The Men’s Senior Baseball League (MSBL) of Southern Colorado Incorporated is an adult baseball league affiliated with the National MSBL/MABL.
National MSBL/MABL
The MSBL/MABL is the fastest-growing adult baseball organization in the country. Started in 1986 with 60 members, the MSBL/MABL is now comprised of 325 local affiliates, 3,200 teams and 44,000 members who play organized amateur baseball in local leagues, 25 regional tournaments and four national tournaments.
The MSBL/MABL is committed to providing players age 18 & over the opportunity to play real baseball at a competitive level on a regular basis in a professionally-run environment. Membership in the MSBL/MABL often opens doors to new friendships and business contacts that go beyond the white lines and beyond the local community. Among the members are doctors, lawyers, local businessmen, former professional athletes, and average working men. All are united by a common passion for playing and enjoying baseball. MSBL/MABL members are serious amateur athletes of various skill levels. They exhibit a special commitment in their chosen sports, in their professions, and as contributors to the well-being of their communities.
Aside from a few rule changes, the MSBL/MABL conforms to standard baseball rules, with major league style or replica uniforms. Games are generally on Sundays with some Saturdays and an occasional week night contest. Playoffs follow immediately at the conclusion of the regular season. Both the MSBL and the MABL plan to expand by establishing local units in communities where programs do not exist, and also by welcoming existing amateur hardball leagues to affiliate.
MSBL of Southern Colorado Inc.
History
Calvin Ryland and Gary Self originally organized the MSBL of Southern Colorado in 1992. The League began with four teams and has continually expanded in size and reputation. The MABL was formed in 1996 to provide the baseball opportunity to players ages 18 and over. The official name of the league then became the MSBL/MABL of Southern Colorado. In 2008 after coordination with the IRS and the state of Colorado, the league officially established itself as a not-for-profit organization. The league was renamed the MSBL of Southern Colorado Inc.
Mission
The MSBL of Southern Colorado, Inc. was originally formed to organize, promote, and operate a non-profit amateur baseball league for adults, age 30 and older for the MSBL and 18 and older for the MABL for recreational, charitable, and civic purposes. Locally the leagues are 18 and over and 28 and over. The MSBL/MABL of Southern Colorado’s mission is to become the finest adult sports organization of its kind in the Southern Colorado area.
Philosophy
The League philosophy is to create, sustain, and expand the community environment in which adults have the opportunity to participate in a well-organized, competitive and enjoyable baseball league. It represents the opportunity to play hardball, rather than the alternative, softball. In achieving this philosophy, the League emphasizes and promotes competitiveness, fairness, and recreational enjoyment. The responsibility of sustaining this philosophy rests with the League Committee, umpires, team managers, and all member players.
Structure/Eligibility
The League is currently organized into three age group divisions: MABL(18+), MSBL(25+).and MSBL(50+) Each division plays in their division and can play in inter-division or inter-league games as indicated at the spring meeting. Standings are determined by divisional records. Statistics are posted by managers or reported to the league who posts them to the website.
Administration
The League is directed by the Committee composed of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Scheduler, and Secretary. The Committee is elected each year by the team managers from those League members who graciously volunteer their time to serve. The Committee is always looking for new members. If you’re interested in becoming a Committee member, contact Bud Maison at socomsbl@gmail.com.
Season
The number of games in a season is determined at the beginning of each season based on the number of teams in each division and the availability of baseball fields in the Colorado Springs area. The season usually begins in mid-April early May with playoffs in August. The annual draft is usually conducted in March.
Costs
Each team is required to pay $26 for each player for membership in the National MSBL. In addition, the League collects funds to cover costs including insurance, fields, umpires and game baseballs. The team fees are approximately $3050. The individual player cost is specific to each team. Some teams have sponsorships which help to offset a portion of the team’s costs and are noted through the advertisements on the league webpage. The team fees include the cost of officials, baseballs, field use and prep, tournament trophy, insurance and MSBL association fees. Jerseys are the responsibility of the team and it’s players. Some teams have jerseys for the team while other teams expect the player to purchase their own.
Rules
The League abides by the National MSBL/MABL rules. Additionally, the League has its own rules and policies which either change or supplement the National rules. The local rules take precedence over any corresponding National rules.
