2017 MSBL Honor Roll Inductee: Pat Macek, Metro Tulsa Baseball Organization
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
The Metro Tulsa Baseball Association is an Oklahoma not for profit association and was founded January 23, 2005 at a Tulsa restaurant by a group of current and former members of a metro area men’s senior baseball league to develop, expand, and share their love for ‘The Game.’ Pat Macek is the president of this ten-team, 18-over league and is being honored by MSBL Founder and President as the newest member of the 2017 class of the MSBL Honor Roll.
In Pat’s own words, “We are committed to the players we represent and the communities we serve to build a fresh and viable first class organization that all will enjoy, derived through association and the spirit of friendship, for the fun and love of ‘The Game.’ Pat was kind enough to supply us with a little background information regarding his involvement with the MTBA and how it all began.
Biographical Information:
Your name: Patrick Macek
City or town of residence: Tulsa, OK
Age: 37
League name: Metro Tulsa Baseball Association
Town where league is based: Tulsa, OK
Where did you grow up? Farmington Hills, MI
What do you do for a living? Sports Talk Radio Host
Family information: Wife Lisa and daughter Anna
General Questions:
Describe your baseball resume: Played catcher in Junior College. I was a pretty good defensive catcher and was allowed to call the game. Now that I’m a little older it’s tough to catch and miss setting up pitches and working with the pitchers.
What is your greatest baseball moment, either watching or playing? Introducing my wife to the game. Now she’s a huge fan.
When did you start playing for MSBL and how did you hear about it? I started in 2009
when I moved to Tulsa and didn’t know very many people. I can across the league by accident because a co-worker had played years ago. I signed up and have made several great friends. These are friends that stood up in my wedding, I stood up in theirs and have been great friends for me
Do you still play? Not as well but yes I am still in the game.
What team and age bracket? We are technically an 18+ league and all teams play everybody else.
What is the best thing about your league? Comradery, for one, with lots of guys connecting with old friends while making new ones. Also the service we do for a couple of local teams. Or field rental/donations to two high school baseball teams have funded uniforms, a new turtle, field resurfacing, travel and more. I am proud of that
Do you participate in any MSBL national tournaments? I Have not yet.
Questions just for fun:
Who is your favorite player of all time and why? I am a Detroit Tigers fan so to pick one is tough but Justin Verlander. I also have a great appreciation for Pudge Rodriguez. His signing with the Tigers helped get them out of the doldrums
Are there any additional personal comments you wish to add about your playing or life thus far? Like most guys, playing real baseball again has been a joy. I was away from the game for eight years when I discovered the league. I have made great friends, had some great times and have been able to continue playing. I am not a softball guy and nothing wrong with softball. It just wasn’t for me and playing real baseball has been great.