What is A-Ball?
 A-ball is a more competitive level of Junior Olympic Fastpitch softball. Athletes who are prepared to join the Nuggets will do so at one of our scheduled try-outs or contact the Coaching Staff of their respective age division to participate in an open workout. Athletes who participate at the A-ball level should possess the physical, mental and emotional maturity to commit a substantial amount of time and effort to work on their “game“ while maintaining scholastic excellence. It is believed that A-ball lays the foundation for play at the high school and collegiate levels.
What is the difference between A-ball and J.O. B-ball all star/tournament teams?
A “B” recreational league is defined as an organized league with defined and approved boundaries where participation is open to any interested youth; where tryouts or demonstration of skills is not required for participation; and where some type of draft, draw, or other acceptable method is utilized to ensure distribution of talent among the league teams.
A “B” ball All Star or tournament team, must draw their players from league participants and may not begin the formation and practice of their teams before May 1st.
The West Bay Nuggets are an Amateur Softball Association (ASA) NorCal Travel Ball League sanctioned program based on the Peninsula with players from across the SF Bay Area. Some teams are also registered and insured through United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). Our 18+ age group is registered in the ASA Gold Program. Participation is by invitation only.
Do they play in a league or just individual tournaments?
All tournaments are “stand-alone”. Each association organizes & sponsors pre-qualifying, sanctioned, district, regional and championship tournaments in the state of California and throughout the nation. Tournaments are typically held on the weekend and consist of Pool Play Brackets on Saturday and Single Elimination Brackets on Sunday.
How many players does a typical team carry?
It is truly Coaches’ preference but team size may vary from 13-15 players.
Are teams single-age or two-year age groups (ex.: 11s & 12s together or separate)?
Teams consist of players in 2 year age groups based upon a cut off date of January 1st of the coming year. (ex: a player may play for a 12U team as long as she is 12 years old on January 1st of the year of participation; even if she turns 13 yrs old on January 2nd.)
How many years have the Nuggets been around?
 The West Bay Nuggets was established in 1991 by Head Coach and Chairman, Hal Bobrow. We have been playing ASA A & Gold Travel Ball for 17 years.
What is the Nugget’s philosophy?
The West Bay Nuggets believe that a strong emphasis on the fundamentals produces the best athlete possible. The West Bay Nuggets teach that the success of the team depends on each player doing their part. It is expected that team members promote team unity and respect for fellow players and Coaching Staff alike. Players are encouraged to work hard in developing positive attitudes, good sportsmanship and the highest skill level possible in order to earn positions. As well as maintain said positions.
Your West Bay Nuggets - 18 & Under in Navy and 12 & Under in White
The West Bay Nuggets Organization is dedicated to exposing our athletes to quality physical preparation, instruction and exposure in order to succeed presently and throughout their athletic careers.
It is our overall objective to play at the most competitive levels possible in girls’ Fast Pitch Softball. Our athletes have the opportunity to compete at State and National levels against top teams in their age group. Throughout their 17 year history, the Nuggets have developed a program with a respected reputation as strong competitors.
Where Do The Nuggets Practice and Play Games?
Although field usage is at its capacity and fees are at a premium, we work diligently to keep practices as local to the majority of our players. We have access to Notre Dame, Carlmont and Woodside High School softball fields and the Belmont Sports Complex.
What are the dates of the season?
The Spring-Summer Season begins in February and goes through the beginning of August. Mandatory practice begins in February and will typically consist of 2 outdoor practices per week. Additional indoor workouts, individual instruction and clinics shall occur throughout the year as deemed needed.
The Fall-Winter season begin in late August and tournament play typically ends by the end of November. Winter (off season) training shall begin in late November with a break for the Christmas holiday and as field conditions and/or availability allow.
How many tournaments will the Nuggets typically play in a season?
Each team will vary but typically a season will consist of 10-14 tournaments over the course of the Spring & Summer. The Fall season tends to be a bit more casual and a trial run for the coming Spring-Summer season. Most teams play between 4-6 tournaments from August to November.
A team will typically hold one (1) regular weekday practice, one (1) weekday batting practice and one (1) weekend long 3 hour practice. On the weekends a team does not have a tournament, an additional weekday conditioning practice may be added.
WEST BAY NUGGETS 12U - McDONOUGH 2008 WESTERN NATIONALS, PHOENIX AZ
How far do they travel for tournaments?
Typically Salinas, Stockton, Sacramento, Twin Creeks-Sunnyvale but Southern California and even out of state are possibilities depending upon the team’s performance and ability to qualify for the next level of competition. Travel costs are NOT included in the fee structure.
Who Are The Nugget's Coaches?
Please refer to the list of below to contact the Head Coach from your respective age division. The West Bay Nuggets has its own Organizational philosophy and mission statement, additionally, each teams’ Coaching Staff
14U/Brown Head Coach, Danni Brown
14U/Castillo Head Coach, Celina Castillo
16U Head Coach, Brittany McConnell
Women’s Team Head Coach, Bill Smith (650) 307-2980
Are the coaches paid?
The core of the coaching staff is paid. We also utilize outside coaching consultants who will help with clinics and occasional workouts who are also paid on a case by case basis.
What if any coaching certifications do the coaches have?
The majority of our Coaches have years of experience at the competitive levels. All of our Coaching Staffs are ASA registered, insured and ACE Certified. Back ground checks are conducted via ASA registration and certification.
What is the Nugget’s approach to playing time?
The West Bay Nuggets are involved in competitive regional, state and national competitions. No guarantee of playing time is implied or promised for any player because they are selected for a team. Coaches have complete discretion on who plays and how much playing time a player receives based on their judgment of circumstances, player readiness, maturity, skill, cooperation, effort and other factors. Parents are requested to be encouraging and supportive of their player and counsel them privately to continue to work hard, improve, not be discouraged, and to be patient.
Can a player participate in a “B” League and "A" Ball at the same time?
A player may play league for their respective city and the Nuggets at the same time, however, they may not play on that league’s All Star/tournament team. This is not permitted according to the ASA Junior Olympic Handbook.
Can my daughter still play another sport?
During the Spring & Summer concurrent play in a second sport may be difficult. We expect Softball to be their primary sport and to take precedence over other sports.
When are the tryouts? And are teams always open for walk-ons to be invited to work out?
We hold tryouts twice per calendar year; in mid August for the Fall Season and in mid November for the Spring/Summer season.
If you wish to work out with the Nuggets or for more information, please contact the Head Coach of your respective age group. Player Application and Medical Liability Release Forms may be found on our website homepage at www.westbaynuggets.com. Please take a moment and download the above mentioned forms, fill out, sign date and bring with you to your player(s)‘ respective workout.
Are tryouts open for parents to watch?
We encourage parents to observe tryouts and there will be a Nuggets representative to answer questions. Keep in mind there will be coaches instructing players, and we ask that parents not coach their player from the sidelines to avoid confusion.
What is the percentage of players that goes on to play high school and college softball?
The majority of our players play for their High School teams and approximately 75% of our graduating seniors go on to play at the collegiate levels.
It is the express intent of the West Bay Nuggets organization to graduate its players to the University level. Ideally, players are signed for Division I schools with full scholarships. The West Bay Nuggets has the established infrastructure to guide its players every step of the way to set goals, habits and practices to achieve their scholastic and academic dreams.
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