FOUNDING COUNCIL
Rick Dempsey brings over five decades of major league grit, championship tradition, and magnetic broadcasting charisma to the league’s executive team. A 24-year MLB veteran catcher and iconic leader, Dempsey caught over 1,600 major league games, anchoring pitching staffs to two World Series titles—most notably earning 1983 World Series MVP honors with the Baltimore Orioles and capturing a second ring with the 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers. Renowned for his blue-collar work ethic, sharp tactical mind behind the plate, and infectious love for the game—famously immortalized by his rain-delay field performances—he seamlessly transitioned from the dugout into executive coaching and top-tier broadcasting, serving for decades as a color commentator and studio analyst on regional and national networks. Within the league, Rick leverages his vast institutional knowledge, legendary fan connectivity, and broadcast expertise to oversee game operations, mentor emerging talent, and enhance media presentation across the organization.
Jonathan Koch brings a rare combination of executive vision, media expertise, and championship-level athletic grit to the league’s executive leadership team. As the Chief Content Officer of Asylum Entertainment Group, he has spent decades spearheading hundreds of hours of award-winning television, film, and digital content, driving large-scale media operations and strategic brand expansion.
Before establishing himself as a powerhouse producer, Jonathan forged a legacy on the mat as a successful collegiate wrestler, ultimately earning his place as an inductee into the NCAA Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Medal of Courage recipient. His elite background in top-tier sports, combined with a well-documented story of legendary personal resilience, instills a relentless competitive drive and deep respect for athletic governance. Within the league, Jonathan leverages his extensive media network and high-stakes executive background to elevate player exposure, forge strategic media partnerships, and drive sustainable growth for the organization.
Kelly Kleinman brings decades of high-impact sports marketing, media production, and grass-roots baseball innovation to the league’s executive board. A recognized pioneer in fan engagement, Kleinman earned Sports Illustrated's Best Promotion Award for his groundbreaking work with the Los Angeles Dodgers, building a track record of high-visibility campaigns for powerhouse brands including the LA Lakers, NASCAR, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Sony, Universal Studios, and the Jacksonville Suns. Beyond corporate brand activation, he is a proven leader in modernizing the sport as the founder of Cage Baseball (HitTrax League) and the co-host of The Prospect Blueprint Podcast alongside World Series MVP Rick Dempsey. Within the league, Kelly combines his deep promotional instincts, cutting-edge technology integrations, and multimedia presence to drive fan acquisition, elevate league sponsorships, and shape high-energy game-day experiences.He is also active in Pan Pacific baseball opportunites and has one of his playing pro baseball in Japan.