Players Way “6th Tool” Tournament
Compete. Execute. Stand Out.
The Players Way “6th Tool” Tournament is a traditional team-format competition—with a twist. While teams battle for the championship, individual players are recognized for more than just velocity or home runs. Athletes are rewarded for the things that truly define high-level players: awareness, execution, and the ability to make smart, situational plays that impact the game.
The Twist: Measurable Development in a Competitive Setting
Throughout the tournament, hitters and pitchers will have the opportunity to earn points by executing in real-game situations—not scripted drills or assigned plays. Whether it’s working a leadoff walk, advancing a runner, or throwing a first-pitch strike, players are rewarded for making the right decisions in the moment.
Every action feeds into a proprietary Players Way scoring formula that values situational impact—not just raw stats.
Examples of plays that earn points include:
✅ Productive outs (e.g., driving in a runner from third with less than two outs)
✅ Executing a hit-and-run or a successful sacrifice bunt
✅ Taking a quality at-bat (even if it ends in an out)
✅ Advancing a runner
✅ Pitching efficiently (e.g., first-pitch strikes, low pitch counts)
✅ Making momentum-shifting or high-IQ plays
And because baseball is still a team sport, individual point totals also reflect team success—like winning a game. Playing the right way helps your team win, and that matters here.
This system, built by current and former professional players, helps athletes understand what actually leads to winning baseball—and rewards those who can execute it.
Chris Iannetta, a 14-year MLB veteran, “In order to reach your full potential as a ballplayer, you have to be purposeful and committed to the details. It is literally what we do at the Major League level EVERYDAY!”
Structure
3 Games Guaranteed
Individual Honors (By Age Division)
At the end of the tournament, the following individual awards will be given per age group:
✅Offensive MVP – Highest total weighted offensive points for the tournament
✅Pitching MVP – Highest total weighted pitching points for the tournament
✅Two-Way Standout – Highest combined total of weighted offensive and pitching points for the tournament
Why the “6th Tool”?
Scouts often talk about the five tools of baseball: hitting, hitting for power, speed, fielding, and arm strength. But the game’s elite players bring something more—the 6th tool: game awareness. That’s what separates talent from true potential. The Players Way “6th Tool” Tournament was created to develop and reward exactly that.
Created by the Pros
Players Way is the official youth development initiative of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), committed to elevating the standard of amateur baseball. Through development programming, approved events, and trusted partnerships, Players Way connects athletes, families, and organizations with resources and opportunities grounded in the values of the MLBPA. With a focus on player development and industry transparency, Players Way is reshaping the amateur sports landscape — one player at a time.
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Withdrawal, Cancellation & Refund Procedures for Players Way
WHEN A BASEBALL TEAM WITHDRAWS PRIOR TO A WEEKEND EVENT Player Way understands that unforeseen circumstances, especially injuries, roster defections, player availability, etc., can occur throughout a season. Teams should also plan for the unexpected and understand that the scheduling process starts weeks and sometimes months before an event is scheduled.
A full refund shall be given if a team withdraws on or before the 21 day prior to the tournament. A 50% refund shall be given if a team withdraws after the schedule is posted and a replacement team is found prior to 48 hours before the start of the event. No refund shall be given if a team withdraws after the schedule is posted and a replacement team is not found prior to 48 hours before the start of the event. No refund shall be given if a team withdraws within 48 hours before the event’s start, regardless of whether or not a replacement team is found. When this occurs, it is still the team’s obligation to notify the tournament director that they will not be participating.
REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS OR SHORTENING OF AN EVENT While Players Way will make every attempt to play each event, weather and other unforeseen circumstances may prevent an event from being completed or, in some cases, even starting. In those cases:
An 80% refund will be given to teams that do not start any game in an event. A 50% refund will be given to teams starting less than half of their scheduled games. No refund will be given to teams starting half or more of their scheduled games.