Joe Smith Quietly Compiles Two Decades of Superstar Status in Des Moines, Iowa
“He is by far the most accomplished player I know”…John Linden, Mid-Iowa Baseball League president
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
There is something special going on in the Mid-Iowa Baseball League located in and around Des Moines. That special something is named Joe Smith and it’s been going on for over two decades.
Joe is a league board member and has been in league president John Linden’s league for 21 years. Aside from his duties in helping the league function as one of the premier leagues in the MSBL family, he finds the time to play on four teams!
“Our league is a better league with Joe as our 30-over president and competitor,” said Linden. “Joe plays in the 18+, 30+, 40+, and 48+ divisions and also manages his 18+ and 30+ teams. I don’t know how he finds the time but everything he does, he does with enthusiasm and precision. At 48 years of age, he still throws 80 miles per hour!”
The Mid-Iowa Baseball League is also one of the repeat competitors at the MSBL World Series in Arizona and Fall Classic in Florida. Primarily a shortstop and a bonified five-tool player, Joe has a ring from the 2014 Fall Classic as a player/coach along with 25-over championships in 2017 and 2018 as a shortstop and starting pitcher for the Des Moines Bruins at the World Series. Joe will travel to play wherever there is baseball going on, including tournaments in Arizona, Florida, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Minnesota. He has played in seven championship games at the World Series, more than many other players who are 20 years older!
“Joe has more hits, runs, stolen bases, the lowest pitching ERA, saves, and strikeouts combined than any other player in our league,” continued Linden. “He logged a 23-strikeout pitching performance in the 18-over division as a 38-year-old! Regarding his World Series participation, he has been known to play in the 18+, 25+, and 35+ divisions in the same year.
Joe is soft-spoken, humble, hardworking, and dedicated to our league and to MSBL. He is by far the most accomplished player I know.”