2025 MSBL League Profile: Kansas City MSBL, James Jones, League President
League Name: Kansas City Men’s Senior Baseball League (KCMSBL)
League President Name: James Jones
History of the League: The KCMSBL was founded in 1988 by Tom Prendergast, Mike Holmes, and others. The league initially played at various fields across Kansas City before settling at its current home, the Mid-America Sports Complex in Shawnee, Kansas, where it has remained for several years. The league started off with just a few teams, but grew at one point to I believe around 40-50 teams. We have shrunk since then as there are about 4 baseball leagues in Kansas City today.
Age Divisions: The KCMSBL offers a variety of leagues, including 18+, 30+, 40+, and 60+ divisions.
Team Participation: This year, the league anticipates 27 confirmed teams, with an additional 46 free agents, potentially forming one or two more teams.
Season Duration: The league typically begins play in late April or early May and runs through late September or early October, with playoffs concluding the season
Personal Playing History: I joined the league in 2004 and have participated in every season since. Over the years, I’ve played in seven consecutive MSBL World Series. Before joining the league, I played some little league baseball with family members. When I turned 18, I, along with seven other family members, joined the KCMSBL. Our manager at the time was my uncle, who continued to play until his passing a couple of years ago. Now, only one of my cousins and I remain, but we continue to play strong.
Becoming President: I became a league director in 2018, and while I unofficially took on the role of commissioner/president last year, this season (2025) marks my official tenure.
Previous Presidents/Commissioners: Tom Prendergast and Mike Holmes were the league’s previous presidents and commissioners. They now serve in an advisory and consultant capacity.
Most Memorable MSBL Moment: While I’m still new as president, my most memorable moment came as a player. In 2007, I led my team to its first championship. We were the lowest seed, with an 8-16 record in the regular season, but managed to win four consecutive three-game series, 2-1 in each, to claim the title. I was the winning pitcher in the final game of the championship series.
Challenges Faced: When I first started in the league, the biggest challenge was modernizing our operations. I revamped our website, allowing for online free agent sign-ups and payment processing. The new site also provides a more customizable, user-friendly experience. Currently, my biggest challenge is working with team managers to finalize the structure of the various leagues. I’ve encouraged managers to voice their opinions on what they want from the league, and I aim to implement these preferences as much as possible. However, some divisions remain divided on key decisions, and I anticipate stepping in to resolve these differences soon.
Greatest Satisfaction: My greatest satisfaction comes from putting the best product on the field, not only in Kansas City but across the country. We strive to be the premier baseball league in the region, with top-tier fields, outstanding players, and a highly regarded parent organization.
Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, I am hopeful for continued growth. My goal is to rebuild from the grassroots level. As our younger leagues have declined, the older divisions have also shrunk. Revitalizing our youth programs is key to ensuring the league’s future.
Reason for Continued Success: The league’s longevity and success come from being the oldest and best-run baseball league in Kansas City. When people think of men’s baseball in the area, the KCMSBL is the first name that comes to mind.
Most Enjoyable Part of Running the League: The most rewarding part of running the league is the feedback I receive from players. The positive comments about the direction I’ve taken the league have been incredibly affirming. We held a new annual meeting this past December, and 25 managers attended, which is a record turnout.
MSBL National Tournaments: Our league has a strong history of competing in the MSBL World Series. My personal team won in both 2021 and 2022. We also have a father-and-sons team that has claimed multiple titles, along with other teams from various age divisions who have found success on the national stage
Current Playing Status: I currently play on three teams and plan to continue for as long as I’m able.
Key Accomplishments: The most important accomplishment of the league is its continued success over the past 37 years. We have remained the best in the city, and we will continue to be the top baseball league in Kansas City for many years to come.
Relationship with MSBL: The relationship with the MSBL is incredibly valuable to me. I’ve been involved in the league for 22 seasons and have participated in seven consecutive trips to the MSBL World Series. Outside of my family, the MSBL is one of the most important aspects of my life.
Advice for New League Presidents: My advice for new league presidents would be to plan carefully and surround yourself with a strong team of people. Communicate regularly with managers and league leaders to create a league that players are excited to be a part of. Ultimately, the players should have a voice in shaping the direction of the league.
Importance of Family Support: Family support is essential to the league’s success. I have a wife and four kids, with a fifth on the way in April. My wife has been incredibly supportive of my passion for baseball and my efforts to grow the league. Of course, balancing family life with league responsibilities comes with challenges, such as sleep deprivation during our children’s early years. If the timing conflicts with the MSBL World Series, I may have to miss it for the first time in a long while, but I know the family’s well-being must come first.