MSBL League Profile: East Metro Baseball League, Atlanta, Georgia, Willie Rogers, League President
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Willie Rogers took over the helm of the East Metro Baseball League in Atlanta in 2017 after league president John Gambs passed away on September 24th of that year. The league began in 2003 and has been under his supervision since that fateful day in 2017.
“I had been John’s umpire-in-chief for a long time and helped with duties whenever I could over his last few years,” said Rogers. “When John knew the end was near, he told me personally that he wanted me to take over the league and I of course have honored his plea. John was a father figure to me and so many others. John was loved, so honoring his wishes was a no-brainer.
We offer baseball to players coming from high school who want to continue playing, along with usually a 30-over division. However, this season we will have one division, made up of seven teams.”
The East Metro season began on April 10th and will end sometime in September. We asked Willie how he became involved in the league.
“I did not start off playing in the League. I was an umpire for the league until 2013, then became league commissioner in 2013, at the request of Mr. Gambs. I played on one team in 2014 where I took my last at-bat, at age 67.
My baseball playing career in baseball started with park ball, travel ball, high school at Carver High School, and then college ball at Stillman in Alabama. I also played in the Independent League and semi-pro in Memphis. I had a couple of pro tryouts.”
As commissioner, what are some of the most memorable events?
“As commissioner, my most memorable times came in 2020 when all the school fields and parks were closed because of covid and there were no fields to play baseball. I was able to obtain the American Legion field in Conyers, where we played a 10-team season of 13 games per team on a single field. We were one of few leagues that had a place to play.
I also enjoy the fact that we give anyone who loves baseball a chance to play and fulfill their dream. Our plans are to rebuild the older division while adding to our 18+ Division. We want to develop the young players and give them a goal to reach for. The Diamondbacks team in our league has a spinoff program of the EMBL, where they train kids from 8 to 21. This is the type of program that is going to help grow our league.”
Any final thoughts?
“I would tell anyone who has a league to try to keep everything simple and open to any level of player. Most of all try your hardest to keep your league family friendly.
We are very proud to be a part of the MABL/MSBL. Thank You!”