This is the Springfield Metro Baseball League
In 2007 the league was founded to create a "public" league that would play an extended schedule with many upgrades versus other open registration programs in the Springfield "Metro" area. The league also would maintain the fair treatment of players through inclusive playing rules and the creation of "competitive" teams with an annual draft. Starting with 37 players the league created three teams in summer 2007 and played in the Springfield Parks system. In 2008 the league expanded to 7 teams. In 2009 the league moved into Price Cutter Park in Ozark and expanded to 11 teams including the new Senior division for older players. In 2010 the league hosted over 150 players on 13 teams. In 2011 the league grew to 15 teams in three divisions. In 2012 we had 16 teams in our summer league and passed the 200 player mark. 2013 will be the largest league ever with 18 teams in the three divisions. We also have a fall league that grew from 4 teams in 2008 to 10+ teams in 2009, 2010, & 2011. 2012 was the largest Fall league ever with 12 teams.
After five years of building, the league reached its final destination in 2012 of three leagues at 19 & under, 15 & under, and 12 & under. These leagues mirror the last set of leagues run in Chicago by the league founder and director. 2012 was the final year of a six year project that has seen many players enter and some leave, some have even gone and returned. The league hopes to occupy a place in the Springfield area as the "public" league for baseball players aged 8 to 19 years old for years to come. In 2013 the league is beginning a new five year term with Price Cutter Park to play both summer and fall leagues through 2017.
Special thanks are owed to the Niles, IL baseball league, the Crystal Lake, IL Babe Ruth league, and the Lake in the Hills, IL Youth Athletic Association for their influence in the creation of this league.
