Another fantastic season of summer regular season and tournament baseball is in the books for the Metro Baseball League and Minnesota Baseball Tournaments. As we begin another season of Fall League baseball, we first want to send out as many “thank yous” as we can to all the players, coaches, umpires, parents, families, volunteers, sponsors, and baseball fans who helped make the summer of 2023 an incredible season for everyone involved.
The Metro Baseball League continues to make a positive impact on all its member communities, but it truly takes a village to make this a successful venture, and all of us at MBL want to thank everyone who pitched in and made this such a fun and rewarding summer. We strongly believe that youth baseball helps to teach kids valuable life lessons that will help them mature into young adults and ultimately productive members of their communities.
Metro Baseball League: A Grand Slam of Success
The 2023 MBL season was one for the record books. With teams from across the region competing in a spirited display of sportsmanship and skill, MBL truly lived up to its reputation as a hub of baseball excellence. The baseball being played seems to get better every year and that is a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by players, coaches, and organizers alike.
But beyond the scores and highlight reels, the MBL continued to foster a sense of camaraderie and community. Whether it was the post-game handshakes, the cheers from the stands, or the shared love of the game, every player, parent, and fan contributed to the vibrant environment that is the MBL family. MBL’s commitment to instilling core values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in its young athletes was evident in every play and every interaction.
Minnesota Baseball Tournaments: Diamond Dreams Coming True
For over two decades Minnesota Baseball Tournaments has run the largest statewide tournaments in youth baseball, with more than 11,000 players and coaches competing in MBT each year.
MBT was once again the pinnacle of competition and camaraderie. Teams from across the state converged on the diamond, each with a dream of emerging victorious. And while only one team in each division could claim the championship title, every participant emerged a winner in the broader sense – having forged memories, friendships, and life lessons that extend beyond the boundaries of the ballpark.
The tournaments not only showcased the remarkable talent of these young athletes but also highlighted the power of sports to unite communities. Families and friends came together to support all MBT participants, filling the stands with colorful displays of team pride. MBT was once again a testament to the fact that baseball is more than just a game – it’s a bond that brings people closer and creates lasting memories.
August Classic: Showcasing Baseball Talent
The 2023 August Classic was once again a fabulous week of baseball, with games held in Lakeville, Eastview, Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Savage. This fun tournament takes 2-4 players from every MBL team and groups those players with 3 to 4 other MBL teams to create an August Classic team. August Classic teams play five games during a week of tournament play against other August Classic teams in their age and level group.
The August Classic also shone a spotlight on the broader impact of youth baseball. It emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and shine. These athletes aren’t just players; they’re the future leaders of their communities armed with the invaluable life lessons that sports impart.
Fall League Baseball Continues to Grow!
Once again, MBL is winding down our 2023 season with Fall League baseball, which runs with double-header Sundays through October 8. As always, we are proud to offer fall baseball as an opportunity for kids to improve their skills, adjust to age-rules changes for the 2024 season, and make more fun memories in a casual, instructive environment.
Fall baseball in 2023 began on September 10 and runs through October 8, with five doubleheader Sundays. Kids are able to play different positions and add to their skill sets while having a blast with their teammates and coaches. In 2023, MBL has 345 teams playing fall ball (up from 318 last year), with over 1,725 games on 144 fields.
The Metro Baseball League would like to thank all the players, coaches, umpires, parents, and everyone else involved in another successful summer of baseball – both regular season and tournament play. We continue to grow in player participation, clinic offerings, special events, and community outreach and we are already looking forward to 2024, stay tuned for more announcements.
The Metro Baseball League. Play ball. Make memories.