June 7th, 2026: Letter to Menifee Pony Baseball Familes from The Board of Directors Menifee Pony Baseball
Dear Menifee Pony Baseball Families,

You deserve straight answers. 

The past week has been difficult for our community. You saw posts on social media that raised serious questions. You heard allegations that made you wonder whether the league you trusted was being run with integrity. We understand why you're upset. We are too. 

We are not going to ask you to simply trust us. We are going to show you why you can.

Before we look forward we want to acknowledge what you witnessed over the past several days and give you the full picture.

• On May 30th, a now former Menifee Pony board member distributed unauthorized communications through official league channels which included a mass email sent to thousands of families. Without board knowledge or approval, he seized control of the league’s social media accounts and removed league access to communication platforms. Most platforms have been restored, and we are continuing to work through the remaining access issues. On behalf of the league, we apologize for the unacceptable way this was handled.
• In an email to the board in May and again during the May 15th Board Meeting, Mike Adams made the following accusations: Allegation 1: Mike Null embezzled league funds and committed fraud. Allegation 2: Mitch Coltharp embezzled league funds and committed fraud. Allegation 3: Sienna Archibek paid less than the established rate resulting in an underpayment.
  • Mike Adams presented the board with outstanding balance information and not evidence of fraud or embezzlement. Mike Null presented his rebuttal to the board acknowledging that fees were paid late and that he had been given approval by the individual bringing the allegations to pay what he could during the season in question. Mitch Coltharp acknowledged that fees went unpaid over multiple seasons and presented his explanation to the board directly.
  • Regarding Allegation 3, the issue involved a disputed practice-only rate for SIBA teams. There was no formal board motion or vote approving an increase from $600 to $1,100. The average cost to MPB for 17 weeks of practice is approximately $560. Mike Adams, who was responsible for increasing the rates subsequently acknowledged that the rate increase was set too high and that scheduling was poor, and proposed refunds for affected SIBA teams. Some but not all eligible SIBA teams received those refunds which were at his urging and the board passed that vote without question at the time. It’s worth noting that as of December of 2025, this option was eliminated entirely, the board no longer permits practice only SIBA registrations.

• Lastly, the board took a vote to determine if the allegations of fraud and embezzlement were substantiated. They voted and the result of that vote was that they were not. It is important to be clear; the board did not dismiss the outstanding balances. Simply put, the allegations as they were brought to the board were found unsubstantiated. It is important to note that all balances are paid in full by all parties involved.

 On the financial questions that were raised, our current bank balance is approximately $275,000. What was deliberately omitted is as follows: 

• We have a Valley-Wide field bill that is paid at the end of Spring totaling $55,000. 
• We have manager rebates that need to be paid at the end of Spring or these ‘credits’ may roll over. If a rebate is requested, this could total $16,000.
• We have umpire invoices that are paid at the end of Spring totaling $3,300.
• We have nominal city field charges still outstanding.

When all bills are settled our actual reserves are approximately $200,000. In a November meeting which Mike Adams was a part of, we established an operating reserve policy to ensure funds can be used for the following: 

• To cover a full season of expenses in the event of an emergency. 
• To have a prudent reserve to make purchases, repairs, and replace necessary equipment.
• To have operating capital to pay monthly bills. 

Every single purchase this league makes requires full board approval. No individual has the authority to spend league funds unilaterally. Every dollar is voted on, documented, and accounted for.

Our Statement of Activity for each season is available upon written request. Our financial records are maintained accurately and are available upon written request in accordance with California Corporations Code Section 6333. Our IRS Form 990 filings are public record and available at ProPublica.org. 

We want to address some questions we hear often.

• Q: Why can't MPB use league money to improve the fields? 
• A: We are not permitted to do this because we do not own these fields. The fields our kids play on are owned and operated by Valley-Wide Recreation District and the City of Menifee. We only lease field time.
• Q: What are registration fees so high? 
• A: The estimated average cost per player ranges from $153 in Filly all the way up to $405 in Colt. This includes field costs for games & practices, uniforms, umpires, awards & pictures among many other things. Historically registration fees have been between $160 (Filly) and $210-250 (all other divisions). We operate with a deficit to keep prices as low as possible. One of the ways we offset this is through fundraising, like The Hit a Thon, Raffle Baskets & Sponsorships. 

Over the past year we made a conscious decision to reinvest in the kids. 

• We replaced every single piece of equipment in this league. Every set of catcher's gear. Every pitching machine. Every Generator. Every mound. Every Baseball. 
• We also partnered with both Liberty and Paloma high school baseball boosters supporting their programs in exchange for coaching clinics and player clinics that benefited our coaches and many of our players. We hope this tradition continues every year. 

Our Board of Directors are made up of people who love this community and are committed to running this league with transparency and accountability. They are coaches, parents, and community members who show up for the kids.

The Fall 2026 sign-ups are opening soon. We understand the reservations you may feel about returning. To mend the divide that has been created, the newly seated Board has voted to allocate some of the reserve funds toward lowering registration fees for this upcoming season. Mandatory sponsorships are being eliminated. Sponsorship participation in the fall season will be completely voluntary going forward. The Board would like to hold a public forum with an opportunity for public comment. 

Tentatively, player assessments are scheduled for August 10th through 12th and our first games of the fall season are expected to begin on September 12th. We will communicate confirmed dates as they are finalized. 

This league was built by dedicated volunteers who gave years of their lives to create something special for this community. We recognize and respect that legacy. The countless hours poured into building Menifee Pony Baseball from the ground up deserves acknowledgment. That will never be lost on us.

This league has given thousands of kids in Menifee a place to learn the game, make friends, compete, and grow. That is worth protecting. That is worth fighting for. And that is exactly what this Board intends to do.

We are grateful for every family that has stood by us during this difficult week, and we look forward to a strong future for Menifee Pony Baseball. 

If you have concerns about conduct, fairness, or league operations there is a formal process to be heard through our Grievance Committee. Reach out to us directly at info@menifeepony.com or through official league channel.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors Menifee Pony Baseball June 2026

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