What Is Semi Pro Baseball? Where It Fits Among Every Level of the Game

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Semi pro baseball is competitive adult baseball played below the professional level. Players are usually former college, independent or minor league players and strong local athletes, and they are either unpaid or receive small stipends or expenses. It is not an official tier with a single governing league; the term covers independent teams, summer tournaments and competitive men’s leagues. The chart below shows exactly where it sits among every level of adult baseball.

Where semi pro fits
Every level of adult baseball, from MLB to men’s leagues
Bar length shows the general level of competition. Right side: how players are paid.
ProfessionalAmateur collegeSemi pro and adult amateur
Major League BaseballFull salaries set by the labor agreement
Pro, affiliated. The best players in the world.
Triple ASalary with union minimums
Minor leagues, affiliated. Players one step from the majors.
Double ASalary with union minimums
Minor leagues, affiliated. Top prospects.
High ASalary with union minimums
Minor leagues, affiliated. Developing prospects.
Single ASalary with union minimums
Minor leagues, affiliated. First full season pros.
Rookie and complex leaguesSalary with union minimums
Minor leagues, affiliated. Newly signed and drafted players.
Independent pro leaguesModest salaries
Atlantic League, American Association, Frontier League, Pioneer League. Released pros and undrafted players chasing a contract.
College summer leaguesUnpaid, to protect college eligibility
Cape Cod League, MLB Draft League, Northwoods League and others. College players and draft prospects.
Semi proSometimes expenses or a small stipend
Independent teams and tournaments like the NBC World Series. Former college and pro players, top local talent.
Adult men’s leagues, open divisionPlayers pay dues
MSBL, NABA and local leagues, 18 and older. Competitive adults of all backgrounds.
Adult men’s leagues, age divisionsPlayers pay dues
25+, 35+, 45+ and older divisions. Adults who want to keep playing.
Semi pro is not an official league tier. The term covers competitive adult baseball below the professional level, and the quality varies widely from team to team.

How to Play Semi Pro Baseball

Step What to do
Find a league Search for MSBL or NABA leagues and local semi pro teams in your area; most metro areas have both.
Pick a division Open divisions are the most competitive; age divisions (25+, 35+ and up) are more relaxed.
Try out or sign up Semi pro teams often hold tryouts; adult leagues usually place players on teams through a draft or free agent list.
Budget for dues Expect to pay league fees and buy your own gear; some semi pro teams cover travel for top players.

Semi Pro vs. Independent Pro Baseball

The two are easy to confuse. Independent leagues such as the Atlantic League and Frontier League are true professional baseball: players sign contracts, earn salaries and are regularly signed by MLB organizations. Semi pro teams are amateur at heart. Some pay travel costs or a small stipend to top players, but nobody earns a living from it, and most players have full time jobs.

Is Semi Pro a Path to the Pros?

It can be, but it is a long shot. Scouts rarely attend semi pro games, so a player hoping to be signed usually does better in an independent league, a college summer league or at a pro tryout camp. For most players, semi pro and men’s league baseball is a way to keep competing after college at a high level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do semi pro baseball players get paid?

Usually not. Some teams cover travel or offer small stipends, but most players play for free and many pay dues.

How old do you have to be to play semi pro baseball?

Most adult leagues start at 18, and many offer age divisions for players 25 and older, 35 and older and up.

Is semi pro baseball good?

The top semi pro teams include former college and pro players and can be very strong; the level varies widely from team to team.

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Adult leagues are organized nationally by the Men’s Senior Baseball League, and MLB lists its partner independent leagues on MLB.com.