2026 MSBL Player Profile: Brett Blackburn, Utah Adult Amateur Baseball League
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
Brett Blackburn is a 25-year veteran of the Utah Adult Amateur Baseball League and a member of the Salt Lake Bees tournament team, a powerhouse to be reckoned with in MSBL national tournaments, including the MSBL World Series in Arizona.
In fact, the Bees have just returned from a successful tournament victory in the 60-over division of the Kickoff Classic in Las Vegas in early March of this year!
But as proficient Brett is on the diamond, his heart is on the ice.
“I have lived in Utah my whole life and played baseball and hockey in high school, but playing hockey has always been my big passion,” said Brett. “I still play in our hockey league, but at 62, it is getting tougher to keep up with the speed of the younger guys, since there are no age divisions in the league. But my son also plays on our team, so it is still a great experience.
We have two hockey seasons, with one starting in October and then the other one is a summer league. I only play in the winter league and concentrate on baseball during the summer.”
When Brett says he concentrates exclusively on baseball, he isn’t kidding. He has played in the 25+, 35+, and also the 45+ divisions, along with traveling with the 60-over Salt Lake Bees tournament team.
“I played with the Salt Lake Fury in the 25s, the Zephyrs in the 35’s, and currently only play on the HEZ Trucking team in the 45s, who used to be the Red Sox. We’ve won our share of championships in the various divisions, and I have made many friends throughout the years in the league. I also enjoy my time on the Bees, who are managed by Randy Miles. They used to be the Rockies, who also had quite a track record of success.
My first MSBL tournament was about 15 years ago. I have been a part of Randy’s team for the last six years. I’ve been to the World Series, the Desert Classic, a few times, and the Kickoff Classic and Las Vegas Open. I love the tournament atmosphere.
I think the reason the Bees are so successful is that, along with being very good, everyone gets along and supports one another, no matter what happens. That chemistry is hard to find, but there is no ego problem on the team. We are a brotherhood, and it shows in the result.”
On a side note, the Salt Lake Bees didn’t win a ring at the recent World Series in 2025, but in their final game in the 55+ Cactus division, Brett went 5-5 with seven RBI!
“That game could easily be the highlight of my baseball career. Everything just clicked. We didn’t win the playoff game out in Maryvale, but it was quite a day personally!”
Brett and his wife of 40 years live in South Jordan, a suburb of Salt Lake City, and share two children: a daughter who is 32, and a 30-year-old son. While discussing his family, hockey snuck back into the conversation.
“When we met, my wife knew nothing about hockey except that you put on skates. Now she can be sitting next to someone in the stands and explain everything about the game and why things are happening a certain way. She’s my coach at home!”
Back on the field, Brett is a lefty who roams the outfield, and as most lefties, he occasionally finds himself at first base.
“I used to pitch, but for some reason, I lost my control. I can’t find the strike zone. At one workout, I was throwing to the catcher, and he stood up a fake batter in the batter’s box. I promptly hit the display and knocked the foot off! I knew it was time to concentrate on catching fly balls.”
Brett is the CEO of a credit union, a profession he has been involved in since 1986. His family has been associated with that business for decades, so now it is Brett’s turn to follow in their footsteps. His passion for all things sports has even made its way into his business life.
“There was a lady who worked for me who had a daughter who played softball for the USA Team. She was a pitcher, so we asked if she would pitch to some of our best players in the league just for fun. We couldn’t even make contact! It’s amazing what they can do with the ball. It certainly humbles you.”
What do you think is the biggest reason for the success of the Utah league?
“The best thing about the league is the camaraderie through all divisions. Everybody thinks about how to make the league even better. Everyone gets along. Gary (Bowman, league president) saved the league, and everyone appreciates that. It’s solid and growing. They are thinking about adding a 55+ division. The league is run well, and everyone works together. The teams all look professional on the field, and they all respect the game.
In the COVID year, we were the first in MSBL to get back on the field, which was a big deal. Gary made sure we could play in coordination with the city and county and all of their health requirements. He went the extra mile to make sure we all got to play baseball again. That’s a big part of what makes our league so special.” 
I asked Brett if he had a favorite player of all time. He had an immediate response.
“Ryne Sandberg. I have been a Cubs fan since I was six years old, and Ryne was a class act on and off the field, played the game right, and was never controversial. I always wanted to be just like him.”
Any special moments on the field during your 25 years in the league?
“You already mentioned my game of a lifetime last year when I went five for five with seven RBI in the Bee’s championship game, and that has to be number one with a bullet!
Another moment was in a championship game in the league against Randy’s (Miles) team, and they were trouncing us. Then it began to rain, so we moved to a field in town where it was dry, and finished the game. During the delay to get there, the momentum shifted completely, and we came back and beat them. It is still talked about.”
Final comments?
I love playing in the league and also love traveling with Randy and the Bees to the various tournaments, especially the MSBL World Series. I never thought I would still be playing a kid’s game at the age of 62. Thank you!