2026 MSBL Player Profile: Frank Volkers, Twin Cities MABL
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
What’s in a name? Well, in this case, plenty! The Volkers’ name brings shudders from tournament opponents, from Father and Son divisions at the MSBL World Series, to those continuing to play in the over-70 arena. You can’t escape their prowess or their legacy!
When asked about who might be most worthy of consideration for an MSBL showcase article, Twin Cities MABL League President Ryan Lutzka was quick to respond. Ryan keeps tabs on the 38-team league that sports 18+, 28+, and 35+ divisions, and he has first-hand knowledge of his movers and shakers who help keep things grounded.
“I’d like to nominate our TCMABL League Treasurer, Frank Volkers,” said Lutzka. “The reason is simple: Frank has served on the TCMABL Board of Directors for the past 10 years, and Frank and his sons and family have competed in the Father/Son Division of the MSBL World Series since 1999. He embodies the true spirit of the MSBL/MABL. I would be lost without his help in keeping things organized.”
We asked Frank about his involvement with the Minnesota league, where he came aboard in 2007 as a coach of the Generals.
“I started helping with the schedule in 2008 and became the treasurer in 2014,” explained Frank. “We have several teams that have special requests, so a template scheduling program doesn’t work very well. We have to manually make sure everything is balanced. I love being hands-on.
But then we have the issue of making sure all league fees are paid by May, which is when baseball in Minnesota usually begins. There lies the challenge sometimes.”
54-year-old Frank is the second Frank in the family, as his father, Frank, lives in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he started the Volkers Investment Firm. Our subject, Frank, Jr., also has a son, Frankie, who pitched for the Independent League Sioux Falls Canaries last year.
“My other son, John, plays on a college club baseball team that came in runner-up in the National Club Baseball Association in 2023. You can see that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
The big story of Frank’s baseball life includes the family. The USA Volkers team has been a regular participant in the Father/Son division of the MSBL World Series since 1999. This team is independent of senior Frank’s USA Volkers team that has been dominating the 70-over landscape in its own right.
“The Father/Son format has been really special throughout the years. We won the tournament in 2018, which remains the highlight of my career. We’ve only missed maybe three years in Arizona. Now the kids are starting to take over the legacy.
My favorite Father/Son memory involves one special inning in 2017 while playing at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
My son Frankie was pitching, my other son John was catching, my dad was playing first base, I was handling second base, my brother Kyle was the shortstop, and my nephew Ben was over at third.
We had a 1-2-3 inning with 4-3, 5-3, 6-3 putouts. You can never top a memory like that.”
Frank has always been involved in some kind of sport, including the usual baseball route of Babe Ruth leagues and playing on the high school team. Growing up, who was that one special player who helped guide you in your path?
“Living here in Minnesota, that is easily Joe Mauer. I watched Joe while I was in high school and college and always respected the way he carried himself, on and off the field. He is a very special person and the perfect role model. I am thrilled that he finally got his due with the Hall of Fame.”
What is the best thing about the Twin Cities MABL, in your opinion?
“Minnesota has a lot of different leagues, including Townball, which is a hardcore, high-talent league. Baseball is big here, and league competition can get pretty fierce.
But we offer camaraderie, friendship, different levels of play, a family atmosphere, and a schedule that is easy to plan your life around. You can travel to your lakeside cabins, attend family events, and still play some ball. Having 38 teams is a testament to listening to what the players want and delivering.
Players also feel comfortable being associated with a national organization, like MSBL. They know we’ll be there tomorrow. Personally, that affiliation has meant a great deal to my family throughout the years. The father/son format has been especially rewarding. Thank you!”
