2018 MSBL National Hall of Fame Inductee: Skip Riser, OHIO MSBL
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Skip Riser is the 73 year old league president of the Ohio MSBL who lives in Canton Ohio, smack in the middle of football country. To relate on a more baseball-oriented topic, the Canton community is also the home of New York Yankee legend Thurman Munson, who died tragically in 1979.
Skip founded the Ohio MSBL in 2008, along with current CEO Joe Sidor, and immediately took on all of the back-office and financial activities, including player registrations, all purchases and payments as well as all communications with Steve and Brian Sigler in the home office. For Skip’s dedication this past decade, Steve Sigler is recognizing Skip and is awarding him with induction into the 2018 class of the MSBL National Hall of Fame.
Skip has grown this remarkable league to 26 teams in five divisions and is one of the premier leagues in the country. Skip retired from actively playing in 2017. “I was a pitcher and played for the 45-over OHIO Diamondbacks, the 55-over OHIO Classics, the Canton Sidewinders in the 55-over and the Canton Coyotes in the 60’s. I miss being on the mound but I have plenty of baseball activities to keep me busy.”
Married to Jane for 26 years, Skip’s baseball roots began at Canton Lehman High School where he was roaming the outfield, graduating in 1963. “I was very fortunate the have Thurman Munson as a teammate from eighth
grade Little League through High School.”
Skip also has a long history playing in the MSBL World Series. “I have played throughout the years with the 60-over and the 65-over Ohio Classics. My personal highlight is winning the 2012 MSBL World Series in Arizona. That was special and something I’ll never forget.”
The OHIO MSBL is fortunate to play many of their games at Munson Field in Canton. HERE is a link to the ‘web cam’ with a ‘live’ shot of the field.
Final thoughts? “I have to say “Thanks” to the many outstanding players and managers that I’ve played with or managed through the years. Way too many to single out! The Men’s Senior Baseball League has allowed me to develop lasting friendships with some amazing personalities. The comradery and support has been very rewarding. I am overwhelmed with this award. Thank you!