Two of our long-time league members recently received some exciting and well-deserved news:
John Linden
John has been elected to the class of 2012 MSBL National Hall of Fame and was inducted on Saturday, October 27th in Phoenix, AZ. John is our current League Commissioner and manages and plays on four teams, one in each of our four divisions (18+ Aces, 25+ Oaks, 35+ Bulldogs, 45+ Grays). John joins fellow MIBL member, Tim Kirgan, in the National Hall of Fame. (Tim was one of our league's founding members and was League President from 1994-2004.) John took over as League Commissioner in 2008 and has kept our league successful through all the challenges the Mid-Iowa Baseball League has faced over the past few years, including numerous wet summers with multiple rainouts as well as securing some of the nicer fields in the Des Moines metro area through long-term contracts. John also was instrumental in helping reform the Des Moines Bruins traveling team in 2003. Since that year, the Bruin's teams that John has helped lead have won tournaments in Cedar Rapids, Lincoln (NE), Austin (MN), and Chicago. These teams have also had numerous runner-up finishes at National Tournaments in Phoenix and Las Vegas.
Congratulations, John Linden!
Phil DeVan
Phil has been elected to the class of 2012 MSBL World Series Hall of Fame and was inducted on Saturday, November 3rd in Phoenix, AZ. Phil is our current 25+ President and Rules/Grievance Director. He also plays on three teams (25+ Tigers, 35+ Bulldogs, 45+ Grays). Phil also is a charter member of our MIBL, beginning his career in 1994.
From MSBL National President, Steve Sigler to Phil: It is your continued dedication, success, support of MSBL and passion for your World Series teams, league and tournament that make you such a wonderful inductee. A most personal Thank you - I totally enjoy our relationship and am thankful you are part of MSBL.
Congratulations, Phil Devan!
