What is the CMBA?
The Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association (CMBA) is an amateur baseball league dedicated to offering the finest competitive baseball experience in Chicago, Illinois. Our league provides opportunities for young prospects to develop, veterans to enjoy top-tier competition, and all participants to build camaraderie in a respectful and sportsmanlike environment. About
Who Can Join?
The CMBA welcomes both individual players and entire teams. Players must be at least 18 years old by their team’s first game. Teams can join as long as they meet the league’s standards for conduct, financial responsibility, and roster requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned player, someone returning to the sport, or part of an established team, we have a place for you.
How Does the League Operate?
The CMBA season runs from May through August, culminating in playoffs. Each team plays a regular season schedule of 24-30 games. Games are played under official Major League Baseball rules, with some modifications specific to our league. Fields include fields from across Chicago and Chicagoland, depending on availability.
See Bylaws and Rules for more information.
What Does Membership Entail?
• Teams: Teams must submit a roster of at least 16 and no more than 26 players by June 1. Teams are also responsible for providing their own equipment, including bats and uniforms.
• Players: Individual players may join as free agents and will be placed on teams based on roster needs. Players must pay team fees and adhere to league rules, including eligibility for postseason play (minimum of 5 regular-season games).
How Much Does it Cost?
League fees cover field rentals, umpires, and other operating costs. Teams are required to pay an annual league fee determined by the CMBA President. Additional costs may include fines for forfeits, uniform expenses, and other operational needs. Late payment of fees incurs penalties.
What Equipment is Required?
Players must have proper baseball pants, cleats, and a glove. Teams are responsible for matching jerseys with numbers, caps, and Major League Baseball regulation balls. Only wood or BBCOR-certified bats are allowed.
How Does the CMBA Handle Sportsmanship and Discipline?
The CMBA prioritizes respect, ethics, and fair play. Fighting, unsportsmanlike conduct, and alcohol on the field are strictly prohibited and can result in fines, suspensions, or expulsion. Umpire decisions are final, and any protests must be submitted in writing within 48 hours.
How Does the League Handle Inclement Weather and Scheduling?
The home team is responsible for determining field conditions and notifying the league of cancellations at least two hours before game time. Postponed games must be rescheduled promptly with the approval of the CMBA President.
Are There Playoff Opportunities?
Yes! The postseason format is determined annually, and all teams in good standing are eligible to compete. Players must meet the minimum game appearance requirements to qualify for playoff rosters.
How do CMBA rules differ from MLB rules?
While the CMBA follows most of the official MLB rules, there are some key differences tailored to our league’s structure and goals:
• Game Length: CMBA games are typically 7 innings instead of 9.
• Extra Innings Rule: The MLB’s extra-innings rule (starting with a runner on second base) is not used. CMBA games continue until a winner is decided without artificial adjustments.
• Slaughter Rule: If a team leads by 15 runs after 4 innings (or 12 runs after 5 innings), the game is called. This applies to both regular season and playoffs.
• No Pitch Clocks: CMBA does not implement MLB’s pitch clocks or limits on pitcher disengagements (e.g., pick-offs).
• Courtesy and Designated Runners: Courtesy runners may be used for pitchers and catchers, and a designated runner may be assigned to replace a player on base.
• Free Defensive Substitutions: Teams may freely substitute players in defensive positions during the regular season without affecting their spot in the batting lineup. However, this rule does not apply in the playoffs.
• Batting Lineup Flexibility: Teams may use additional hitters (EH) or shared “A/B” lineup slots during the regular season. These options are not permitted during postseason play.
• Bats: Only wood or BBCOR-certified bats are permitted in the CMBA. Aluminum and composite bats (other than BBCOR) are not allowed. Use of an illegal bat results in penalties as outlined in league rules.
How Can a Team Join the League?
New teams must apply for membership by submitting a formal request to the CMBA President. Teams are evaluated on leadership, past conduct, player ability, and financial responsibility.
How Do Individuals Join?
Individual players can contact the league for teams looking for players. The league works to match free agents with teams in need of additional players.
What Are the Responsibilities of Managers?
Team managers are responsible for ensuring compliance with league rules, submitting rosters on time, paying fees, maintaining field conditions, and managing team conduct. Managers may face fines or suspensions for their team’s rule violations.