2021 MSBL Co-Man of the Year: Max Reising, Chicago North MSBL
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has recognized Chicago North MSBL League President Max Reising with the 2021 Co-Man of the Year Award. We recently caught up with Max and asked him to fill us in on his MSBL journey.
72 year ‘young’ Max Reising is a man of many MSBL accomplishments yet very few words. Max has a long ledger full of things he has achieved throughout his 18 years at the helm of the Chicago North MSBL but is reluctant to aim the spotlight his way.
Max joined the MSBL in San Francisco in 1988 and when he moved to Chicago in 1990, he started the Chicago North Cubbies, beginning in 1991. He managed that squad until 2005. Though his plate is full from running his 45-team Chicago North league, offering play in divisions ranging from 24+ through 65+, he still finds time to take the field.
“I’m the Manager/Player of the 34+ Blue Jays, where I’ve been a player since 1994 and manager since 1999,” said Max. “I’ve also been a Manager/Player on the 44+ Blue Jays since its inception 2005 and continue to play on the 52+ Rockies and on weekday afternoons for the 65+ Giants. I get plenty of reps throughout the week.”
So, what does Max do when he’s not playing baseball?
“I sell sports equipment and apparel to organizations and have also volunteered as an assistant coach at Oakton CC for the last 14 years. They were the 2018 D3 National Champions, something we’re very proud of.”
These are just some of the activities that keep Max busy throughout the year. The MSBL World Series in Arizona would not be the same without Max roaming around the desert coaching and playing, most times with tremendous success.
“I have been to Arizona every year since 1990 and have played and/or managed in the 25s, 35s, 45s, 50s, 55s, 60s, and Father and Son. I have been able to secure Championship rings from four teams and have been runner-up five times. We are regularly in the playoffs but I can’t put my finger on exactly how many times. My current teams are the TSP Lookouts in the 45+ Mountain division and the TSP Lookouts from the 50+ Central.”
Max summarized, “I am greatly humbled to receive this award. When I was inducted into the MSBL National Hall of Fame in 2007 I thought that it couldn’t get any better. Then in 2013, I was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and I really was surprised. Now this award, I am at a loss for words.
I am very proud of what MSBL and the Chicago North MSBL organizations stand for and also what we’ve accomplished in Chicago over my 18 years as League President. But I need to thank my Father, first and foremost, for providing me with the ability to keep pushing.”