The Athens Area Men’s Baseball League is a private, non-profit baseball league. It’s members are men, aged 28 to 60 years old and over, from all walks of life who desire to continue their passion for the game beyond his youth, reminding ourselves that "You are never too old to have a happy childhood". We aim to play true classic baseball by playing nine inning games with wood bats under the lights. AAMBL strives to provide it’s members and fans with a strong internal organization, a high level of competition, and an all around fun atmosphere for every baseball lover.

The league’s "senior" division commenced play with the 2002 summer season. The league’s ten seasons and subsequent growth fostered a need for a second division to provide veteran players with an opportunity to compete with others his own age as well as to allow new players over 28 with a chance to thrive and still get back into the game he may have left many years sooner. Countless athletes have come back to the game after as many as 20-30 years away. Many men above 45 years of age and well into his 50’s were integral parts of teams. The average age of players in 2003 was 38.7 years. The pitching is a little slower in this league, but these crafty veterans know how to play the game. The 2003 AAMBL 33+ Championship Team boasted a 58 year old starting shortstop as well as a pair of 50 year olds who started at 1^st and 2^nd base. Most players who have stayed in shape and maybe played a little softball along the way seem to be able to pick the game back up quickly enough.

The season begins in late March and winds down in Mid-August. Each of the eight teams plays once per week for a total of 17 regular season games. The games are played on Monday and Wednesday Nights at 7:00pm. All games are played at The James R. Holland Sports Complex located off Newton Bridge Rd. Games usually last about 3 hours. Most teams also practice once per week as well, though some try to get together more often.

The fee for joining the league is $200 per player. Since we are a private organization, we must lease our field from the city. Other costs include the hiring of umpires, the cost of baseballs, advertising and general operational costs such as printing flyers, player contracts, schedules, etc. The fees are due in full the day of the draft. Please make checks payable to: AAMBL. Uniforms are the responsibility of each team. Some teams hold fundraisers and/or obtain sponsorship money to cover the cost of uniforms, some teams divide these costs amongst it’s players.

It’s easy, simply contact the league by phone or email and tell us that you would like to attend the draft. The draft will be held on the first Saturday in March(subject to change). You’ll need to contact the league for the exact time and location. Anyone wishing to tryout MUST be registered with the league prior to draft date. Bring your completed player contract and league fees. Please arrive early enough to get warmed up prior to the start of the tryout. Draft day will consist of some infield and outfield drills as well as batting from a live pitcher or pitching machine. Draftees will only have time for one defensive position. Pitchers and catchers will be evaluated separately. Immediately following the tryout, the coaches will convene to select players. The league will notify those players selected soon after the draft.

Contact the league by phone: 706-207-8939

Or by email: peterthorne@charter.net, and keep up to date through our website at www.aambl.com

March 3........…………………….Draft/Tryout