SJMSBL 45+ Division
2026 Manager Meeting Summary & Playoff Format
ZOOM Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Managers in Attendance: 12
League Rules (All Divisions)
Season Length
• The regular season will NOT be extended
Rule Changes
• Rules will NOT be changed during the season or playoffs
• Any proposed rule changes must be presented at next year’s divisional meeting
Playoff Completion
• All playoffs must be completed before Labor Day
Tie Game Rule
Regular Season
• If tied after 9 innings (9-inning game) or 7 innings (7-inning game) the game is recorded as a TIE
• Each team receives 2 points
Playoffs
• Games continue until there is a winner
• The MLB extra-inning runner-at-second rule does NOT apply
Communication Policy
• Do NOT include Lou or Neil in team group texts or emails
• Managers should resolve issues between teams first and notify league leadership afterward
Rosters
• Maximum roster size: 20 players
• Additional players: $100 per player
• No deadline for adding players
• Any player added after May 28 requires the $100 fee
Playoff Eligibility
• Player must participate in at least 6 regular season games
• Defensive substitutes or runner-only players must be recorded in the scorebook
Stat Entry Deadline•
• All stats must be entered by July 16
• Weekly entry is strongly recommended
Make-Up Games
• Make-ups must be scheduled by June 25
• Rainouts in the final month must be scheduled by the last Sunday of the season
• Failure to schedule = 0 points
Home Field Rule
• Teams without a home field are always the visiting team
Approved Waived Players
2026
• Steve Picielli (Rangers, 43) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
• Gino Carboni (Nats, 43) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
• Pat Zegarski (HT Rangers, 44) – Cannot Pitch or Catch, Brad Berner (HT Rangers 43) cannot pitch or catch approved 6.3.26
• Raymond Gomez (Tribe, 42) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
• Curtus Hart (Tribe, 42) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
• Roman Ortega ( Hammonton Black Sox,44 ) Cannot Pitch or Catch
• John Clark ( SJ Cardinals 42 ) Cannot Pitch or Catch
2025
• Tom Pace (Rangers, 42) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
• Bill Straub (Rangers, 43) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
• John Eddis (HT Rangers, 44) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
• John Fine (Nats, 44) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
2024
• Cory Thomas (SJ Cards, 41) – Cannot Pitch or Catch
• Ryan Kondas (Rays, 44)
• Todd Brown (Rays, 43)
• Mac Barnes (Rays, 43)
2023 Grandfathered
• Brian Pecsi (Rays)
• Frank Tees (SJ Cards)
2026 All-Star Game Managers
• Kevin Clements
• Walt SZW
2026 Season Structure
Regular Season
• 14 Playing Weeks
• Opening Day: March 29, 2026
• 16 Games Total (11 teams)
• Doubleheaders preferred May 17
• Schedule posted by March 16
League Off Dates
• April 5 — Easter
• May 10 — Mother’s Day
• May 24 — Memorial Day Weekend
• July 5 — July 4 Weekend
⚾ 2026 Playoff Format (Simplified)
Playoffs: August 2 – August 30
Two Champions will be crowned
American League: Seeds 1–6
National League: Seeds 7–11
Seeds Posted: July 28 @ Noon
Wild Card Round – Aug 2
American League
#3 vs #6
#4 vs #5
#1 and #2 receive a BYE
National League
#10 vs #11
#7, #8, #9 receive a BYE
All games 9 innings
Stronger seed hosts
Semi-Finals – Aug 9 & Aug 16
Best of 3 Series
Aug 9
Doubleheader
Game 1 – 7 innings
Game 2 – 7 innings
Game 3 (if needed)
Aug 16 – 9 innings
Home Field
Game 1
• Better seed hosts
• Better seed is home team
Game 2
• Same field
• Opponent becomes home team
Game 3
• Weaker seed hosts
• Stronger seed is home team
Championship Series – Aug 23 & Aug 30
Best of 3 Series
Aug 23
Game 1 – 7 innings
Game 2 – 7 innings
Aug 30
Game 3 if needed – 9 innings
Championship Award
Each Champion receives
$500 League Credit
Valid for
• Fall 2026
• Midweek 2026
• Spring 2027
Expires April 1, 2027
• Non-transferable
• Not redeemable for cash
Umpire Fees
9-Inning Game
$120 per umpire
7-Inning Game
$105 per umpire
One Umpire Only
$180 (9 innings)
$160 (7 innings)
Late Cancellation
$70 per umpire
Doubleheader Late Cancellation
$85 per umpire per team
Rainout Notification
Home manager must notify:
John Gallante
856-994-4400
JohnGallante@hotmail.com
AND
Lou Marshall
856-266-7916
LMarshall@unfi.com
Minimum notice: 1 hour
Standings Point System
Win = 3 points
Tie = 2 points
Loss = 1 point
Forfeit Loss = 0 points