the frl competition committee

The FRL Competition Committee was formed to ensure on-field quality, playing conditions, enforcement of rules and possible disciplinary procedures. Our goal is to ensure the best playing experience for all FRL players and coaches and to constantly work to improve the conditions under which we play. We have recruited a number of life-long baseball veterans to assist in the constant refining and improvement of the FRL. Meet the members of the committee below.

With more than 30 years of experience in baseball, from collegiate summer ball to seven years in MLB, Chuck brings vast experience to the committee. Chuck's role is to help all FRL teams to maintain the standards that set us apart from most summer leagues, and to continually seek opportunities and refine procedures to achieve league goals.

Preston's vast business experience helps the FRL find the best in vendors, equipment, business operations and operational procedures. His expertise allows the FRL to maintain standards in all areas, with an emphasis in baseball and facility operations, to ensure the best experience for all FRL players, fans, coaches and staff. 

  Mike was born in Indiana and raised in Texas before spending a year in Alaska.  After returning to Texas, he attended Coastal Bend junior college in Beeville, TX, where he played baseball as a pitcher. He was invited to spring training with the Kansas City Royals, but after two weeks, he received an offer from the military that changed his course.

Mike's military service included assignments in Turkey, Ethiopia, and Pakistan, among other locations. Following his discharge from the Army Security Agency in 1972, he pursued his baseball dreams in Japan, playing industrial baseball. He returned to Anchorage in 1973 and began a career with Sealand/Horizon Lines, focusing on ocean shipping between Tacoma and Anchorage. Over the years, he built a long career specializing in safety and logistics, retiring in 2011.

With more time available, Mike joined the Anchorage Glacier Pilots, a summer collegiate team, Board of Directors. After serving as an officer, he transitioned to the role of Director of Sales and Promotions and, in the fall of 2014, became General Manager. Under his leadership, the Glacier Pilots had tremendous success including winning three consecutive championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He retired following these achievements, cherishing career highlights that included working with legendary coaches Augie Garrido and Dave Serrano and having Aaron Judge as a Glacier Pilot.

An avid fisherman and photographer, Mike enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife, Laurel, and their daughters, Marissa and Katie.

A resident of Denver, Colorado and Sun City, Arizona, and veteran of the baseball world for more than 50 years, Kent brings his experience and connections to the Front Range League. After his playing days at the University of Denver, Kent moved into the coaching and scouting ranks, with deep ties to summer collegiate baseball.

Kent co-founded the Mile High League after owning and operating a team in the Rocky Mountain League for 11 years, earning two appearances in the National Baseball Congress World Series. During his 20 years of scouting with the Mets, Rangers, Yankees and Phillies, Kent helped many players to the next level. These include Roy Halladay (Phillies and Blue Jays), Brandon Nimmo (Mets) and Greg Bird (Yankees), as well as many others who were drafted over the years.

Now serving on the Front Range League Competition Committee and as a coach with the Boulder Collegians, Kent remains dedicated to helping high school and collegiate players to the next level. His expertise is key in forming the FRL Showcase and All-Star Game as the league promotes our mission of giving FRL players the best of summer baseball and advancement opportunities.

Knabenshue brings a wealth of baseball experience to the Front Range League. The Colorado native played at the University of Northern Colorado before eleven years of professional baseball, reaching as high as AAA. Since his playing days, Knabenshue has primarily been a scout, working most recently in the Phillies and Braves organizations. His coaching experience includes serving as the head coach of Dallas Baptist University in the early 2000s, two years as Head Coach of the professional Grand Junction Jackalopes of the Pioneer League and, more recently, working with an elite high school scout team on the Front Range.