 2025. It is designed to provide a higher-level competitive experience while staying true to our community values. The team will compete in the Big West League and 4–6 USSSA tournaments.

Q: Why is 612 Fastpitch starting this program?
A: Minneapolis Premier is being created to:

• Provide a new competitive opportunity that bridges community values with high-level play.
• Retain top talent within Minneapolis by offering a new path for committed athletes.
• Test the long-term scalability of this model based on measurable outcomes.

TEAM DETAILS & TRYOUT INFO

Q: When will tryouts take place?
A: Tryouts will be held during the evening of Tuesday, Sept 30th at Neiman. Rain date is Wednesday 10/1. More details to come.  

Q: Who is eligible to play?
A: For the first year, tryouts are open to eligible 612 Fastpitch players. Recruiting policy and limits for non-612/outside players will be defined before tryouts.

Q: How many teams will there be?
A: One 12U Minneapolis Premier team will form in Fall 2025.

Q: Who will coach the team?
A: Tom Heinecke will serve as head coach. Assistant coach(es) will be named after tryouts. Tom will also lead associated off season training programs for all 612 athletes.

Q: What is the season timeline?
A: Fall 2025 through Summer 2026.

COMPETITION & TRAVEL

Q: What leagues and tournaments will the team play in?
A: Minneapolis Premier will play in the Big West League and 4–6 USSSA tournaments.

Q: Will there be travel tournaments?
A: Yes. The team anticipates one out-of-state tournament in the fall and two in the summer. Families should expect additional travel costs beyond the team fee.

TRAINING

Q: Where will training take place?
A: Winter training will be hosted at DeLaSalle High School Sunday AM (details in progress) and other location(s) one weeknight in the off season.  612 hopes to continue to partner with StrikeZoneSports for some of our off season offerings as well.  Registrations to be shared later in fall.

Q: Who can participate in winter training?
A: All 612 players are welcome to register—not just Premier team members. We hope to offer drop in training spots as well for those with inconsistent availability.

Q: What is the format of winter training?
A: Training will run 2x weekly (excluding holidays) from November through beginning of March, focusing on hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, and base running in small-group stations.

Q: How much does training cost?
A: Each 8-week session costs $200.
Players may register for:
Session 1: Nov–Dec 2025 ($200)
Session 2: Jan–Mar 2026 ($200)
Both sessions: $400 

Drop in sessions (when space is available): $15/session

PROGRAM COSTS

Q: How much does the Minneapolis Premier full-year program cost?
A: Estimated cost is ~$1,800-2000 for Fall 2025–Summer 2026. This includes the fall season, winter training, and summer tournament play. Any dome ball options would be extra.

Q: What costs are NOT included?
A: Uniforms, tryout fees, pitching/catching individual specific instruction, and travel expenses are not included in the program fee.

Q: Will pitching lessons be covered?
A: No. Pitching practice will occur some of the off season practices as well as defensive strategies involving p/c, but families should anticipate continued private pitching instruction and individual practice time outside of team programming.

EXPECTATIONS

Q: What is expected in terms of attendance?
A: Players are expected to attend all practices, training sessions they are registered for, and all games in league play/tournaments. Communication regarding absences needs to be direct and addressed as early as possible with the coaching staff. Clear policies around substitute players, add-ons, and attendance will be shared prior to the season.

Q: How is playing time determined?
A: Playing time is earned and will not always be equal. Positioning and lineups are at the sole discretion of the coaching staff. In tournament bracket play, batting lineups may be reduced to 9 players, or 10 using DP/flex.

Q: What is the “24-Hour Rule”?
A: Parents/players are encouraged to wait 24 hours before raising concerns or complaints about a game, practice, or coaching decision. This ensures respectful, productive communication.

Still have questions? Please reach out to Rachel Ulfers at rachulfers@yahoo.com.