2013 MSBL Honor Roll Inductee: Homa Shafii, Monterey (CA) Adult Baseball League
Homa Shafii was born in Iran and has worked herself up to commissioner of the Monterey Men’s 18+ Adult Baseball League within the MSBL umbrella.A firefighter by profession, she is a catcher by choice. Homa has an exceptional softball and baseball resume to go along with her MSBL commissioner duties. MSBL president and founder Steve Sigler has cited Homa for her hard work and dedication by honoring her as the newest member of the MSBL Honor Roll class of 2013.Homa was kind enough to share parts of her journey with us.
By Steve LaMontia, Executive Regional Director
Your Name: Homa Shafii
City or town of residence: Monterey, CA
League name: Monterey Men’s 18+ Adult Baseball League
Town where league is based: Monterey, CA
Where did you grow up: Iran Tehran and Santa Clara, CA
High school and college, if applicable:Santa Clara High School and California State University Monterey Bay
What do you do for a living:Firefighter
Family information: Daughter of Ahmad and Mitra, sister of Farah and Elizabeth and Aunt of two little munchkins, Tala and Hanna.
General Questions
Describe your baseball resume: Played high school at SCHS from 1999-2003. Played at West Valley College being ranked number one in the state of California with a record of 48-2. Finished my degree at California State University Monterey Bay. Earned player of the week opening week in CCAA conference. First team All-Conference player, All-Championship team, All-Region player and Female Athlete of the Year. Will be trying out for the Women’s USA Baseball Team in June 2014.
What is your greatest baseball moment, either watching or playing: Hitting a three-run jack against the number one pitcher in the nation my senior year at CSUMB to eliminate their team from the conference championships.
When did you start playing for MSBL and how did you hear about it: In 2008 after I was done with my college softball career but I wasn’t done playing ball. I decided to try out for the Monterey MSBL 18+ League and was picked up by the Stars.The next year I decided to manage my own team, the Monterey Legends. After two years as manager I became commissioner.
Do you still play: Yes, I still play for my team the Monterey Legends and will till I can’t pick up the ball any longer!
What is the best thing about your league: Gives an opportunity for anyone who loves baseball to play and we also keep the league very competitive with some exceptional players throughout our teams.
What is the funniest thing you have ever witnessed on a ball field: A game playing for CSUMB. I was in right field and I watched a pop-up in foul territory behind home plate…my catcher goes back to catch it, trips on her hands and knees and the ball lands right between her calves, just sitting there. We are all just staring in awe and cracking up over her trip, she doesn’t move and is yelling for someone to come pick the ball off her legs. Finally the pitcher ran over, picked it up, and we got the out!
Questions just for fun
Who is your favorite player of all time and why: “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and his respect for the game.
Who is the best player on the majors right now: That’s a loaded question!
Who is the greatest pitcher of all time and why: Nolan Ryan of course!
Are there any additional personal comments you wish to add about your playing or life thus far: Baseball has allowed me to build so much character and really played a huge role in who I am today, teaching me that failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.
Are there any comments about MSBL you wish to share: There is nothing more to say but to thank the organization that gives everyone the privilege to keep playing this perfect game.