2025 MSBL/MABL Player Profile: James ‘Andy’ Halk, Central Ohio MABL
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, Director of Communications
51-year-old James ‘Andy’ Halk has been an integral part of the Central Ohio MABL for the past 25 years, and league president Charles McCroskey wanted to ensure he got recognized, as we continue requesting names of league pioneers and superstars. Below is Charles’ glowing recommendation, followed by a Q&A with Andy.
“I would like to nominate Andy Halk for his 25 years of participation in the Central Ohio MABL. 2025 will be his 26th as a player/manager. In the last decade, he has established the Arlington Tigers as a top team in the league year after year and is a strong advocate for his team and the Central Ohio MABL.”
Here is a snapshot of Andy’s resume:
James “Andy” Halk
Central Ohio MABL Hall of Fame Inductee 2021
2-Time Central Ohio MABL Champion 2016, 2018
2-Time Central Ohio MABL Runner Up 2015, 2021
Manager, Arlington Tigers 2014- Present
Manager/Player, North Columbus Bears 2006-2013
Manager/Player, Cardinals 2005
Manager/Player, Columbus Rockies 2000
Manager/Player, UA Bears 1996-1999
Charles mentioned this will be your 26th year in the league. When did you start, and how did you hear about the league? “1996 was my first year. Out of high school, my buddies continued to get together to play at the park, and then we found out about another league, not MSBL yet. But they didn’t have any leadership in the league only lasted one year.
Then, in the winter, I got a call from Charles telling me he was starting an MABL league in Columbus. He ended up with six teams. I remember meeting in his apartment, and Charles had kids in a crib. Now they play against me!
The league became a very serious league, and that’s because they had MSBL behind them. We now have 10 teams in the league and have fluctuated between 10 and 14. We like where we are right now and don’t try to be too large.”
What is so special about the league? “One great aspect today is that every player in the league has played some level of college baseball. We also have former pro players coming in. The competition we face every game is off the charts.”
Tell me about the history and successes of the 11 years heading up the powerhouse Arlington Tigers? “We started in 2014. My old team, the Bears, just couldn’t reach the level of the really good teams, so we combined with another team and became a good team. The Bears wore black and the Renegades wore orange, so we came up with the Tigers!”
How has everything transformed into championships? “We have won two championships in 2016 and 2018, but at this level, it is tough. We have worked so hard to get there. The first title one was great, but the second was even better. Something historic always seems to happen. 2018 is known as the best series ever in the league. We have been in other championship series and have lost, but we are always in the thick of things.”
What makes the Tigers so special? The Tiger program is based on knowing how to win. One of the other qualities is what we call the brotherhood. Once you’re in it, it is a lifelong friendship. We are together on and off the field. You see guys stick around for a long time with the Tigers. It’s a family. I have coached fathers and sons playing on the same team together. “
What is your personal player resume? I am an infielder by trade from my late teens to my early 20s, then I became the traditional first baseman and DH, and then in 2017, I became solely the manager and chief recruiter.
When you build a good core of players, the team really manages itself. They know it is hard work to do the managing. Turnover is hard to deal with. 2025 is going to be tough, as we need to reload a little. We’ll be in the mix and hopefully near the top.” (As of June 1, the Tigers were 4-2, 2.5 games behind the undefeated Blazers)
Charles mentioned that we absolutely must ask you about your team giving up 39 runs to his Central Ohio Quakes in 1997. Really? “In 1997, my Bears did indeed give up 39 runs to his Quakes. By that time, Charles and I had developed a big, yet friendly, rivalry. We were always chirping, though usually in good fun. But when we hit the field, it got pretty cutthroat.
On this particular day, I was missing a few pitchers, and he jumped all over that. There was no ‘mercy’ rule back then, and Charles never applied the brakes! Everyone was out of position for us, but because of the rivalry, he just ran it up pretty big. Here we are 25 years later, and I still haven’t heard the end of it!” 
Are you an officer in the league or assisting in any way? “Charles knows I am always available if he needs something, but I am not an official officer or anything like that. Charles is sort of a solo act. He is really good at staying in contact with the managers, which is crucial. I value his opinion a great deal.
Charles is a first-class commissioner. We have never had anything too dramatic happen in the league. His integrity is very high and has not been questioned.”
Your league is under the MABL umbrella and caters to the 18-over crowd. Is there room for the older players to play? “The Columbus MSBL has the senior leagues, I believe in 25+, 35+, and 45+ divisions. We work together, and the older and younger divisions help each other.”
You mentioned the competitive level of the league. Do you bring in the more recreational players who may have played in high school and just want to get back into baseball? “A rec division has come up over the years, but the managers have always voted it down. They want the league to remain a competitive environment that has a good, solid game every week.
We have an annual draft process, and we take it seriously. If a new prospect is committed to play, and not just dip their toe into the water, they will get drafted. They have to be committed to playing a high-quality level of ball and always be there.”
What does being affiliated with the MSBL mean to you? We really appreciate what MSBL has done by giving guys like me the chance to continue playing the game. I have met friends whom I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am grateful for the platform.”
Is there a moment that sticks out over the past 25 years in the league? In reality, the biggest moment was being inducted into the league Hall of Fame in 2021. That isn’t an individual award as much as a tribute to all of the players I have been fortunate enough to play alongside and coach.
Their loyalty and great abilities are what got me into the HOF. That was the proudest moment for all of us as a group, together.”