MSBL World Series Team Profile 2021: SoCal Blue Jays

By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications

Vince Woods is the architect of the very successful Southern California Blue Jays, who continue to annually hover in the toughest divisions of the MSBL World Series in Arizona.  The Blue Jays are a fixture of the Southern California MSBL where they formed in 1992 and remain a powerhouse to this day.  They also make appearances in regional tournaments as well as MSBL national tournaments in Las Vegas where they hold many titles.  When you see the Blue Jays filing into the opposing dugout you can rest assured you are in for a competitive yet respectful game.

Vince is an Ordained Deacon of Good News Community Missionary Church, where he was blessed to baptize his youngest daughter Shanae.  He also sings with the Men’s Ministry Choir.  With Vince at the helm of the Blue Jays, you can sense the makeup of the team and their mission on and off the field.

“The Blue Jays are a family,” explained Woods.  “We attend birthday parties, barbecues, funerals, graduations and stay side by side both on and off the field.  We never turn anyone away.  This is a big part of our team success in league play and at the World Series.”

The success of a team always starts at the top.  Vince and his wife Michelle have been married for 26 years.  He is the father of four and the grandfather of seven, with one on the way.  He has also personally survived drug addiction at the young age of 26 and has been sober since 1988.

“On the field I have had the privilege to play college ball at LBCC and with the Norwalk Rebels.  I have played in the World Master Nike Games in Oregon, too, along with all of the MSBL tournaments throughout the years.  My total knee replacement three years ago put an end to my playing but I am still very much involved with the Blue Jays and enjoy my 28-year relationship with what I call my ‘baseball family’.

“We don’t always win as we set out to do, but we still have a great group of players and I cherish our relationships,” concluded Woods.  “At the end of it all, I couldn’t be more grateful to be surrounded by people who respect me and one another.  Thank you to all past and present Blue Jays and all the teams I’ve played for and against.”