Who We Are

The Corn Belt League (CBL) is a collegiate summer baseball league based in Omaha, Nebraska, dedicated to player development, competitive reps, and lifelong experiences. Founded in 2016, the CBL was built with a simple philosophy: Our core belief is that players should grow on and off the field during the summer months. 

With eight local teams playing a balanced nine-week schedule in the Omaha-area, the CBL provides the ideal environment for student-athletes to stay sharp, build relationships, and prepare for the next level without sacrificing their growth off the field.

Our Story

Before the CBL, Omaha baseball was home to the Upper Deck League, a mix of town teams, ex-professionals, and college athletes. In 2016, Joe Siwa envisioned something new: a league exclusively for college-eligible players, built with higher standards and a development-first mindset.

The league began with four local teams in Omaha and three partner teams in surrounding towns. Within two years, momentum grew, and the CBL transitioned to a fully Omaha-based league ensuring every game was local, competitive, and accessible for players.

Today, the CBL has grown into a premier summer destination:

• 8 Omaha-based teams competing in a 28–30 game schedule
• 180 players representing 60+ colleges from across the country
• Special events including an In-State vs. Out-of-State All-Star Game, Military Appreciation Day, postseason tournament, and national tournament representation in Wichita
• Player development opportunities include access to the Strike Zone facility, the UNO Pitching Lab, and Dale Carnegie leadership training

Our Mission

The Corn Belt League exists to provide college baseball players with a player-focused summer experience that balances competitive games, skill development, and personal growth.

Our goals include:

• Giving athletes consistent, quality reps without the burnout of excessive travel
• Offering membership to a 18,000 sq ft indoor training facility with cages, tunnels, mounds, and a weight room
• Providing opportunities for summer jobs and internships in Omaha
• Connecting out-of-state players with host families, building lifelong community relationships
• Supporting off-field development through leadership and career training
• Creating memories through events that bring players, families, and fans together

The Player Experience

The CBL is designed to help players succeed on and off the field:

Balanced Schedule – 3–4 games per week, all in Omaha, leaving time for training, recovery, and summer opportunities.
Training & Facilities – Every player receives Strike Zone membership and access to the UNO Pitching Lab for advanced biomechanics analysis.
Leadership & Career Growth – Dale Carnegie leadership training and local job/internship opportunities.
Housing Options – A structured Host Family Program for out-of-state players, plus flexibility for athletes who arrange their own housing.
Player Care – Games livestreamed, stats updated daily, and a philosophy centered on growth, not overuse.

Why Coaches Trust the CBL

College coaches know their players are in good hands with the Corn Belt League. We prioritize:

• Competitive reps without risking overuse
• Localized schedule that minimizes travel fatigue
• Access to elite training and strength development
• Stat tracking and game coverage
• A culture of development, integrity, and care

Community Impact

The Corn Belt League is more than just baseball—it’s about relationships. Players serve as mentors at our youth summer camps, engage with Omaha families through the Host Family Program, and give back to the community. Annual events like our golf fundraiser and community days help ensure we keep costs affordable and opportunities accessible.

Our Commissioner’s Story

When Joe Siwa founded the Corn Belt League, his vision was simple: create a summer baseball league built on commitment, community, and player growth. As the league’s commissioner, Joe encourages players to give their best every day while coaches guide their development on the field. For Joe, success goes beyond wins and losses—it’s about players building relationships, finding support in Omaha communities, and carrying forward lessons of loyalty and commitment that last far beyond the summer. Looking ahead, his goal is to see the league expand, strengthen ties with local communities, and create a true community-driven experience where baseball is just the beginning.