2025 MSBL League Profile: Inland Northwest Men’s Baseball League, Bret Fink, League President
League Name: Inland Northwest Men’s Baseball League, Spokane, Washington
Your Name: Bret Fink
What is the history of the league and how did it start? In started in March of 1996 by Greg Peterson with four teams in the 30+, the following year two more expansion teams in 30+, and four teams in the 18+
What age divisions of play are now offered? 18+, 32+ and 45+
How many teams are anticipated this year? 18-20 teams
When does the league begin play and when will it finish, including any playoffs? 18+ starts a week after Mother’s Day 32+ in mid-June and 45+ may start earlier this year in mid-June as well still in the process of figuring that out as that usually starts in July
When did you personally start playing in the league? Started playing in 1997
What is your personal baseball playing history? I love the game. I never played in college or anything, just recreational ball and a little travel baseball
When did you become president? Was on and off the board for years stepped away from the Board for a few years for personal reasons then came back to the board and then President for the last four years
Who were your predecessors and are they still involved in any capacity? Greg Peterson Founder, coming back as a player soon. Jim Jones, retired. Mike Gilden, retired. Ron Mackie is retired but still coaching our 25+ World Series team that won this year in the 25+ division. They are a great bunch of talented guys
What is your most memorable MSBL moment as a president or a player? Most memorable is winning the 2017 World Series in the 45+ division in Arizona
What challenges did you face when you started the league or when you took over? Growing the league is probably the hardest part of doing for the league
What are your biggest challenges today? Retaining players, as some coaches don’t invite players back the next year so it makes it hard to email them and stay in contact. I want to let them know they can still play and get on different teams.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction? Watching everyone enjoy the game we love to play
What do you see for the league in the future? Growing with more teams and possibly different age brackets
What is the reason for the continued success of the league? We have a great bunch of managers and coaches who love the game
What part of running the league do you enjoy most? Taking teams to tournaments that MSBL/MABL puts on throughout the year
Do you still play in the league? Yes, I still play at age 53. I play in the 18+, 32+, and 45+, so three days a week and five games
What is the history of your league team’s participation in any MSBL national tournaments? We currently have two teams that have won the World Series; our 2017 45+ Spokane Yankees and our 2024 25+ Inland Northwest Bandits. We have multiple players attending the tournament in a wide variety of age brackets. I personally play in several Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and Phoenix tournaments and usually down in Arizona for the MSBL World Series for a month
What would you say are the most important accomplishments in your league? Our accomplishments are providing baseball for our players for the past 29 years
How valuable is your relationship with MSBL? Our relationship with National is a very important one, as they give us the support and guidance to run our league, from insurance to tournaments, or just help if you have any questions. They are there to help you succeed
What advice would you give to new league presidents? As a President, use your Board of Directors. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Elect people that can help make things run smoothly. Every person deserves to play in your league so don’t turn players away even if they don’t have much athletic ability. They love the game as much as you do so help them succeed and they will help you succeed!
How important is family support? Family support is very important. You must make time for them, as the league will take time away from them. Don’t forget they are there for you and be there for them! This is why it is crucial to have a good board of directors to help you so you are not doing everything yourself