2026 MSBL National Hall of Fame Inductee: Bret Fink, Inland Northwest Men’s Baseball League
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
Bret Fink is the current League President of the Inland Northwest Men’s Baseball League, located in Spokane, Washington, and Northern Idaho, which hosts 25 teams competing in 18+, 30+, 45+, and 60+ divisions, a post he has held for the past six years. He and his family reside in Priest River, Idaho.
Now at the age of 55, he began his participation in the league back in 1997 in the 18+ division for the Braves.
“I have been involved on the board, off and on, been Vice President, Secretary, Field Coordinator, and was voted in as President six years ago,” said Fink. “I love the game. I never played in college or anything, just recreational ball and a little travel baseball. Being involved here is truly rewarding as a baseball enthusiast.”
Because of Bret’s nearly 30 years of involvement in making the league such a success, MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has inducted Bret into the 2026 class of the MSBL National Hall of Fame.
“I wasn’t expecting this at all,” said Bret. “I was totally surprised when Steve (Sigler) let me know.
It’s a great Honor to be recognized by MSBL National and included in this esteemed group of individuals.
I am humbled and blessed by the sport I love; it’s a great game, and I hope to keep playing and help build our League so more individuals can experience the same level of play and participate in more National tournaments each year.”
On the field, Bret is a pitcher, shortstop, and first baseman, but can fill in anywhere if needed.
“I currently play in the 18+, 30+, and 45+ divisions for the Spokane Reds in the 18+, the Priest River Cubs in the 30s, and the 45+ Spokane Freedom. Between my league duties and playing for three teams, my summers can get pretty busy.”
What is your baseball resume growing up?
“Baseball was what we did daily growing up. I would be up at six in the morning most days and run around Sandpoint, Idaho, gathering friends, cousins, and anyone I could to go play baseball.
I didn’t play in high school or college because they didn’t have baseball until a couple of years after I graduated. I did do some Little League, Babe Ruth, Legion, and some travel ball and tournaments.
I enjoyed coaching my daughters in softball, soccer, and any other sport they wanted to try. I am so proud of how they did in their sports. They are very smart girls and can do anything they put their minds to. My three beautiful girls are all married now and have blessed us with four grandchildren, with one more on the way!”
Bret is also a seasoned participant at the MSBL World Series in Arizona. He possesses two World Series rings, from 2017 and 2025.
“In the 2017 win, we got to play at Sloan Park, the Cubs’ Spring Training Stadium. I am a huge Cubs fan and got to pitch off of that mound. That complex is amazing, and I would love to play there again someday.
But every year playing on all the spring training fields down there is so memorable; once you come down, you are hooked and want to come back each year!”
What is included in your MSBL World Series journal?
“I have been blessed with two wins from two different teams: the 2017 Spokane Yankees in the 45s, going 8-1, and in 2025 with the 35+ Ravens. We played on that team for three years with the Seattle guys, a great bunch of guys that love baseball. We went 9-0 that week.
I play with a lot of different guys each year in several age brackets. Usually, we take one or two Spokane teams down there each year and have played with other teams. I usually attempt three weeks in Arizona each year, playing in age brackets ranging from 25+ to 50+.”
What do you find the most challenging part of running your league and what do you hope to accomplish in the future?
“Growing the league is probably the hardest part. We try hard to retain players, but some coaches don’t invite them back the next year, making it hard to email them and stay in touch. I want to let them know they can still play and get on different teams.
We have a great bunch of managers and coaches who love the game. They also enjoy taking teams to tournaments that MSBL/MABL puts on throughout the year.
I love watching everyone enjoying the game we provide. As mentioned, for the future, we hope we can continue growing our number of teams and possibly expand to different age divisions.”
Bret was asked if there were any individuals he would like to thank for helping make this award a reality.
“Greg Peterson for founding the INMBL in 1996, as I was always looking to play but the only thing I could find was softball. I also have to thank Steve Sigler and everyone at National who came up with the concept of adult baseball and who also help organize and get us insurance so we can play the game we love.
The biggest thanks go out to all of the players in our league who play every year. Without them, it wouldn’t be happening. I have made so many friends in the league and among the teams playing at the MSBL World Series. Those experiences are truly a blessing.”
Final thoughts?
There are many wonderful moments that go by each year: Friends made, tournaments won and lost, seasons finished, battles fought, errors made, home runs hit, strikeouts, walks, more practice, goals obtained, leaving the field exhausted, and the field prep finally done. The sunset comes, the lights come on, so it’s time to get out and play some baseball again!
You’re never too old to play the game we love, so get out and try to play through the pain. If you maybe struggle a little, no matter your age, have fun and keep trying. You may experience some failures, but you’ll succeed in playing the game you love, whether it’s a strikeout, a walk, or a base hit.
You’re playing the game again!