2017 MSBL World Series Hall of Fame Inductee: Dennis Gawronski

Team New Era is a world class participant at the MSBL World Series year after year. This New York contingent continues to go up the ladder of age divisions as the players move up in years while they keep excelling. One of the constants to their success is Dennis Gawronski. He has played in 12 World Series under the New Era banner, winning back to back titles in 2009 and 2010. For Dennis’ dedication and winning pedigree, MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has inducted Dennis into the 2017 class of the MSBL World Series Hall of Fame.

“October is a special time for me at the World Series,” said Gawronski. “I play for New Era, the Rochester Red Wings and the ProBat Yankees in the Father/Son division.” Yes, his dance card is full.

Dennis is a plant manager for Stericycle and lives in Fredonia, New York with his wife Amy Laura. They have two children, Elizabeth (25) and Adam (23). His MSBL career began back in 1997. “I started playing in the Chautauqua MSBL in New York and now also play in the Buffalo MSBL,” explained Dennis. “I play the outfield and pitch in a 25, 35 and 45 and over league. I also try to get to the Fall Classic in Florida as often as I can. We won it in 2014!”

Is there a highlight from your 12 years of playing in the World Series? “That’s an easy one. In 2009 I threw a complete game in the Semi-Finals to win 1-0 and then came back in the finals to get last seven outs for our first World Series title. I’ll never forget that and it will be hard to top.”

Gawronski added, “Steve Pantano and Jimmy Noto introduced me to the MSBL and without them I would not have had the chance to experience all that MSBL has to offer. I would also like to thank Ralph Proulx for giving me the chance to play in the Buffalo MSBL and on his tournament teams. Over these past eleven years Ralph has been a consistent and important source of encouragement and support for not only myself but also every team member who has played for him. I also have to add to the list of supporters my wife and children for all of their love and encouragement through all these years of playing ball!”

You can find Dennis on the bump at this year’s World Series or maybe roaming the outfield for Team New Era. He knows that his baseball journey to this point wasn’t achieved as a solo act.

“I would like to personally thank the MSBL for the opportunity to play the game I loved since I was a little boy well into my adult years. Since I started going to the World Series in Arizona, I make it a point to tell everyone that I play with and against that they need to take the trip. It is an amazing experience.

It is a special honor to receive this award. I know this award is for individual accomplishments but that would not have been possible without the support of all the incredible teammates I played with throughout the years. Thank You.”