MSBL New League Profile: North Dakota MSBL, Cole Talley, League President
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
The North Dakota MSBL is new to the MSBL family, as they started kicking up the dust in 2026. Run by 24-year-old Cole Talley, this Minot, North Dakota entry boasted five new teams in its inaugural season.
“We had five this year but expect to have six in 2027,” said Cole. “That will sure make scheduling a lot easier!”
As is our procedure, we enjoy lobbing a few questions to our new league presidents and finding out more about how they got to this point and what their plans are going forward.
Cole’s insights are shown below. Enjoy your trip to Minot, North Dakota!
Does the league have a website? Yes, northdakotamsbl.com
What is your personal prior experience with MSBL, if any? I have no experience with MSBL
Did your league originate in another organization, or is it new? No, it is brand new
When does the league begin play, and when will it finish? We started in June of 2026 and finished in August of 26
Are league playoffs in the works? We played a one-game championship between the top two teams
What divisions of play will you offer? 18+
How many teams are anticipated for 2027? We had five teams this year and expect six or more for 2027
Is the league wood bat? Yes
How did you become president? I created the entire league
Are you anticipating having your league represented at the MSBL World Series in Arizona or any other national tournaments? Have you personally been involved in those tournaments previously? No, it’s very expensive to travel from North Dakota to Arizona. But would love to
What were your reasons for starting an MSBL league, and what history got you to this point? The reason was so I have a good name backing me when creating this league and to get guys excited to play men’s baseball again.
Are there any individuals you would like to recognize in helping with your organizational efforts?
We have a large number of sponsors that have helped us, including Eaton and Associates, Sports on Tap, Red Tag Warehouse, SandPro, Kemmet Dental Design, Swenson RV and Marine, Minot Discovery Center, SRT, First International, Jason Strand, Northern Skies Roofing, Rev Diesel, Elite Real Estate, Jorge Guttierez, and Wade Williamson.
Do you have officers helping you run the league day-to-day? Yes, Ayden Sauerbrei, Wade Williamson, Baden Gilkerson, Nick Colton, and Shaun Dukart
Any additional comments?
The league has been an amazing experience to run. I created this league just hoping to continue playing because I had just graduated from playing at Minot State University for 3 years.
I decided to put my head down and work as hard as possible, and it turned into a great success. My favorite part was meeting so many great guys in the community who all came together for the same love that I’ve had my entire life.
