It was brought to my attention over the weekend that the Baltimore Metro Baseball League has folded. What an absolute awesome run by two great baseball guys – Roger Faw and Bill Allen. They started the BMB in 1977 and it’s definitely been the premier amateur baseball league in Maryland for the past 37 years. Their plan was simple – they brought the best players together and they were passionate about the game being played the right way. Best wishes to both of these guys in whatever they choose to do to fill all of those hours they put in throughout the summer running the League.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Agreed. This is sad/bad news. Many young players got their start in BMB. I know of 2 2014's that signed NLI's yesterday (one at a major DI) who got their feet wet and honed their craft in BMB. I guess the dominant league in this area is now MABA?
My son started in this league here is a long post coyped from there site.
This is essentially what happened to Babe Ruth and in some cases, Am Legion.
The message from the league leadership tells it all! Everyone wants a guarantee in life. We are handicapping our youth with participating trophies and guarantees for post-season participation. It is killing the incentive to work hard, earn your spot and most of all...learn how to compete. Sad times but I doubt most people will look at it this way. Roger and Bill - thanks for the memories!
The message from the league leadership tells it all! Everyone wants a guarantee in life. We are handicapping our youth with participating trophies and guarantees for post-season participation. It is killing the incentive to work hard, earn your spot and most of all...learn how to compete. Sad times but I doubt most people will look at it this way. Roger and Bill - thanks for the memories!
College football has turned into a participation trophy sport as well. Go 3-6 in conference play, beat three mid major cupcakes and go to a bowl with a 6-6 record.
Agreed. This is sad/bad news. Many young players got their start in BMB. I know of 2 2014's that signed NLI's yesterday (one at a major DI) who got their feet wet and honed their craft in BMB. I guess the dominant league in this area is now MABA?
MABA is a fine league, but it is not the same. BMB had affiliations with Dizzy Dean, NABF and AABC...nationally recognized organizations with championships that mean something on the national level.
First off, I was a huge fan of BMB. However, like many great institutions, they did not adapt to the changing world around them. Based on their announcement, it sounds like this was mostly a conscious decision, or at least on their own terms. With 35+ years of service to MD amateur baseball, they have certainly earned that right.
Today, amateur baseball is all about college recruiting. You just aren't going to accomplish that at the Dizzy Dean WS. It's a shame, because I think there is still a place for high-level league play.
God Bless Roger Faw for providing our youth players a Baseball League, for the past 37 years, that was built and operated with the utmost INTEGRITY. BMB was a win-your-way to a national championship appearance...not a pay to play program that even the so called SHOWCASE tournaments have turned into. The Best Nine Played when we and our kids played BMB ball... THANK YOU ROGER!!!