All,

  Thank you for attending the hittrax tryouts at D-bat in Allentown.  We will be forming our first winter league that will run from 2-15-26/3-15-26. 

·         5-week season- 4 weeks plus a playoff week

·         7 inning games using the hittraxx technology

·         Hit of the machine using real baseballs

·         Games will be played on Sundays

·         Up to 5 primary players per team can batt each week.  You can also add 5 subs.

·         $ 99 per player or $375 per team

·         D-bat Union 702 Union Blvd Allentown PA

·         Register here:  www.dbatunion.com

·         Rosters must be submitted before the start of the season

·         Contact Jason Brown at jbrown@dbatunion.com or stop by

Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL Board of Directors

LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com

347-672-2512

https://msblnational.com/2026-msbl-league-profile-lehigh-valley-mabl-msbl-joe-vallely-league-president/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPbPMhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpSlRLQ2REYUFwZE1uc3Bvc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgjR7aYddo96GoP92KPkzt-FB_o3tMFp29DesGGCqlWtqgeBBRR6yXAcjQ1i_aem_U0bP7j4C74nyvV6RXSUFQA

2026 MSBL League Profile: Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL, Joe Vallely, League President

By Men's Senior Baseball League | January 16, 2026

By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications

We are kicking off our 2026 series of MSBL League Profiles with Joe Vallely, League President of the Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL.  Joe has been a board member since 2020 and assumed the leadership role in 2024. 

We asked Joe to answer a few questions for us, and he was very gracious with his time.  Please enjoy a moment with Joe Vallely and his Lehigh Valley MSBL/MABL, a league that has worn the MSBL banner since 1988.

League name: Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL

Your name: Joe Vallely

What is the history of the league, and how did it start? Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL started in 1988.  The Lehigh Valley chapter of the Men’s Senior Baseball League was founded as a 30-and-older league by Joe and Rhonda Casazza, of Emmaus, who had heard about the Long Island, N.Y.-based National MSBL organization on the radio.

The inaugural LV MSBL season featured six teams that played 16 games each in a Sunday-only league, with games held at the Schererville complex, Fullerton A.A., Ironton, and the Bethlehem Township municipal field.

What age divisions of play are now offered? 18/45/60/65 weekday, hoping to add an over-30.

How many teams are anticipated this year? 28 teams.

When does the league begin play, and when will it finish, including any playoffs? The season starts in the second week of April and should be wrapped up on the 20th of September.  We will be holding our first annual golf outing and awards dinner on October 11th.

When did you personally start playing in the league? I started playing adult men’s baseball in the Bux Mont MSBL in 2013 in their over 45 division.  In 2019, the Lehigh Valley MABL broke away from the national and our prior president, Turk Starniri, stepped in to keep the league afloat.

The New Jersey Bucks were invited back to play in Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL, and we left the Bux Mont MSBL.  In 2019, we were in the over-55 division with some grandfathered players, so teams that came back could stay whole.  I took over managing the Bucks in 2020, when the league added an over-60 division in 2023.  The New Jersey Bucks became a baseball club, putting teams in the newly formed over-50 and over-60 divisions. 

What is your personal baseball playing history? I played Little League until I was 15, I tried out for my high school team, and told my coach I had to leave practice at 6:00 to go to work.  He told me, “Vallely, you can’t work and play baseball.”  I told him, “Well, I have to work.”

At 21, I played industrial league softball and broke my leg in five places in a game, colliding with the left fielder 3 weeks before our playoff started.  We won our championship that year so decisively that I was able to get an at-bat in the game in a leg cast up to my knee.  As I recall, I hit a single and one crutched my way to first base.

From there, I never stepped onto a field until I was 40 years old and began coaching my son.  Well, I got the bug back quickly and was told by two of my coaches that as soon as I turn 45, we want you to play in our men’s league.

Since then, I have been able to manage playing full-time, run youth all-star and travel teams, and run the leagues both my son and daughter played in.   The bond of baseball and softball will forever hold me close to my kids.

Life lessons taught on the field and in the car on the way home, such as how to win with grace and lose with dignity but always compete, have ensured that my wife and I have raised competitive, respectful young adults who can use the skills learned playing the game as they navigate through life.

When did you become president? I became president in 2024, after being vice president in 2023 and a board member since 2020.

Who were your predecessors, and are they still involved in any capacity? Turk Starnri was our previous President and is still the commissioner of baseball for our over-60 and over-65 divisions.   Turk is instrumental in leading the charge in raising funds for our charities with a mindset of keeping it in the community. 

What is your most memorable MSBL moment as a president or a player? Going from a team that won one game in the first three years I played, while still having a blast, to becoming champions on two different occasions.

Seeing the same guys who could not piece together a win, becoming a formidable competitor in the league, including two championships and five championship appearances.  Forming bonds of brotherhood along the way.

What are your biggest challenges in running the league today? The biggest challenge we face today is getting the 30 and over players to form teams and start a division so we can continue to feed our over 45 and over 60.

We are an older, established league with many people playing since the 90’s, and that has always kept our oldest division strong in terms of numbers.  Thanks to Vinnie Eiden, our commissioner of baseball, for the 18/30/45’s we have a very strong over 18 division.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction? Keeping people playing baseball and getting more people playing baseball with limited lift and worrying on their part.  Also, the generosity of our members raises the bar every year on our donation efforts.

What do you see for the league in the future? I see a strong over 65 division, a vibrant 45/60 division, and an over 30 feeder division to keep things growing.

What is the reason for the continued success of the league? We are first and foremost a not-for-profit, so we keep costs down.  Managers arrange their own fields, solicit their own players, and have full control over their franchise.  They have a seat at the table about how the league is run, and our board is made up of players and managers across all divisions.

We do all we can to get people together.  We also have a brotherhood that is bonded by baseball, where, despite all the passion that can happen on the field, we leave the field as brothers in baseball. 

Do you still play in the league? I still play in the league, and I will continue to play until I can’t.  I am in awe of the 20 or so players we have over 70 that still play competitively every weekend, and the 25 or so over 65 guys that do the same.

I will either die in my 80’s, legging out a double at an MSBL tournament with my family cheering me on, or I’ll die dreaming it happened.  Once you get the bug, there is no going back.

What part of running the league do you enjoy most? My favorite part of running the league is playing in the games.  Gathering with my fellow teammates and the opposing team around the pitching mound post-game and joining each other in prayer.

Singing the Star-spangled banner on the foul line with my teammates and adversaries, knowing that whatever happens or happened in the game, we are united in God, and we are united in country, and we are united in family, a baseball family, and by extension our actual families.  It is with that mindset that I try to run the league and approach the problems we encounter, no matter how big or small.

What is the history of your league team’s participation in any MSBL national tournaments? We always have teams participating in Arizona, Las Vegas, and Florida tournaments comprised of players from our league.  We also have many players, past and present, who join up with other teams that play in all the MSBL tournaments.

We have had many successes over the years, and our players represent the best of baseball in the Lehigh Valley.  We are working diligently in 2026 to get our 18’s division to send a team to a tournament and are working on fundraising efforts to help them mitigate the costs.

What would you say are the most important accomplishments in your league? Since 1988, we have raised over $340,000 for charities in the Lehigh Valley.  I’m sure, like me, our players are truly honored and grateful to still be out here playing baseball at our stage of life. 

It’s a privilege to feel the rush, the camaraderie, the competition, and the joy this game brings, and we cherish every moment we get to keep doing what we love, especially in our over 45/60 division, where our continued good health allows us to stay personally connected to the game.

It’s with that in mind that we raise money for The Miracle League of Northampton County, a special baseball park for challenged children and adults, and for Leo’s League Pediatric Cancer fund.

How valuable is your relationship with MSBL? MSBL is a tremendous support for keeping us on track and answering questions that come up along the way, as well as sharing with me how other leagues approach things so we can ensure that we are giving our members the best baseball experience possible.  

What advice would you give to new league presidents? Surround yourself with like-minded people who bring a diversity of opinions, who are doers as well as idea men.  Nothing gets done without the doers, and the world is full of idea men that will ground our progress to a halt if they don’t do.

How important is family support? Family support is everything.  A wife who understands and accepts that the desire to play and compete regardless of outcome, for the primal need for male camaraderie, is one of the deepest, most ancient wiring in the behavior of human males.

Its effect on our social standing and mental health cannot be discounted.  The banter, the ribbing, the sense that we are in this together, being there for each other, celebrating success and tempering loss, the social aspect that extends beyond the field.  It’s even better when the kids and wives show up and watch us play!

Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL- A 501C3 Organization(Administration)

Hall of Fame Criteria for the Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL Adult Men’s Baseball League 2026 

Nominations are accepted on January 1^st of each season until February 28^th of each season. 

Hall of fame committee will review all nominations and finalize inductees by June 30^th of each season.

If 3 suitable nominations are not put forward the Hall of Fame committee reserves the right to award candidates based on their historical knowledge of their contribution to the league. 

Hall of Fame committee for 2026 comprised of:

The league President and Vice President will have the final vote in the event there are multiple candidates worthy of induction.   All induction recommendations that are not selected will carry over for a period of 5 years and which time they would need to be renominated.

 1. Purpose of the Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame should celebrate individuals who have demonstrated excellence, longevity, and positive impact in the league. It should reflect the league’s values, such as sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and community involvement and volunteerism.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To ensure fairness and consistency, established baseline eligibility requirements are:

Minimum Participation: Candidates must have participated in the league or have been active in the community for a minimum number of seasons ( 15 seasons) to demonstrate sustained commitment. They must also be at least 45 years of age.

-Categories of Induction:

Players: For exceptional on-field performance and off-field contributions

 Coaches/Managers: For leadership and team-building contributions and off field contributions.

 Contributors: For administrators, umpires, sponsors, or volunteers who significantly impact on the league.

Good Standing: Candidates must have a record of sportsmanship and adherence to league rules. Exclude individuals with significant disciplinary issues (e.g., suspensions for unsportsmanlike conduct) unless they’ve shown redemption over time.

Minimum time in adult baseball: All players under consideration must have a minimum of 15 years of a combination of playing, coaching and volunteering with the league or any of its prior iterations or affiliations and be at least 45 years old.

3. Selection Criteria

The criteria will balance measurable achievements with subjective contributions to capture both statistical excellence and intangible impact.

A. On-Field Performance (Players)

Statistical Excellence: Recognize players with outstanding career statistics, adjusted for the league’s level of competition. Examples include:

  - Batting: Career batting average above a threshold (e.g., .350+), home runs, RBIs, or stolen bases.

  - Pitching: ERA below a threshold (e.g., 3.50), strikeouts, or wins.

  - Defensive: Notable fielding percentage or standout defensive plays (e.g., Gold Glove-like awards if tracked).

  - Use percentiles (e.g., top 5% in key stats) to account for varying league competitiveness.

-Championship Contributions: Recognize players who led teams to championships or performed exceptionally in playoffs (e.g., MVP awards, clutch performances).

Awards and Recognition: Prioritize players with multiple All-Star selections, MVP awards, or other league honors.

- Longevity and Consistency: Value players who maintained high performance over many seasons (e.g., 15+ years with above-average stats).

-Off field contributions- Volunteering in the community, working with league sponsored charities or charities in general within the boarders of the teams that play in the league.

B. Leadership and Coaching (Coaches/Managers)

Team Success: Coaches with a track record of leading teams to championships, playoff appearances, or consistent winning records.

-Player Development: Evidence of mentoring players, improving team performance, or fostering a positive team culture.

Longevity: Sustained involvement (e.g., 15+ years of coaching) with a positive impact.

C. Off-Field Contributions (Contributors)

League Development: Recognize individuals who significantly grew the league, such as founders, long-term organizers, or those who secured sponsorships or facilities.

Community Impact: Contributions to the league’s community presence, such as organizing charity events, youth clinics, or community outreach.

Volunteerism: Long-term dedication as umpires, sponsors, non-player coaches, especially if unpaid or minimally compensated.

Sustained Impact: Contributions over a significant period (e.g., 15+ years) with measurable outcomes (e.g., increased league membership or improved facilities)

D. Intangible Qualities (All Categories)

Sportsmanship: Exemplary conduct, respect for opponents, and positive representation of the league.

Leadership: Inspiring teammates or peers through actions, attitude, or mentorship.

Legacy: Lasting impact on the league’s culture, reputation, or growth (e.g., a player whose work ethic inspired others or a contributor who saved the league during tough times).

4. Nomination and Selection Process

Nomination: Nominations from players, coaches, and league officials. Request a petition outlining details on the candidate’s contributions and supporting evidence (e.g., stats, testimonials, secondary approval).

Selection Committee: Form a diverse committee (e.g., current/former players, coaches, and league officials) to review nominations. Ensure no conflicts of interest (e.g., committee members cannot vote for themselves).

Voting Process: Use a scoring system based on the criteria (e.g., points for stats, awards, and intangibles). Require a minimum vote threshold (e.g., 75% approval) for induction.

Annual Inductions: Limit inductions to a small number (3 per year) to maintain exclusivity and prestige.

5. Metrics and Weighting Evaluation

To make the process objective, assign weights to different criteria. For example:

-Players: 50% stats, 20% awards, 20% longevity, 10% sportsmanship.

-Coaches: 40% team success, 30% leadership/development, 20% longevity, 10% sportsmanship.

-Contributors: 50% league impact, 30% longevity, 20% community involvement.

6. Special Considerations

Inclusivity: Ensure criteria don’t overly favor one position (e.g., pitchers vs. position players) or one team (e.g., perennial champions). Consider normalizing stats for fairness.

Era Adjustments: Account for changes in league competitiveness over time (e.g., stronger pitching in recent years may lower batting averages).

Special Inductions: Allow rare cases, such as a player with a short but transformative impact (e.g., a star who played 10 seasons but led the league to national recognition (must be over 55).

Memorial Category: Consider a posthumous induction for individuals who made significant contributions but passed away.

7. Recognition and Ceremony

Induction Ceremony: Host an annual event (e.g., during the league championship or banquet) to honor inductees with plaques, speeches, or other tributes.

Permanent Recognition: Create a physical or digital Hall of Fame display (e.g., at the home field or on the league website) with inductee profiles.

 Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL Board of Directors

lehighvalley@mabl.yahoo.com

The 2026 registration system is now open.  All new and returning players must register and digitally sign an updated player waiver and code of conduct.  The player waiver and code of conduct are required to participate in the 2026 Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL season.  If you are returning from last year your prior email and password should get you access to register.  If you are new, you must create a user and password to access the site.

Register here:  2026 Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL Registration - 

Team fees for 2026 will be $820 for standard insurance and $1030 for extended medical.  

We are planning to start an over 30 division for the 2026 season.   If you are interested in starting an over 30 team, please reach out to Vinnie Eiden, our over 30 commissioners, @ zanopr33@yahoo.com.  We would need at least 4 teams to make this happen with the goal of additional growth as time goes on. 

We are also starting a weekday over 65 division.  While it may start as a weekly practice and pick up game, if we get enough players, we will consider making teams and having a normal season.  If you are interested in paying contact Turk Starniri @ estar@rcn.com

The over 48 division is now over 45 division.  There will be no pitching or catching restrictions on players who turn 45 or older in the 2026 calendar year. We have several teams looking for players so if you know someone who wants to join the league share this with them and have them join as a free agent. 

The over 60 division will allow a max of 3 under 60 players per team.  Same restrictions for underage are in place for 2026.  We are also instituting a max roster of 20 players that will take effect in 2027.

BUA fees will be $90 per umpire in 2026 with no change from 2025 but will increase to $95 in 2027

If you owe money to any team you played for last year or fail to turn in a team-owned uniform, you must settle with your old team before joining a new team. 

We have scheduled the first annual Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL golf outing that is scheduled for Sunday October 11th at Green Pond Country Club.  After the gold outing there will be an awards banquet for the players for the 2026 season.  More info to come.  

The 2026 Allstar game is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of August 1st and 2nd.  This is our big fundraiser for our charities, and we need to beat the generosity you shared last year when we raised $12,000.00.  We are also exploring a stickball tournament that weekend to raise money for our teams that play in MSBL Tournament ball in the fall and winter.  More info to come!!!

We anticipate the season will start the week of April 12th for the 18 division, April 19th for the 45 division and 4-26 for the 60 division.  The end of the season will be dependent on the number of teams, but the goal would be to be done the weekend after Labor Day in all divisions.  Mother’s Day and Easter will be blacked out as no play days and the All-Star Charity weekend.  

Managers also take note: Any sponsorship you procure to help support your team financially of $250 or more is intitled to being added to our website sponsorship page and will be added to our sponsor banner rotation and can send 2 emails during the season from the sponsor promoting their business to our members.  We also do a Facebook post welcoming them to the league that highlights their business.  You can put your sponsor in contact with Joe Vallely ajvallely@comcast.net to arrange being added to the sites.

 Finally, like and join us on Facebook.  Every player who joins Facebook and who takes time to like or comment on our posts extends our reach. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553863315031

Please direct inquires for new teams in the over 18/48/60(58) divisions to LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com and we will put you in touch with the commissioner of the appropriate division. 

Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL

Board of Directors

LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com

We would like to welcome the Pagoda City Phantoms to the over 18 division of the Lehigh Valley Msbl Mabl

   Members of the Lehigh Valley Msbl Mabl recently participated in the MSBL Father/Son (Daughter) World Series in Tempe Arizonia.   

Bottom left- Turk, Wyatt Landis, Brian Landis, Don Hutchens, Bridgett Crimi. Tom Crimi, Bruce (knock em back) Howell

Top left- Ed Bartholomew, Matt Horne, Rob Horne, Garrett Heft, Gary Heft, Ben Hutchens, Skyler Heft, Gordie Heft, Billy K, Cody Bartholomew, Bill K, Tyler K & Christian Guzman. Not pictured: Ryan Howell, Albert Guzman

All, 

During our most recent board meeting we voted to update our board structure for 2026.  Greg “doc” Stokes will step into the role of league Vice president.  Vinnie Eiden will assume the new role of Commissioner of baseball for all divisions except the 60 and over division. 

I want to thank all the board members for their efforts over the last year, and I look forward to working together in 2026 to grow our league with new divisions and teams.  I would ask all of you to be good representatives of our league and talk us up with people you interact with looking to get back into baseball or talking to people from other leagues who are looking to make a change. 

Some exciting things we hope to get off the ground in the coming year are:

New over 28 division (age subject to change) to bridge the gap between the 18’s and the 48’s.

New weekday over 65 division (age subject to change) to give some of our competitive older players some additional playing time/an alternative to the over 60 division. 

Potential new cage baseball league to help supplement winter training

We will work with the BUA to address your concerns about the drop dead rule. 

Develop a plan for a more formal end of year party where we can all get together when the season ends

Feel free to email any other items of concern to ajvallely@comcast.net

Joe Vallely

President/CIO

Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL

ajvallely@comcast.net

LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com

Congratulations to the 2025 60 Division Champions, the Old Prospects! The Old Prospects are the over 60 champions for 2 years in a row by defending their title vs the NJ Bucks, winning their best of three series 6-3 and 11-7!

Back-to-back champions and their 3rd championship in 5 years.

   Members of the Moondogs and Bucks gather for a post-game prayer.

It's always a blessing when the four can intersect and we all leave the field healthy and ready to serve!

The Lehigh Valley Hurricanes (18-0-1) completed an undefeated 2025 season on Saturday. The Canes swept the Limeport Milkmen (14-4-1)  with scores of 7-3 in Game 1 and 5-2 in Game 2 at Limeport Stadium.

The Hurricanes repeated as division champs of the Lehigh Valley MSBL 48+ Division and claimed their tenth LV MSBL playoff title in 11 seasons played in this league since 2008 in various divisions.

This franchise also won an MSBL World Series National Championship in Arizona in 2016.

After the Canes had their worst start to a season in franchise history at 2-4 during the 2024 season, we have rebounded to go 32-1-2 in our last 35 games, including 28 straight regular-season wins while earning the back-to-back titles.

The Hurricanes' title-clincher on Saturday was their 250^th franchise win. The Canes have won playoff championships in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2024, and 2025 to go along with a 2016 MSBL World Series tournament championship win in the 45+ Division.

Next stop: Arizona in late October for the 55+ MSBL World Series national tourney.

The mission of the Miracle League of Northampton County is to create a positive experience for those with intellectual and physical disabilities and their families through baseball. 

Can you picture a moment when a child in a wheelchair rises at home plate, grabs a bat, hits a ball, and walks to first base playing baseball for their very first time? This vision is the heart of the Miracle League of Northampton County at Easton Rotary Field.

Inspiration, courage, and just having fun are the hallmarks of what occurs at every game in the spring and fall seasons for the athletes that play baseball on the Easton Rotary Field, located at the Charles Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township.

In 1997, Rockdale Youth Baseball Association’s coach Eddie Bagwell invited the first child with a disability to play baseball on his team; Michael a 7 year old child in a wheelchair attended every game and practice, while cheering on his 5 year old brother play America’s favorite pass-time. And in 1998, other children with disabilities were invited to play baseball on a typical baseball field within the baseball complex of the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association (RYBA). The players had expressed the desire to dress in uniforms, make plays in the field, and round the bases just like their mainstream peers. The league began with 35 players on four teams that first year.

On 9-27-25 at 12pm The Lehigh Valley Mabl/MSbl will be presenting the Miricle League of Northampton County with a check for $5042.00 resulting from our funding raising efforts from the 2025 All-Star event.

We are encouraging all members of the league to stop by and watch a game on 9-27-25.  You will be able to see firsthand how your donation helps the community we live in and serve and brings a smile to the face of the players and families that participate in the game we all love.   We would like to ask that you come in your team uniform shirt. 

There are 3 games scheduled for that day at 10am, 11am and 12pm,  with the checks being presented at 12pm. 

You can volunteer for future games by registering here: Miracle League of Northampton County: Buddies

Join us at 4100 Green Pod Road Palmer PA 18045

info@miracleleagueofnc.org

Lehigh Valley Board of Directors

LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com

***********************************************************************************

18's

Kids beat the Thunder in 3 games 6-8/15-6/9-0

Orioles beat the Moondogs in 3 games 14-2/0-7/15-3

Kids and Orioles will meet in the championship with Orioles having home field advantage

48's

Milkmen beat the Braves 9-4

Giants beat the Bucks 2-1

Hurricanes beat the Starz 13-2

Cyclones beat the Renegades 6-0

Milkmen beat the Giants 9-6 

Hurricanes beat the Cyclones 10-2

Hurricanes will have home field advantage in the Championship vs the Milkmen

60's

Round one starts Saturday 9-13

Dodgers will host the Kingsmen

Moondog's will host the Red's

Winners will play the Bucks and Prospects on Sunday 9-14

MABL/MSBL Players and Families,

Thanks to your generosity our annual All Star weekend charity fundraiser was a huge success.  Through you, the league raised $12333.00 all earmarked to go directly to the charities of your choice. 

You chose to gift the Miracle league of Northampton County $5042.00 dollars, Leo’s League Pedeatric Cancer Fund $4440. Dollars and The Tunnel to Towers Foundation $2851 dollars.  Thank you again for your generosity.

Additionally, we raised $1078.00 dollars from the home run derby and the basket raffles that will be used to fund our end of year party on 9-20-25.  We will be sending more information on the end of year party in the coming days.    

I’m sure like me, many of you are truly honored and grateful to still be out here playing baseball at our stage of life. It’s a privilege to feel the rush, the camaraderie, the competition, and the joy this game brings, and we cherish every moment we get to keep doing what we love, especially in our over 48/60 division where our continued good health allows us to stay personally connected to the game.

It is truly inspiring to see players who have battled serious illness or injury get back on the field and play. It’s inspiring to see many of the guys who were in their 40’s and 50’s when I joined the league now be in their 60’s and 70’s and still come out every week and compete. 

 It’s that spirit of gratefulness that we ask you to donate to our worthy causes annually.  Your donations help organizations that help people achieve that feeling who might otherwise never be able to, it’s in that spirit that we help organizations who help people who may unfortunately never have or never again have that feeling because of their circumstances. 

At the Allstar weekend we also honored our 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.

 Congratulations to John Bisco, Mickey Corpora, Rick McGeehan and Steve Compton on your induction.  

I wish you all continued success as the season winds down and I hope that the weather works in our favor the rest of the way. On behalf of the board, I want to personally thank all of you who donated and wish to encourage those who did not to consider us next year when we start raising funds for the 2026 All Star weekend as your peer set a high bar for 2026!

I also want to acknowledge the Hard work of Vinnie and Nicole Eiden as well as Dylan McDevitt who all worked behind the scenes to make the All-Star event the success that it was. 

We had a photographer on site for the 2025 All Star game and the link to all the action shots that were taken can be found here. https://christmascitystudio.smugmug.com/Other/MABL-Lehigh-Valley if you played or participated you may find yourself in a shot, hopefully one worth downloading as a keepsake. 

Good luck the rest of the way, I hope to see you at the end of season picnic.

Sincerely,

Joe Vallely

President/CIO Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL

347-672-2512

ajvallely@comcast.net

Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL - (Northampton, PA) - powered by LeagueLineup.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553863315031

LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com

Join us on 7-19-25 at Emerald Park to celebrate their induction. 

John Bisco

Mickey Corpora

Rick McGeehan

Steve Compton 

 New Hall of Fame inductees and presenters: presenter Dodger Bob Thomas HOF 2012, new inductees John Bisco and Steve Compton, HOF Chairman Turk Starniri, presenter, Dennis Hock HOF 2010, inductees, Mick Corpora and Rick McGeehan, presenter, Jim McRoberts, HOF 2024.  Members of the over 60 2025 All Star teams 

A Whole New Ballgame | The Saturday Evening Post

Great article on how the MABL/MSBL was formed 

See link to MSBL Article.  If you have a story you would like to share get it to me at ajvallely@comcast.net

Submitted by Jim Reagle, Orioles manager

Lehigh Valley MABL (18+ Division) In a commanding performance, Adam Maini led Volpe’s Orioles to an 8-1 win over the Juggernauts, showcasing excellence both on the mound and at the plate.

Maini threw a two-hitter, striking out an astounding 20 batters, in a masterclass display of pitching dominance. His control, velocity, and command kept the Juggernauts off balance all game.

He also contributed offensively, going 2-for-3 at the plate, helping fuel the Orioles’ run support and rounding out a near-perfect outing.

With this performance, Maini further cements his reputation as one of the top dual threats in the Lehigh Valley MABL.

https://msblnational.com/2025-msbl-mabl-player-of-the-week-adam-maini-lehigh-valley-mabl/

ALL STAR GAME AND CHARITY DONATION COLLECTION

 Save the date:  Our 2025 all-star game for all age groups will be played on Saturday     7-19-25 at Emerald Park – 7748 Penn Street, Slatington PA  18080 more info here: Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL - (Northampton, PA) - powered by LeagueLineup.com There will be an open concession stand, two homerun derbies and a basket raffle.   All players and families are encouraged to attend even if you're not selected to represent your team at the game.  

 The primary reason for our all-star weekend is to raise money for our sponsored charities.  We have a goal of raising $10,000. for our charities this year via your generosity.  We know you have choices about where to put your money and humbly request you consider helping us to help: The Miracle league of Northampton County, Leo’s League Pediatric Cancer fund and the Tunnels to Towers foundation.  100% of your donations will go directly to these charities.

 Your managers will be collecting donations, and you can bring your donation directly to the event.  You may make a check out directly to the organization you want your money to go or you can make it out to the league, and we will distribute funds raised evenly over the three organizations.   

Turn your checks into you managers as you can or bring it to the all-star weekend or mail it to Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL 4921 Indian Trail Road Northampton PA 18067

The Miracle League of Northampton County- https://miracleleagueofnc.org/

Leo’s League Pediatric Cancer Fund- https://www.leosleague.org/

Tunnel to Towers foundation- https://t2t.org/

Managers a donation collection chart will be mailed to you in a separate email.  Please start to talk this up with your players!

Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL Board of Directors

LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com

To:          All Lehigh Valley MSBL/MABL Team Managers

From:   Steve Sigler

Hope your Holiday Season went well!

Please find attached our 2025 National Tournament Calendar.

If you are interested in entering a team, please complete the information below and reply to this email.  We will then send you the appropriate team package.

Thank you and wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Team Name:

Age Group:

Manager Name:

Manager Cell:

The 2025 registration system is now open.  All new and returning players must register and digitally sign an updated player waiver and code of conduct.  The player waiver and code of conduct are required to participate in the 2025 Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL season.  If you are returning from last year your prior email and password should get you access to register.  If you are new, you must create a user and password to access the site.

Register here: https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=lehighvalleymablmsbl

Team fees for 2025 will be $815 for standard insurance and $1029 for extended medical.  The league will also be ordering every team 1 dozen practice balls from our remaining available funds from 2024.

We are planning to start an over 38 division for the 2025 season.   If you are interested in starting an over 38 team please reach out to Joe Sedler, our over 38 commissioner, at zstickbaseball@yahoo.com.  We would need at least 4 teams to make this happen with the goal of additional growth as time goes on. 

The over 50 division is now an over 48 division.  There will be no pitching or catching restrictions on players who turn 48 or older in the 2025 calendar year.

The over 60 division will be voting on changing over to an over 58 division.  If agreed there will be no restrictions on players who turn 58 and older in the 2025 calendar year. 

We will also be renegotiating the BUA umpire contract this year as our current contract is expired.  We anticipate a small increase in fees, currently $85/$75 and feel based on shopping other programs that we still have one of the fairest deals in adult sports officiating.

If you owe money to any team you played for last year or failed to turn in a team-owned uniform, you must settle up with your old team before joining a new team. 

We anticipate the season will start the week of April 5^th/6^th.  The end of the season will be dependent on the number of teams, but the goal would be to be done the weekend after Labor Day in all divisions.  Mother’s Day and Easter will be blacked out as no play days and the All-Star Charity weekend will be scheduled for the 19^th of July.  You raised and we donated over 8k last year and with your generosity we are looking to top that amount in 2025.

We are also toying with the idea of a Memorial Day weekend tournament but have not decided on the age groups. Will share more info as this evolves. 

Managers also take note: Any sponsorship you procure to help support your team financially of $250 or more is intitled to being added to our website sponsorship page, and will be added to our sponsor banner rotation and can send 2 emails during the season from the sponsor promoting their business to our members.  We also do a Facebook post welcoming them to the league that highlights their business.  You can put your sponsor in contact with Joe Vallely ajvallely@comcast.net to arrange being added to the sites.

 Finally, like and join us on Facebook.  Every player who joins Facebook and who takes time to like or comment on our posts extends our reach. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553863315031

Please direct inquires for new teams in the over 18/48/60(58) divisions to LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com and we will put you in touch with the commissioner of the appropriate division. 

Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL

Board of Directors

The 2024 board of directors met on 12-2-24 and voted in the 2025 board of directors.  Details below.

The board also voted to start a new over 38 division (pending adequate interest).  More info to come info to follow in the coming weeks.  Division Directors will be scheduling manager meetings to review the prior season, rules and other items in the coming week. 

The next board meeting will be held on 1-27-25 at the Keystone pub.  The main purpose of that meeting is to set up final team costs for the 2025 season.  The public portion of that meeting will run from 630-7pm for any member(non-board)  who wishes to voice a concern. 

The registration site for 2025 will be set up by 12-31-24 for players to register for the 2025 season. 

Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL(Administration)

Sincerely

Lehigh Valley Board of Directors

LehighvalleyMabl@yahoo.com

347-672-2512

The Lehigh Valley Prospects competed in the 70+ Cactus division in the MSBL World Series in Arizonia.  Most of the team consisted of players from the Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL . 

The Prospects finished in second place overall, losing in the finals 12-4 to the Red Deer Legends.  The Prospects were 4-1 in their bracket finishing as the third seed and 6-2 overall.

The Prospects won two playoff games to get to the finals, behind strong pitching from Barry Peterman, good defense, and hitting up and down the lineup beating the Colorado Stars 16-2 and the Cal Bears 12-1.

The Lehigh Valley Hurricanes of the Lehigh Valley Msbl Mabl finished second (7-2) in the 37th annual, 2024 MSBL World Series Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona in the 55+ Cactus Division last week.

The Canes finished 5-1 in pool play to earn the #3 seed as they earned a bye into the quarterfinals. They defeated the Chicago MAXX Cubs 15-6 and followed up that win with a 10-8 win over the unbeaten and second-seeded Milwaukee Rangers in the semifinals. However, the despite jumping out to a 5-1 lead in the finals, the Hurricanes were worn down by the unbeaten Nor Cal Cubs and lost 10-5 to finish the tourney.

Mike Cole (.429), Gordie Heft (.318 with 10 runs scored), Mike Mattes (.417 with 2 saves and a 0.00 ERA) and Matt Rowlands (.391, 9 runs scored) from the 50+ Giants in the 50+ Division of the Lehigh Valley MSBL, all played well for the Canes in this tourney. Steve Ritter (.542, 7 runs scored) and Marty Miles (complete-game win) from the 50+ Braves and Al Martinez (.583, 8 runs scored) of the 50+ Cyclones also contributed for the Canes. Also, Steve Alemi (.500, 7 RBI, 1 win and 2 saves), Mike Drago (2 wins), Matt Hanson (.423, 14 RBI) and Chris Kross (.375, 11 runs scored, 6 RBI) from the local 50+ Hurricanes also played well.

The Hurricanes finished 5-3 in the 2023 World Series (55+ Cactus), losing in heartbreaking fashion in a walk-off loss, 4-3 to the Rochester Redwings as the #5 seed in the playoffs. The Canes finished 12-5 over the last two World Series tourneys, outscoring their opponents 202-101.

The Canes won the first MSBL World Series tourney they entered in 2016 in the 45+ Cactus Division, finishing 8-1. The Canes are 26-13 in the five World Series tournaments they have played in (2016 through 2018, 2023-24). They have outscored their opponents 425-277 and have a team batting average of .387 during those 5 trips.

The Hurricanes are planning to return to the 2025 World Series in the same division from October 25 through October 30.

On 10-5-24 members of the Lehigh Valley Msbl Mabl and their family members presented the funds raised by our players from our annual All-Star fund-raising event back in July to the Miricale League of Northampton County, The Pediatric Cancer Center of the Lehigh Valley and Leo's League PCF.

Photos are:

Board Member Dick Prue with Miracle League Board Member, B.J. Metz.

Board Member Joe Ponak with Donna Teklits of Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley

Greyson Eiden (son of Board Members Vinnie and Nicole Eiden) with Leo and brother Egan and Father Dan Kushnir of Leo's League.

Former League President Turk Starniri saying a few words before the presenting of the checks.

This year's donations bring the total raised over the years to in excess of $300,000 to the charities above as well as prior recipients such as: Dream Come True, Camelot for Children, IOTA, Allentown Boys and Girls Club, The Children's Home.

Thank you to our members for their continued generosity and their unwavering commitment to give back to the communities we live and play.

All Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL Members,

On Saturday, Oct 5th at the Miracle League field in Palmer Twsp. at 12 noon, checks will be presented to Dan McKinney and Amanda Secrest of the Miracle League of Northampton  County, Tracy Stauffer of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, and the family and friends of  Leo Kushnir representing Leo's League.

These worthy local charities have benefited from your efforts and generosity during our Diamond Dreams Charity All-star Weekend in July.

You are all encouraged to attend the ceremony. No other athletic organization can equal what we do and you are to be congratulated and honored.

Respectfully,

Turk Starniri

President, Lehigh Valley MA/MSBL

Congratulations to the 2024 60+ league champions Old Prospects. 

The Old Prospects beat the NJ Bucks in two games in the best of three series 12-2 and 19-5. 

The Hurricanes played the previously unbeaten, Limeport Milkmen, defending champions and owners of a 19-0-1 record coming into Sunday's action.   The Milkmen won 18-4 on Saturday with a hitting onslaught in Game 1 of the best-of-3 finals.

Despite falling behind 3-0 in Game 2 and 5-0 in Game 3 the resilient Hurricanes came back in both games to upset the Milkman 11-3 in Game 2 and 8-5 in extra innings in Game 3 to win the title at Limeport Stadium...

Manager Steve Smull would like to thank all the Milkmen players for a great series as they are an incredibly classy team and despite a tough day Sunday, they had an awesome season with a record of 19-2-1...

The Hurricanes finished 16-5-1 and posted their 9th LV MSBL playoff championship (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2024) to go along with a 2016 MSBL World Series tournament championship win in 2016 in the 45+ Division...

Next stop for the Hurricanes: Arizona in late October for the 55+ MSBL World Series tourney...

The 2024 18+ League Champions Volpes Orioles. 

The Orioles defeated the defending champion Thundersox in two games in the best of three series.  12-10 and 12-0

Volpes Orioles won league championships in 2019,2021 and 2024

Volpes Orioles were divsion Champions in 2022, 2023 and 2024

    http://www.facebook.com/cattycornernazareth/

394 N Broad St extension, Nazareth, PA, United States, Pennsylvania

(610) 365-2444

 

   

 

 

Congratulations to the Hall of Fame Class of 2024!

Left to Right: 

Steve Ritter

Nick Pugliese

Bill Currie

Jim Mc Roberts  

Teammates left to right: 

Andy Miller

Marty Miles

Don Buskirk 

Jeff White

Kevin Russo

Bruce Alpaugh

Randy Fleck

The Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL held its annual Allstar Charity event on 7-13-24 at Bryfogle Park in Walnutport PA.  The main purpose of the annual Allstar Charity event is to raise money for the league’s designated charities.

  Due to the kindness of our membership, we raised over $8000 and counting for” The Mircale League of Northampton County”, “Leo’s League Pediatric Cancer Fund” and “Lehigh Valley The Pediatric Cancer Fund”. 

Miracle League of Northampton County PA - Youth Baseball Field (miracleleagueofnc.org)

Leo's League Pediatric Cancer Fund (leosleague.org)

Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (pcflv.org)

The day included Allstar games for each of the divisions the league operates.   The first pitch was thrown out by 4-year-old Leo Kushnir, of Leo’s League. 

The Over 60 division Allstar Game was won by the American division 9-6 over the National division

The over 50 division All Star game was won by the American division 14-4 over the National division

The over 18 division All Star game was won by the National Division 6-3 over the American Division

The over 50/60 home run derby was won by Joe Vallely of the 60 Moondogs and the 50 Bucks

The over 18 home run derby was won by Art Hirch of the Thunder/Blacksox’s

We also inducted 4 players into our Lehigh Valley Hall of Fame:

Nick Pugliese of the 60 Moondogs

Steve Ritter of the 50 Braves

Bill Currie of the 60 Bucks

Jim McRoberts of the 60’s Old Prospects

The Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL board of directors would like to that all of those who donated, participated and gave their time to make the day a success including the BUA for providing umpires for the day's events.  You can still donate here: Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL - (Northampton, PA) - powered by LeagueLineup.com

For more information on playing in the Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL go here: Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL - (Northampton, PA) - powered by LeagueLineup.com

18 National 

18 American

50's Both Dvisions

    60s both divisions

See full article here:

MSBL League Profile: Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL, Turk Starniri, League President - Men's Senior Baseball league (msblnational.com)

Lehigh Valley is looking to put a team in the Arizona MSBL Father Son Tournament in Tempe Arizona the week of October 24-27. If you are interested in participating, please email Turk Starniri, President Lehigh Valley Men's Senior League Baseball of Easton Pa estar@rcn.com

You are invited  to participate in the 2nd Annual Miracle League of Northampton County Golf Tournament.  Thanks to many of you, their first tournament was a huge success and allows them to continue to provide Miracle League Baseball to over 200 special needs players and their families.  This year's event will be held at Green Pond Country Club on May 20, 2024.  The event registration and light breakfast will start at 9:00 A.M.  The four man scramble will start at 10:00 A.M. with lunch and dinner to follow.  Please click on the link below to register and/or sponsor this year's event.

https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/2nd-annual-miracle-league-of-northampton-county-golf-tournament

Thank you for your continued support and we will see you on May 20, 2024!!!

Lehigh Valley Mabl Msbl Board of Directors

Z Stick makes quaility baseball bats right here in the Lehigh Valley-   https://www.zstick.club/

Over 18 Commissioner Vinnie Eiden and Treasurer Nicole Eiden present the Miracle League of Northampton County a Check for $2000.  These funds are raised and donated by our players.  If you have never seen a Miracle league game, I suggest you make the time to do it.  Once you do, you will want to donate your time and money. 

Miracle League of Northampton County PA - Youth Baseball Field (miracleleagueofnc.org)

• 4100 Green Pond Road
  Palmer, PA 18045
  Get Directions
• Call Us
  (610) 252-1505
• Email Us
  info@miracleleagueofnc.org

A great cause worthy of our support!

https://www.facebook.com/lswarriorsteam

The 55+ tournament was played from October 21 through 26 in Arizona. The team had representation from 17 current Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL players. 2023 represented their 4th trip to Arizona. They finished their 2023 tournament with a 5-3 record .

The same team also pictured below attended and won the 45+ world series in 2016 going 8-1. Well done gentlemen!

CHAMPS!

The objective of the Lehigh Valley MABL MSBL shall be to implant firmly in the adults of our community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, respect for authority and charity in a competitive environment across tiered age groups. The tiered age groups will be adjusted annually based on the available and potential playing membership currently over 18, over 38, over 48 and over 60.

To achieve this objective, we will provide an open program across several age divisions where adult participants can place themselves, based on age and skill set, in the appropriate division of play. We shall operate exclusively as a non-profit organization and no part of the net earnings will benefit any private individual.

The league will strive to work directly with charity organizations of the boards choosing that promote the love of baseball and further the game of baseball in the communities we serve. We welcome teams and players living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to form your own team or join one of our existing teams. Our season typically runs from April through September and includes both regular season games as well as a full playoff schedule. We serve the geographic areas of Warren and Hunterdon County New Jersey as well as Pike, Monroe, Carbon, North Hampton, Lehigh and Bucks counties in Pennsylvania. 

Thanks to your donations the the league raised $4000 for our 2023 sponsored charities the Miricle League of North Hampton County and  Lehigh Valley Pediatric Cancer Center  

NJ Bucks teammates stand with their teammate, Andy Miller. Read about the DRM Foundation started by Andy and his family below.

The DRM Foundation was created in honor and memory of Drew R. Miller, son, brother, and friend to many.
Drew was tragically lost to suicide on November 29th, 2021 while working as a Private Equity Associate in New York City.
While suicide is a leading cause of death among young adults, there are few systems or resources in place to help foster mental health and wellness for incoming and current young professionals.
The DRM Foundation works to tackle this issue by partnering with universities and institutions to organize events that educate future and current young professionals on how to better manage their mental wellbeing.
Through creating a clearer dialogue within high-stress industries and by emphasizing the importance of mental health in the workplace, DRM is working to create meaningful change.
If you're interested in learning more, please visit our website or contact us at info@drmf.org.