The Island Baseball League is an adult recreational baseball league based in Newport. This week, I sat down with IBL President Steve Schneider to chat about the league and our Rhode Island baseball connections. The Island Baseball League (IBL) (typically) has 6 teams that play a fun, competitive season of about 14 games (weather permitting) from roughly Easter to mid-August. However, in 2022, it looks like there will be a 7th team added. Steve mentioned that teams are fairly formed and constructed from a wide range of abilities and ages – players are mostly from Rhode Island as well as some from Massachusetts. The games are played at Middletown’s War Memorial Field, which has plenty of parking, plenty of fan spots to view the game, and plenty of great baseball when the IBL is on the field. Here are some other cool facts about the Island Baseball League from their “FAQ” page at www.islandbaseball.com.
How competitive is the league?
Island Baseball is for all men who want to play baseball. Most players have some baseball experience, ranging from little league to the college level. While all players are playing to win, Island Baseball is a recreational league founded on having fun first and foremost. Players of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to play. Every player, regardless of his skill level, enjoys equal play time and at-bats, and the respect of his teammates for good effort and sportsmanship.
What ages are Island Baseball players?
The age range of players is 22 to over 60. The average age is 38. The league allows players sons to play as long as they are 18 years of age and their father is currently a player on a team. Each team has players of all ages and skill levels — and it works. Whatever your age, you will enjoy playing baseball in an atmosphere of sportsmanship, spirited competition and camaraderie.
How often do you play?
Each team will play fourteen regular season games beginning the first Sunday after Easter, and ending in late August. Sunday games times are 9:00 am, 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
What do I need to play?
All you need is a glove, a good attitude, and the desire to play baseball. We play with wooden bats only. Baseball pants are required and shirts and caps can be ordered through team captains.
According to their home page, The Island Baseball League’s registration period has closed. However, “Rosters are filled. We have spots open up occasionally, so if your interested, please fill out the player evaluation form and we’ll get back to you as soon as a spot opens up.” Huge thanks to IBL President Steve Schneider for meeting up with me to chat about the Island Baseball League and for the awesome IBL hat and bumper sticker. If you would like one of these awesome IBL hats for your baseball hat collection, head over to http://www.islandbaseball.com and click on the IBL Gear and Photos page.
And stay tuned throughout 2022 for more Island Baseball League news, game highlights, photos, and more. Players, coaches, fans, family members – feel free to share any news or photos from your IBL games and I will share with the Rhode Island Baseball Community.
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