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Utah MSBL Mission Statement
"The Utah MSBL mission is simple. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for men 25 and over to play hard competitive baseball. We are all wanna be’s, has been’s, never were’s, but for those three hours we aren’t married, we have no kids, we don’t have bills, and we don’t have jobs. We are at bat, or on the mound, in the bottom of the 9th with two outs and the bases loaded.
Gary Bowman
President, Utah MSBL
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Utah Men’s Senior Baseball League?
The Utah Men’s Senior Baseball (MSBL) League is an amateur baseball league located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We provide adult players with an opportunity to play baseball with other players in their own age group and skill level.
What are the age groups of the Utah MSBL?
The Utah MSBL is currently divided into two age determined leagues. The two leagues are designed for players over 25, and over 35. Other than age, there is nothing to prevent a player from joining a team in any of the two age divisions. There are a large number of 35+ players still playing in the 25+ league. It all depends on the player’s skill and comfort level on the field.
How long has the Utah MSBL been active?
The Utah MSBL was founded in 1989 as a league for men over the age of 28. As the league grew and attracted additional players the number of teams has increased. A major change occurred in 2007. The 28+ league changed to 25+ to align with the national MSBL organization. In 2008 another division was added for players 35+. There are currently 24 teams spread across the two divisions.
What is the National MSBL?
The Men’s Senior Baseball League (MSBL) is a national organization with 375 local affiliates, 3,500 teams and 72,000 members who play organized amateur baseball in local leagues, 30 regional tournaments and six national tournaments. For more information, visit www.nationalmsbl.com.
Is this hardball or softball?
The Utah MSBL plays hardball. We play 9 inning games or a 3 hour time limit whichever comes first. With 2 extra innings to determine ties. Games can still end in ties after 11 innings have been played.
What are the actual age requirements?
Players are eligible if they will reach the minimum birthday during the calendar year. Players are eligible for the 25+ league if they will reach their 25th birthday during the calendar year. Players are eligible for the 35+ league, if they will reach their 35th birthday during the calendar year.
What rules are used?
The Utah MSBL games are played using the rules of Major League Baseball. Bases are 90 feet with a home plate and field umpire to officiate each game. Reflecting the recreational nature of the league there are a number of local variations on these rules. Coaches are given a packet that includes the local rules.
No contact on the base paths: slide or give yourself up. We don’t want to see anyone get hurt breaking up a double play or colliding with a catcher at the plate. Each team is allowed two courtesy runners for players able to play but unable to run the bases. The injured players must be identified during ground rules and the designated runner is the last batted out.
Where does the Utah MSBL play?
Most games are played on baseball diamonds within the Salt Lake County Parks system, and the Murray County Parks system. The fields that we use are Hillcrest Union, Ken Price Stadium, Oquirrh North, Oquirrh South, Southridge Park, West Ridge Academy, and Willow Pond Park.
When does the Utah MSBL play?
League play generally starts the last weekend of March and continues through the month of July. There are byes on Memorial Day weekend and the weekend nearest the 4th of July, and July 24th. This is called the Spring Season. The Fall season starts the first week in August and ends the last week of September. The fall playoffs start the first week in October and end the third week in October. All teams are eligible for the fall tournament, which double elimination. Teams are seeded by their record.
The 25+ league has two divisions, an American and a National; teams are placed by their competition level. The 35+ league also has two divisions, an American and a National; teams are placed by their competition level also. In the Spring we only play on Saturdays and Sundays. In the Fall we play on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
How much does it cost?
Actual individual player fees are determined by the teams and depend on schedule, number of players and sponsorships if any. This fee provides for rent for the ball diamonds, two umpires, insurance, and game balls. There is also an MSBL National fee of $26, which includes the HARDBALL magazine, and the right to play in league sponsored tournaments. You may also be asked to contribute to purchase team equipment.
What equipment does the team provide?
Most teams provide practice balls, batting helmets, a small number of bats and often catchers gear. You may be asked to contribute towards the purchase and maintenance of these items.
What equipment do I need to have?
You will have to provide your own glove and personal gear. The Utah MSBL allows the use of both rubber and metal spikes. You may want to have your own bat(s). The 25+ league uses metal bats (maximum weight differential is -5 for the 2007 season and forward: that means a 34 inch bat must weigh at least 31 ounces). The 35+ division also uses metal bats (maximum weight differential is -5 for the 2007 season and forward: that means a 34 inch bat must weigh at least 31 ounces). Wood bats may be used in any of the metal bat leagues.
What about uniforms?
The teams decide what their team name will be and what style uniforms they prefer. You may be asked to pay for your uniform although team sponsors often help defray the cost. The leagues wear major league style uniforms.
How competitive is the league?
There are players at a variety of skill and experience levels. Most players had some high school experience and maybe college. Even some Single A to Triple A players. But many haven’t played in 10, 20 or 30 years. After a few practice sessions and a few games most players find the game comes back to them and they can compete at their age level!
How do I join?
From the menu at the left, click 2009 Utah MSBL 25+ New Player Application, or 2009 Utah MSBL 35+ New Player Application, depending on your age. The form will be forwarded to the managers in that league and one or more of them will contact you.
Does the Utah MSBL accept new teams?
We certainly welcome new teams in any of our leagues. If you are interested in fielding a team and would like more information, please contact league president Gary Bowman at 801.231.8340.
If I have more questions who should I contact?
You’ll find the contact information for the league on the menu at the left under Contact Info.
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