About Beth
Beth Barnes is a lifelong Marshalltown resident and one of the longest serving members of the Marshalltown Softball Association Board of Directors. She currently serves as Treasurer and has been involved in Marshalltown softball for nearly her entire life, first taking the field as a player in 1978 and later joining the board in the early 1990s. Her decades of dedication have made her one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the local softball community.
A lifetime of softball memories
Throughout her softball journey, Beth has witnessed some of the most successful years in Marshalltown softball history. She fondly remembers an era when more than 40 women's teams competed locally and nearly every business in town sponsored a team. She also had the opportunity to compete in Women's State Tournaments during a time when teams had to earn their way through district tournament play before advancing.
A family tradition
Softball has always been a family affair for Beth. Her parents, Maxine and Frank Tichy, sponsored her first team, Marshall Concrete, beginning in 1978 and continued supporting local softball for more than 20 years. Her brother, Nic Mancieri, played for the Automatic Coin team, while her brother, Robert Mancieri, served as an umpire. Her mother became one of the complex's most dedicated supporters, spending countless summer nights at the ballpark and making the softball complex her second home.
Keeping players in the game
Now retired, Beth remains actively involved in the game she loves. She currently plays and manages the Paul Farms women's softball team, a team that includes players ranging from 17 to 65 years old, including mothers and daughters playing together. She takes pride in introducing new players to the game and is always looking for opportunities to grow participation and keep the tradition of softball alive in Marshalltown.
Carrying on a legacy
Beth credits longtime Marshalltown softball leader Joe Cordt with encouraging her to join the MSA Board of Directors. Following Joe's passing in 2023, she became even more committed to carrying on his legacy by doing what is best for the softball community and helping ensure the association continues to thrive.
Growing the game for the future
Looking toward the future, Beth hopes to see continued growth across all MSA leagues. Her goal is to rebuild participation and bring league numbers closer to the levels Marshalltown once enjoyed. Through her passion, leadership, and decades of service, Beth continues to play a vital role in preserving and strengthening the tradition of softball in Marshalltown for future generations.