2026 MSBL Player Profile: William ‘Will’ Hawkins, Central Florida Amateur Baseball League
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
Will Hawkins has achieved the rare distinction of having played in two of the most successful leagues currently flying the MSBL banner: The Cleveland MSBL and the Central Florida Amateur Baseball League, located in and around Clearwater. How did someone only 40 years old pull it off?
“I was raised in Cleveland and started playing in the MSBL league in 2007. Then in 2014 in Cleveland, we were able to put a team together with my three younger brothers, at various times, and with my Dad coaching. My Dad stepped aside eventually, but my brothers still play in the league.
Then, in 2022, I transferred to Florida and met Aaron (Eberhardt, Central Florida League President), and I told him where I came from, my MSBL experience, and asked if I could help him. Thankfully, he said yes.
Said Aaron Eberhardt, “Will has worked extremely hard since joining our league a few years ago and has helped build a handful of teams, as well as taken over teams that had failing managers. His organizational work ethic has helped grow the league.”
“The baseball is very competitive in this area of Florida,” added Will. I have been mending some teams that were fragmented in both the 30+ and 40+ divisions, and Aaron has just let me go do my thing. I hope to continue to see both divisions continue to grow.
My goal is to simply create more baseball opportunities for everyone, regardless of their skill level, and expand to some nearby counties.”
What do you think is the best advertising and promotion in tapping into the baseball-rich landscape of Florida?
“I tend to talk about playing adult baseball in my everyday life and then people start gravitating. I talk about it everywhere I go. I chat up the high school graduates who think their playing days are over just because they aren’t going to be playing in college. Word of mouth is so much more powerful than an ad in a paper.
I always say that once I get the core, I want it to be organic. I want them to want to be a part of it, more than just going after players or warm bodies. I had a guy in the player pool who asked for me specifically because I chatted with him somewhere. People want to be a part of that. That’s the most satisfying part.” 
Will’s playing landscape is manning the catching duties for the Polk County Patriots in the 30+ division, the team he’s been on since he stepped into Florida in 2022. You’ll see him at first base or on the mound, wherever they need someone.
“I love these guys. They are like family. We work out during the week together, insert a little long toss, and they’re all involved in the community. From Tampa police officers to various community members. It is very social and not just baseball. We discuss a lot of personal stuff, too.”
The league’s 30+ division plays on Sundays, and the 40+ division plays on a weeknight, which allows for some crossover. Will is also a member of the 40+ Royals.
“I have played in the 18+ division, too. THAT was an amazing league. Those boys can bring in!”
Will is a security systems administrator for a mining company and has been married for 22 years.
“My daughter is 12, and my son is 10. She is heavy into equestrian competitions, and my son is into combat sports. I’m proud of both of them.”
The Cleveland MSBL has provided the bulk of Will’s memories on the diamond.
“At 5’ 9” and 150 pounds, I didn’t have much of a future beyond high school, until I found the MSBL. The Cleveland MSBL has a very strong 25+ division, which is divided between a gold and a silver division. We were the Spiders in the silver division. We brought not only our family but a bunch of childhood friends to come play.
In 2019, we won the silver division championship! It was one of those special championship game moments you can never forget. We were losing 1-0 in the top of the ninth inning with bases loaded and two outs, and I strolled out to the mound. I was the manager. Instead of fire and brimstone, I told them what an honor and a pleasure it has been to play alongside them, as I knew I would be leaving for Florida soon.
I said to them to just get me a ground ball and walked back to the dugout. Sure enough, they got the grounder, we scored two in the bottom of the ninth, and won the championship. My good buddy Mike was playing first base, and I gave him the trophy as my final act.”
What is the best thing about the Central Florida league?
“It’s the brotherhood. There aren’t any instances of guys not getting along or inflated egos. We look forward to seeing each other, our team, and the other one across the diamond. No discord. Do you want to win, of course. But if it doesn’t go our way, nobody will get upset.”
Will has yet to participate in any national MSBL tournaments, though he has been trying to assemble a worthy team for a couple of years. But he does do a lot of umpiring in tournaments, so he knows what it takes to succeed.
“I’m trying to get a head count for the Stars and Stripes in West Palm Beach, but it’s coming up in May, so time is short. Maybe next year. I love umpiring in those tournaments, especially the older divisions. Their love for the game is unparalleled.”
Who is your favorite player of all time and why?
“I’m a catcher and a bit of a dirtbag who isn’t afraid to get into the action. I love the backup catcher mentality of doing whatever you can to get the job done when you get your chance.
My Dad loved the Big Red Machine, so I was fed a steady dose of Johnny Bench, along with Carlton Fisk. They were great. They are probably my favorites. But I also loved Jason Kendall. I tried to find guys I could relate to.”
“In conclusion, I am so grateful that many years ago, MSBL created something that allowed us to keep going and stay connected.
Even though we are a pretty competitive league, everyone has their own territory, so it isn’t all tooth and nail. There is a line, and they respect each other.
I have been very fortunate to be around really great people in the baseball journey.”