You can forget about bats and bases because at Cal High, “MLB” stands for “Men’s League Board.” Founded in 1994, the club’s original intention was to get high school boys more involved in the school and community—to make the school year more fun.
Since its founding, MLB has carried on many of the same traditions and, more importantly, the same values. This continuity is thanks in large part to their seasoned advisor, Jeff Ramirez, a coach, teacher, and one of the original MLB members from 1994.
Mr. Ramirez has been advising MLB for an impressive 24 years, and he’s seen its journey through thick and thin. “When the pandemic hit, like everything else, we had to kind of rebuild and start over,” he shared. “I think that following year, I had eight members, but now we’re at 44!”
For the students, the drive to join is strong. Christian Martinez, MLB Vice President, explained his motivation: “I really wanted to get more involved in clubs; it was one of the first things I joined as a freshman, and a lot of the activities that we do really represent my values, like helping the community.”
Jasper Maust, the MLB President, gave us the inside scoop on the various projects the club champions. “You always see us selling bacon-wrapped hot dogs. We help out with the Special Olympics a lot. We host the annual Sadie’s dance with GLB—that’s a lot of fun. We do a lot of giving back to the community. We raised over $1,000 to buy gifts for families at Christmas time.” Jasper is clearly proud of his involvement in MLB, and this was just a small fraction of the many events and services he described.
But MLB is more than just its projects. “I’d say we’re like a brotherhood,” claimed Oliver Thompson, who is returning for a second year. “It’s made me a lot more social and more comfortable.”
Christian added a meaningful perspective to this, noting that the experience has broadened his view: “It made me a lot busier, so that’s one thing. But I’ve also gotten to see people in a different way that I normally wouldn’t, especially people with special needs, because you overlook them, and some people dumb them down, but they aren’t like that, and you get to see their real, true character.”
The club recently welcomed new additions. Jasper outlined the qualities they seek in new members: “When we interview, we look for loyalty, dedication, anyone who you can tell really wants to be a part of it, and someone who’s going to build you up and be there with you.”
Freshman Solomon Vega checked those boxes and finds himself on the Men’s League Board. “I’ve sensed that everyone is like really close friends, and that they all trust each other, and that this is a well-supported community, because a lot of people have jobs to do and they all go through with it, and no one’s really slacking or letting anybody down.” Solomon is excited to achieve his high school goals, which include maintaining a high GPA, increasing engagement, and making a good reputation. Of course, he looks forward to “MLB events! I can’t wait to work with everybody else and have a job, and then keep it up.”
Mr. Ramirez confirmed the long-term impact of the group: “I think they really do form some great friendships. I speak to alumni, and MLB, as they say, is one of their best experiences. They still have friends from the club.”
The Men’s League Board not only encourages empathy and selflessness as they give back to the community—ranging from organizing the Sadie Hawkins Dance to working with the Special Olympics—but it truly brings out the best in our boys on campus. A true brotherhood.
Elijah Garcia • Nov 15, 2025 at 1:02 am
This is such an interesting article I like how they help around in the community and how they are so close with each other. I went to there stand doing club rush to support them I like this article so much and even when you made the joke saying you can forget about baseball when you said we can forget about bats and bases because MLB also stand for Major League Baseball!