2026 MSBL League Profile: Chesapeake MSBL, Mike Largent, League President
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
The Chesapeake MSBL has been an integral part of the MSBL quilt work since 1989 and boasts 33 teams in three divisions as they enter the 2026 season.
At the helm is Mike Largent, a fifteen-year veteran of the league and the league president since 2025. We asked Mike if he could tell us more about the league, as we are pleased to add the Chesapeake MSBL to our MSBL League Profile list for 2026.
Please enjoy our Q/A with Mike!
League name: Chesapeake Men’s Senior Baseball League
Your name: Mike Largent
What is the history of the league, and how did it start? The league was started in 1989 by a few 28+ players who wanted to play baseball instead of softball.
What age divisions of play are now offered? We have 3 divisions in 2 age groups (21+ A and B), as well as 45+
How many teams are anticipated this year? Right now, we have 33 (22 in the 21+ and 11 in the 45+)
When does the league begin play, and when will it finish, including any playoffs? Our season begins mid to late April and concludes around Labor Day. Usually, playoffs run a little into September.
When did you personally start playing in the league? I started in 2011.
What is your personal baseball playing history? One year of HS baseball, played in the Baltimore Baseball League, which was an adult league in Baltimore County from age 18 to 25. Joined the CMSBL due to my work schedule and wanting to limit travel to games.
When did you become president? 2025 was my first year when our previous President stepped down. Before that, I was Vice President for a couple of seasons and started in the league operations as Secretary
Who were your predecessors, and are they still involved in any capacity? Alex Brunet was the one I succeeded. He still plays in the 45+ and attends MSBL tournaments.
What is your most memorable MSBL moment as a president or a player? Two different memories stand out from both championships.
2021– we were up 1-0 in a best-of-3 series in the championship. In game two, we got down 8-2, or something like that, then had an amazing comeback. We walked it off in the bottom of the 9th with two strikes and two outs with a bases-loaded triple.
2025 – This past season was really special. We’ve put together a great team and a close group of guys. I tell them I’m grateful to spend every summer with my best friends. This year, we had a really good squad finishing in first at 16-6.
The championship series involved another comeback. Down 4-2 with bases loaded and on our last strike, we tied it on an opposite field single, then the next batter reached on an error, taking the lead. We got another run on a single right after that. After the third out in the bottom of the 9th, the dogpile was on!
I guess I’ll also add a third, as in 2024, I was elected to our league’s Hall of Fame. It’s quite an honor after spending all these years playing in the league and also making sure that our league thrives.
What challenges did you face when you started the league or when you took over? Our constant challenge is field availability. We’ve made a lot of improvements in establishing relationships with the high school coaches and helping support their programs. Without them, we wouldn’t have the success that we have had, so our partnership is crucial.
What are your biggest challenges today? Other than fields, it’s finding individuals willing to help out and step up. We’re all volunteers doing this, so it’s important to have other people that I can call on if something needs to be done.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction? Getting guys in our league who message me saying “thank you for all you do.” I put a lot of time into helping our league, so it’s always a good feeling to get that feedback.
Another thing is when I get feedback from the county on the positive things that we do. We have made an effort to be better and give back to our community.
What do you see for the league in the future? I hope to see continued stability with measured growth. More teams are great, but we need to continue to do the right things in the community and have the field availability to support any added teams. We’re the largest league in the state and centrally located, so I expect people from all over to look to join our ranks.
What is the reason for the continued success of the league? Keeping a well-organized board that communicates often and having league members who understand what they represent. I think we have done a good job of fostering that kind of culture.
What part of running the league do you enjoy most? As I said earlier, getting the feedback and appreciation of our members is something I enjoy. Also, getting to watch the other division’s playoffs and celebrations while getting to present the trophy to the winners is something I enjoy.
I take pride in being able to be there and try to give those teams something extra. It’s a men’s league and a kids’ game, but anytime we can enhance the experience for someone, it’s worth it.
Do you still play in the league? Yes, I currently play for the Orioles in the 21+ Mick Myers Division (It’s our A division, but it is named for my former teammate Mick, who passed away after a game a couple years ago.) I’m one of our pitchers, and I also run that team as well. 
What is the history of your league team’s participation in any MSBL national tournaments? We have a lot of individuals who play on teams that participate in both the MSBL World Series and Fall Classic. We have guys who also play on teams in the Florida tournaments as well.
What would you say are the most important accomplishments in your league? The fact we are a 501c3 and give back to our community. We are recognized as an organization that will assist and promote baseball at all levels in our local area.
How valuable is your relationship with MSBL? MSBL is essential to our league. Steve (Sigler) has been an amazing resource and very helpful to me during the transition to taking over. He is constantly in contact and very good about following up when he doesn’t hear back (Sorry, Steve LOL). Also, the Smart Waiver, the online waiver has been so great in removing paper waivers and records.
What advice would you give to new league presidents? Be willing to be selfless. Oftentimes, I sacrifice my time so others don’t have to, and as a leader, it’s something that you have to be willing to do. It can’t just be all about you. Also, make sure that you have other members who are reliable, as well as willing and able to help. Having more hands is better to lighten the load on yourself, where possible.
How important is family support? My wife is and always has been super supportive of my baseball. In addition to running the league, a team, and playing, I also coach high school baseball. This spring will be my fifth season, and it means a lot of long days. During the summer, I help maintain the field, frequently doing things like grass cutting and other maintenance to keep it in shape, not only for the high school summer teams, but also for our league as well.