The Electrons claimed the 2026 CMBA championship, defeating the Blazers in the championship series to secure their fourth consecutive title.
The top-seeded Electrons capped an outstanding season with a postseason run that ended against the third-seeded Blazers in the best-of-three championship series.
Congratulations to the Electrons on their fourth straight CMBA championship!
The CMBA is proud to name Hounds IF/OF/C Cole Cross the 2026 CMBA Most Valuable Player.
.533 AVG | .639 OBP | 1.528 OPS | 7 2B | 3 HR | 26 RBI
Cross made an immediate impact in his first CMBA season, putting together one of the best offensive seasons by a Hound in recent memory. He hit .533 while reaching base at a .639 clip and finished the regular season with a 1.528 OPS, seven doubles, three home runs and 26 RBI.
Cross also demonstrated exceptional command of the strike zone, finishing with twice as many walks as strikeouts. His contributions extended well beyond the plate, providing the Hounds with strong defense in the outfield, at third base and behind the plate.
In an outstanding rookie campaign, Cross established himself as one of the league’s elite hitters and earned the CMBA’s top individual honor.
The CMBA is proud to name Electrons infielder Jake Breitenreiter the 2026 CMBA Rookie of the Year.
.517 AVG | .600 OBP | .793 SLG | 1.393 OPS | 6 2B | 5 3B | 21 RBI | 28 R | 4 SB
Breitenreiter burst onto the CMBA scene in 2026 and quickly became one of the Electrons’ most productive players. After going 1-for-3 in his league debut, he never saw his season batting average fall below .500 again, ultimately finishing with a team-high .517 average over 23 games.
Breitenreiter produced throughout the lineup, hitting everywhere from seventh to leadoff while leading the Electrons with 11 extra-base hits. He batted .455 with runners in scoring position, scored 28 runs and finished with twice as many walks as strikeouts.
His impact was just as significant elsewhere. Breitenreiter provided elite defense at shortstop and second base and contributed on the mound with two wins and two saves, completing an outstanding all-around debut season.
The CMBA is proud to name Electrons pitcher Tim Eiden the 2026 CMBA Best Pitcher “Cy Young” Award winner.
44 IP | 8 GS | 7-1 | 1.11 ERA | 1.21 WHIP | 55 K | .211 BAA
Eiden delivered a dominant season at the front of the Electrons’ rotation, finishing 7-1 with a 1.11 ERA and 55 strikeouts over 44 innings. Opposing hitters managed just a .211 batting average against him.
His performance was particularly impressive against some of the strongest competition on the Electrons’ schedule. Eiden earned two victories against the Blazers and another against the 20-4 BG Sox. His season was highlighted by an eight-inning performance against the Tortugas in which he allowed no earned runs and struck out 13 in a 2-1 victory. His only loss came in a game in which he allowed zero earned runs.
Eiden has been among the CMBA’s top pitchers since joining the league in 2018. Fully recovered from the arm injury that interrupted his 2023 season, he returned to peak form in 2026 and sustained it from start to finish.
The CMBA is proud to recognize the recipients of the Respect & Integrity in Competition Award. The “RIC” award honors a player on each team who consistently demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship toward teammates and opponents while contributing to their teams on the field and in the dugout.
The award reflects the CMBA’s commitment to fair competition, mutual respect and integrity throughout the league.
For the Electrons, the 2026 Respect & Integrity in Competition Award goes to Weston Roberts.
In his first season with the Electrons, Roberts quickly established himself as the ultimate team player. From picking up equipment and checking field conditions to keeping the scorebook and working with local authorities on behalf of the team and league, he was consistently willing to do whatever was needed.
Roberts also steadily improved on the field, raising his batting average from .091 on July 1 to a season-high .263 by the end of the year. His positive approach, work ethic and trademark “VAR” — Vibes Above Replacement — became infectious throughout the team and league.
No matter the situation, Roberts’ support for his teammates never wavered. His commitment, attitude and willingness to contribute set an outstanding example of respect and integrity in competition.
For the Hawks, the 2026 Respect & Integrity in Competition Award goes to Tony “TCA” Capone.
Capone is the consummate team player. He shows up for his teammates, competes the right way and represents the Hawks well both on and off the field. He also put together an outstanding second half, batting .417 with a .920 OPS after the midpoint of the season while making significant strides defensively behind the plate and elsewhere in the field.
His combination of sportsmanship, improvement, production and commitment to his teammates made him a natural choice for the Hawks’ award.
For the Hounds, the 2026 Respect & Integrity in Competition Award goes to Jimmy Lynn.
Lynn brings an infectiously positive attitude to the field every time he shows up. One of the Hounds’ top pitchers, he is equally willing to contribute in less visible roles, whether operating the Winnemac scoreboard, keeping the team’s GameChanger or serving as a courtesy or designated runner.
Through it all, Lynn consistently treats teammates, opponents and umpires with respect. His willingness to contribute wherever needed and the positive attitude he brings to competition embody the spirit of the award.
The 2026 postseason is set, with three CMBA teams joined by the Evanston Tomateros, representing the CSYBA. Both the semifinals and championship will be played as best-of-three series.
The top-seeded Electrons (20-8) face the CSYBA-seed Tomateros, while the No. 2 Hounds (17-11-1) take on the No. 3 Blazers (15-12-2).
Both semifinal series open at Winnemac Park on August 22 and 23, with Electrons-Tomateros at 10:00 AM and Hounds-Blazers at 1:00 PM. If necessary, deciding games will be played at Laramie Park on August 25 and 26.
The winners advance to the championship series, beginning August 29 at Winnemac Park, with Games 2 and 3 scheduled for August 31 and September 1 at Kerry Wood Field.
Despite threatening skies and rain showers throughout the day, the 3rd Annual Winnemac Fourth for All All-Star Game began right on schedule on July 4 at Winnemac Park. The weather held just long enough for another outstanding afternoon celebrating amateur baseball on Chicago’s North Side.
The Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association defeated the Chicago Suburban Youth Baseball Association (CSYBA) All-Stars by a final score of 8-4, showcasing the talent and sportsmanship that make both organizations special.
The pregame festivities highlighted the community spirit of the event. 40th Ward Alderman André Vasquez threw out the ceremonial first pitch, while Vivian of School of Rock delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. During the seventh-inning stretch, Mr. Will of the Old Town School of Folk Music led the crowd in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Sam Schwartz served as the public address announcer, and Ryan Pinkert officiated the game behind the plate.
The CMBA All-Stars were managed by Justin Millner of the Electrons, while the CSYBA squad was led by former CMBA player John Schnur, now manager of the CSYBA’s Dunham Dash.
More than just an exhibition, the All-Star Game became one of the signature events of the Winnemac Fourth for All festival in 2026. It provides an opportunity for players from across the CMBA to compete alongside teammates they normally face during the regular season while strengthening relationships with neighboring baseball organizations. The event also introduces new players, families, and community members to the high level of amateur baseball played throughout the Chicago area.
The CMBA would like to thank the Winnemac Park Advisory Council, all of the event volunteers, players, coaches, officials, musicians, and fans who helped make the day such a success. We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come as we celebrate baseball, community, and the partnerships that help keep the game thriving in Chicago.
The Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association is proud to announce the selections for the 2026 CMBA All-Star Awards.
Each club was invited to nominate five players to represent their organization. Chosen by their respective teams, these players have earned the honor through their performance, leadership, and contributions throughout the 2026 season.
The CMBA All-Stars will take on the CSYBA All-Stars on Saturday, July 4 at 2:00 PM at Winnemac Park as part of the Winnemac Fourth for All celebration.
We congratulate all of this year’s All-Stars and thank each club for recognizing the players who have represented them so well this season. We look forward to celebrating the league and showcasing the best of CMBA baseball on July 4 at Winnemac Park.
The Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association (CMBA) would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out for our Earth Day cleanup at Winnemac Park.
With 20+ volunteers from the Hawks, Hounds, and Electrons—and support from friends, family, and the community—we made a real, visible impact on the park.
Together, we:
Beyond the work itself, the event was a strong step forward in establishing the CMBA as an active, reliable partner in the community. Event coordinators shared their appreciation, and it’s clear our presence made a difference, for the park and everyone who uses it.
Despite iffy weather, the turnout and energy made it a genuinely great experience and a promising start to what we hope becomes a lasting tradition.
Our next community event will take place after the postseason, and we’re already looking forward to building on this momentum.
Thanks again to everyone who showed up, pitched in, and helped make it happen.
CMBA community — we want to share that Henry Szumal, an Electron and member of our league since 2011, has recently been diagnosed with leukemia.
Over the years, many of us have competed alongside Henry and know the impact he’s had on the field, including 381 innings pitched, a 40–18 career record, a 2.90 ERA, three Team Cy Young awards, and the first playoff shutout in Electron history. Off the field, he has given back to the game as a coach at Lane Tech.
Henry is facing this diagnosis alongside his fiancée, Jo, and their two-year-old son, Ben. As he begins treatment, there will be significant medical expenses and time away from work while they focus on his health and their family.
If you’re able, please consider supporting his GoFundMe or sharing the link to help Henry, Jo, and Ben during this difficult time. Support Henry’s Fight Against Leukemia on GoFundMe