2013 MSBL Honor Roll Inductee: Chuck Mally, LaGrange, (IL) Men’s Adult Baseball League
Chuck Mally began his MSBL career in 1996 as a 56 year old rookie in the LaGrange Men’s Adult Baseball League based in Illinois. Chuck retired in 2008 from active ball playing at the young age of 68 but stays close to the game. MSBL president and founder Steve Sigler has chosen Chuck to become a member of the 2013 class of the MSBL Honor Roll and be recognized for his contribution and passion for the game. As current player David Sopczynski from the LaGrange Whooligans so aptly stated, “This is long overdue. We appreciate everything Chuck does for us and he makes it so easy for us to play in this league. Everything is always so organized and it is thanks to Chuck. Congrats on the award. He truly deserves it!!!”
By Steve LaMontia, Executive Regional Director
Biographical Information:
Your name: Chuck Mally
City or town of residence: Countryside, IL
League name: LaGrange Men’s Adult Baseball League
Town where league is based: LaGrange, IL
Where did you grow up: Brookfield, IL
High school and college, if applicable:Riverside-Brookfield, Lyons Township Junior College
What do you do for a living: Retired Chemist from Ingredion, Incorporated
Family information: Married 44 years Karen Mally, two sons played baseball at Rockford College and Golf at North Central College both in IL.
General Questions:
Describe your baseball resume: (list levels played, any major accomplishments, etc.) Played High School 1954-1958 and Jr. College 1959-60. Then played in the LaGrange over 30 league back in the late 1980s. Started the current league back in 1996 and played part time until 2008.
Also am still involved with Babe Ruth Baseball since 1985 and currently as Northern IL State Commissioner since 2008.
What is your greatest baseball moment, either watching or playing: In HS throwing a 1-hitter against a great Lyons Township Team. Then a no-hitter in Jr College against the Elgin Jr College team.
When did you start playing for MSBL and how did you hear about it: When my son needed a close-by league we started this up in 1996.
Do you still play: Stopped at the age of 68 in 2008.
What is the best thing about your league:It gives local men the opportunity to keep their love of the game active.
What is the funniest thing you have ever witnessed on a ball field: An umpire in dark clothes trying to do a game with his pants ripped. Of course white underwear! All I remember is his name was John!
Questions just for fun:
Who is your favorite player of all time and why: Ernie Banks for his ability and attitude.
Who is the best player in the majors right now: Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera.
Who is the greatest pitcher of all time and why: Nolan Ryan!
Are there any additional personal comments you wish to add about your playing or life thus far: Without baseball, life would be rather dull. I simply love the game!
Are there any comments about MSBL you wish to share: The organization gives our local guys the opportunity to play a fairly competitive game while understanding it’s the thrill and enjoyment of the game that counts.