MSBL League Profile: Central Alabama Baseball Association, Birmingham, Alabama, Rich Merkel, League President
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Rich Merkel is the man behind the nine-team, Central Alabama Baseball Association located in and around Birmingham, Alabama, a post he has embraced for the past 19 years. Why did Rich take over?
“We were having concerns over the leadership and the coaches asked me if I would run the league so I did,” explained Rich. I wanted to ensure we had a competitive league, that was run fairly with great fields and continued to grow.”
We caught up with Rich and asked him to fill in some blanks and explain the league’s success in Alabama. Please enjoy our Q&A with Rich.
League name: Central Alabama Baseball Association (CABA)
Your name: Richard Merkel
What is the history of the league and how did it start? We started around 2005 as I took over the duties of President.
What age divisions of play are now offered? 35 years and up
How many teams are anticipated this year? 9
When does the league begin play and when will it finish, including any playoffs? We began May 29th and finish in mid-August with a two-game elimination tournament.
When did you personally start playing in the league? 1992
What is your personal baseball playing history? I played high school baseball in Pittsburgh for North Hills High School. I’ve been playing adult baseball for over 30 years Pitching and Infield.
When did you become president? 2005 I was asked by my peers if I would take over running the league.
Who were your predecessors and are they still involved in any capacity? My predecessor has not been involved since I took over.
What is your most memorable MSBL moment as a president or a player? We won a championship which was definitely a high point. My most memorable moments are the friendships I have developed over the years, too many to list.
What challenges did you face when you started the league or when you took over? The league was in a state of flux and needed overall organization and a fair and equitable structure.
What are your biggest challenges today? Field availability continues to be a challenge, with travel ball expanding it is always work to find fields and availability to meet our scheduling demands.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction? Watching our league grow, we now have 9 teams with almost 200 players in the Birmingham metro area.
What do you see for the league in the future? I see the league continuing to grow and provide competitive adult baseball.
What is the reason for the continued success of the league? Being well organized, every coach is a member of our Board of Directors with an equal say on decisions, good and clear communication, doing what we say, and being transparent.
What part of running the league do you enjoy most? Interaction with coaches and players. Relationships are the most enjoyable part of our league.
Do you still play in the league? Yes
What is the history of your league team’s participation in any MSBL national tournaments? We have a number of players and teams that have participated in MSBL tournaments either individually or as a team.
What would you say are the most important accomplishments in your league? We currently have grown the league to nine teams so adult baseball is growing in our community. We have also started playing in other parts of the city increasing our exposure which will fuel more growth.
How valuable is your relationship with MSBL? I think our affiliation with MSBL has been mutually beneficial for both organizations.
What advice would you give to new league presidents? Plan early for your season, secure relationships with cities, parks and recreation centers, have a structure to your organization, make sure everyone has a voice, and communicate expectations and details.
How important is family support? Family support is important, to have a hobby like baseball having support from your family makes it so much more enjoyable.