BaseballMilwaukee.com

2010 marked a significant year for the Milwaukee Baseball League.  Now in our eighth season as an independent league after Milwaukee County ceased running adult baseball leagues, the MBL added a division for players age 25 and over and is working with Milwaukee County to resurface the infield at Zirkel Field in McCarty Park.  In general the league is healthy with a good group of volunteers managing it, has run a small surplus each year and maintains an emergency fund of several thousand dollars for unforseen events and issues.

Looking forward we see three divisions comprising the league on a long term basis: American Division, National Division and Veterans Division. 

For 2011 the league will accept expansion teams, however, we will only allow up to 12 teams total in the MBL American/National divisions, and up to 12 teams in the Veterans division, for a maximum total of 24 teams.  It is likely that we hold those limits long term unless more fields become available.  New teams must have at least one $500 sponsor by our first league manager's meeting in January 2011 to secure a place in the league for 2011.  Teams should also have a reliable 15 man roster with a few fill-in players to cover when family commitments, vacations, work or weddings interfere with baseball.

The MBL American Division and National Divisions will offer two schedule choices, a schedule with 14-16 games a season, or a schedule with 18-22 games per season.  Teams will be able to choose their primary game day, either Saturday or Sunday, as well a secondary day.  Teams with a substantial number of Lakes players will be allowed to have a Saturday/Friday schedule with only one or two Sunday single games.  The MBL is very strongly considering going to wood/baum bats in 2012 and at a minimum will go to the BBCOR standard as the high schools are doing. 

The MBL Veterans Division can expand to 12 teams over time, but is targeting eight teams in 2011 unless there is an influx of teams as a group.  This division is for players age 25 and older and is the natural transition for teams and players as they approach their thirties.  This division will play primarily Sundays, with some Thursdays and Fridays.