2016 Honor Roll Inductee: Ken Banker, Saratoga (NY) MSBL
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Ken Banker is the 51 year old president of the Saratoga MSBL located in Saratoga Springs, New York. He is an engineer by trade and lives with his wife in Ballston Spa, New York and they have a son age 23 and a daughter age 20. He grew up in the Rochester area and played through college.
Ken has been recognized by MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler for his efforts as Saratoga league president and MSBL supporter and has been inducted into the 2016 class of the MSBL Honor Roll.
“I got back into baseball when I was 30 and started playing in the local league,” said Banker. “Then MSBL came along in 2013 and the league switched affiliation and I have just evolved into my current position.” The league started under the MSBL umbrella in 2013 with only four teams. This year the Saratoga MSBL boasted nine teams and continues to look ahead into possible double-digits. Doubling the size of the league in three short years is a remarkable achievement.
Their league is 30-over and Ken proudly wears Dodger blue when playing in his league. “I went to my first Holiday Classic in Florida in January of 2016 and it was a blast.” Just this past year the Dodger first baseman hit an impressive .310, led his team in walks and stolen bases and had an exceptional .429 OBP. “I enjoy being the president of the league because we are all committed to making this the best league it can be,” explained Banker.
I asked Ken who his favorite all-time player was and he was quick to answer. “Carl Yastrzemski. He was not only a great player but he always played hard to get the most out of his abilities.”
Was there a favorite moment on or off the field? “Being at games four and five of the 2004 ALCS when the Red Sox came back from 0-3 to the Yankees and went on to win the World Series.”
Whether a Red Sox fan or a Yankee fan, it would be universally agreed that it would have been very special to witness any part of that historic series.