Crosstown Baseball Academy

Crosstown Baseball Academy is bringing professional baseball coaching to Willow Hill Dome! Programming will be geared toward players ages 4–10 and will feature showcases, holiday camps, and Crosstown Instructional Leagues.

Built by former MLB athletes, Crosstown programming features elite-level instruction and player development with an emphasis on creating positive, competitive, and fun baseball experiences.

Click to learn more about Crosstown Baseball Academy 

For questions about Crosstown’s programming, please contact Jane at jane@charlietilson.com.

Upcoming Sessions and Dates

The Crosstown Showcase, November 7 ($45/player)

Join us for a full day of baseball, competition, and fun at Willow Hill Dome!

10:00–11:30 AM
Rookie Camp | Ages 4–7

10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Sandlot (Dome) Squad | Ages 8–10

12:00–12:30 PM
Meet & Greet + Gear Sale

12:30–2:30 PM
Crosstown Skills Combine

At the Crosstown Skills Combine, players will receive a scouting card and compete through six stations: Speed Pitch, Long Throw, HR Derby, 60-Yard Dash, Blaze Pods, and Ground Ball Challenge.

The event will also give families a sneak peek at the home of our upcoming Crosstown Spring Instructional Leagues.

Player Pass: $45
Includes age-appropriate morning programming + Crosstown Skills Combine

Crosstown Thanksgiving Camp, November 28 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM ($95/player)

This one-day holiday camp will feature a combination of skill development training and competitive scrimmage. The camp is designed to help young players build athleticism, confidence, and a love for the game.

Crosstown Winter Camp, December 21–22 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM ($95/player per day)

This two-day holiday camp will feature a combination of skill development training and competitive scrimmage. The camp is designed to help young players build athleticism, confidence, and a love for the game.

Players may register for one or both days.

Crosstown Spring Instructional Leagues

Crosstown’s Instructional League brings professional coaching directly into the game at the premier facilities of Willow Hill Dome. Former Major Leaguers and our staff of professional coaches roam the field throughout play, helping players learn how to prepare for each pitch, understand where the play is, and know where they need to be.

This 7-week spring league is designed to introduce players to competitive gameplay, build confidence, and develop a strong foundation as athletes. With real-time instruction as situations unfold, players develop better instincts, awareness, and confidence while learning to compete and have fun.

Small rosters ensure maximum involvement in the game, with more reps, more action, and more opportunities for individual instruction. Families will have the option to build their own team or join an existing team.

Little Big Leagues | Ages 4-8

7-9 Players Maximum

Designed for younger players to learn the game in a fun, instructional environment with small rosters and maximum involvement.

Tee-Ball Division
An introduction to the game focused on fundamentals, confidence, and learning how to play.

Coach Pitch Division
The next step for developing players, introducing more game situations while continuing to emphasize instruction and fun.

Prospect League | Ages 8-10

Kid/Coach/Machine Pitch Hybrid | 10-12 Players Maximum

A transition into more traditional baseball, combining kid pitch with coach pitch to keep games moving, create more action, and give players the opportunity to develop as pitchers while continuing to learn the game.

Each 75-minute session will consist of 20 minutes of practice followed by a three-inning game. Professional Crosstown coaches will partner with parent coaches on each field, giving players the opportunity to learn new skills and immediately apply them in a game setting.

And with every game played indoors at Willow Hill Dome, families can count on a consistent spring schedule without the cold, snow, rain, and cancellations that typically come with spring baseball in Chicago.

Dates: Every Sunday, April 11-May 23, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Ages: 4-10
Early Bird Fee (Before March 1^st): $399
Standard Fee (After March 1^st): $449

General Questions

Who will be coaching the programs?

Programs are led by Crosstown’s team of former Major League athletes and professional baseball coaches, combining elite instruction with a focus on confidence, character, and a love for the game.

Do players need previous baseball experience?

Not at all! We welcome players of all experience levels and tailor instruction to each player’s age and ability.

What equipment does my child need?

Players should bring a glove, helmet, bat, and baseball pants. Crosstown will provide a jersey and hat, and extra equipment will be available for players who need it.

Spring Instructional League

What makes Crosstown’s Instructional League different from a traditional baseball league?

Our professional coaches provide real-time instruction throughout each game, helping players develop better instincts, awareness, and confidence. We also modify traditional game formats to create more action, maximize participation, and support player development.

Can I build my own team?

Yes! Families are welcome to form teams with friends, or players can register individually and be placed on a team. For questions about building your team, please contact jane@charlietilson.com.

Will parents have the opportunity to coach?

Yes! Parent coaches are welcome to join us on the field and work alongside our professional coaches.

What happens if my child misses a league session?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds or makeups for missed league sessions.