The Barney McCosky Baseball Basketball League Inc., was founded in May of 1957 by a group of Detroit area businessmen led by attorney John Hubacher. John noticed a group of boys playing a field one day with makeshift equipment. Missing from their game was the knowledge of baseball fundamentals, proper equipment, and most importantly, teamwork and sportsmanship. John and a few other men solicited from local business owners, and provided funds out of their own pockets for equipment and uniforms for a loosely organized baseball program.
The following season Mr. Barney McCosky, a former major league outfielder who retired with a lifetime batting average .312 after playing for the Detroit Tigers (1939-1946) was asked if the league could use his name. Not only was this allowed, he also provided valuable assistance and advice during the leagues formative years.
The Mission Statement then as it remains today is “To implant firmly the ideas of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, and courage for youth under the age of 18 and to develop good citizens.” Which birthed the motto “Better kids through better sports”.
In the years since the start of the league, we have evolved to now offer coed sport education in both baseball and basketball. All boys and girls age 4-16 are welcome.
We know we’ve done much, yet there is so much more we must do. As always, we welcome new ideas, volunteers and supporters. Hope you will join us.
