St. Paul Saints to hold virtual tryouts by video submission

Each year, the St. Paul Saints hold an open tryout typically in early May. Some top college players around Minnesota, townball players, weekend beer league softball players and those looking to relive the glory days come out to showcase their talents.

The defending American Association champions are making it easier for anyone from around the country to have a chance of joining the team in 2020.

Starting Friday and running until 5 p.m. on May 1, the Saints will accept video submissions from anyone that has dreamed about stepping foot on a professional diamond. There’s no talent level discriminated in submissions.

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Videos should be posted to the individual’s personal Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account with #SaintsVirtualTryout. Once the post is made on social media, the videos should also be submitted to a contest link.

Players can either submit game footage or individual workouts that they record. Infielders and outfielders should show their range and arm strength and take swings either off a live pitcher, soft toss or batting tee. Catchers should have a video that shows how well they can block pitches and their arm strength throwing down to second. Pitchers should show an array of pitches, according to the team.

Social distancing may present some issues, but the Saints are open to creativity. If you don’t have a baseball, use a pair of socks. If you don’t have a bat, use a broomstick. Missing a glove? Use an oven mitt. No throwing partner? Use the side of a building.

Following the May 1 deadline, Saints coaches and manager George Tsamis will go through the submissions and narrow them down to the top three, which will be announced on May 8. From there, Saints fans will vote on the one player to join the team to start the 2020 season.

The Saints can carry a maximum of 28 players into spring training, and the roster maximum is 23.