Mudslingers’ Road to Twin Cities Championship Illustrates that Adult Baseball Goes Beyond the Game
Twin Cities MABL, 35+ Division
Mudslingers 6, Bullies 5
The Twin Cities Men’s Adult Baseball League (TCMABL) of Minnesota has crowned a 2026 champion of the 35+ age division. The Mudslingers won their first title after playing in the championship game in every season since the team formed in 2023.
“This team has been through a lot of struggles together,” said Aaron Moerke, Mudslingers Manager / Player. “That’s what makes this championship so meaningful.”
The Mudslingers were formed by a core group of friends who played youth sports together in the Maple Grove, Minnesota area. One of those friends was Jason Wood, a workhorse of a man who maintained athletic fields for the City of Maple Grove during the week, then dazzled those same fields as a Mudslingers pitcher on weekends.
Jason Wood posted league-best pitching statistics in the Mudslingers’ 2023 inaugural season, but died unexpectedly in the middle of the Mudslingers’ 2024 season at the age of 39. 
Jason Wood’s wife, Andrea, and two children decided that Jason would be dressed in his Mudslingers uniform for his funeral and burial. The Mudslingers attended the funeral wearing matching uniforms. Since then, they’ve worn a “12” patch on the sleeve to commemorate Wood’s jersey number.
The grieving process bonded the team together in powerful ways. “After Wood’s funeral, the team became like a brotherhood,” said Corey Nelson, a Mudslingers player. “It’s a fellowship that extends way beyond the ballpark.”
“For several of us, Wood was a teammate since we first started playing ball. Getting this group back together years later, with our own families and kids watching, is something we all cherish. Wood loved the camaraderie of baseball and he always put the team first. That same spirit carried our team to this year’s championship,” said Jeff Jarvis.
Adult baseball is a blessing for many men in this country. It’s a perfect blend of community and competition. “Baseball really helped us grieve the loss of our friend in a healthy way,” said Moerke. “The Mudslingers are grateful for the Twin Cities Men’s Adult Baseball League and the support from MSBL / MABL to provide baseball opportunities that are improving men’s physical and mental health.
The Mudslingers have dealt with sorrow and playoff disappointments together, but it’s their turn to celebrate in 2026. Nelson exclaimed, “We are dedicating this championship to Jason Wood!”