2021 MSBL National Hall of Fame Inductee: Don Etheridge, West Metro Atlanta MSBL
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
69-year-old Don Etheridge started the West Metro Atlanta MSBL in 2005 after beginning to play in the Atlanta MSBL in 1996. Attorney Don and his wife Dalby live in nearby Smyrna, Georgia. For his many years of dedication and leadership, MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has inducted Don into the 2021 class of the MSBL National Hall of Fame.
“I was shocked when Steve Sigler called and told me, and I am not sure I have yet to fully absorb it. Knowing that there are a lot of people who put a lot of time and dedication into making MSBL what it is, I consider it a real honor to have been selected for this award. I am both humbled and honored to be selected for this award.”
We asked Don where his baseball roots began and how it wound around to Atlanta.
“I started playing in the Greater Atlanta MSBL in 1996 and served as President in 2000-2001,” explained Etheridge. “I founded the WMAMSBL in 2005 and the league is currently being headed up by 2015 MSBL Honor Roll member Ron Huck.
Our Midweek league has seven teams and Saturday totals 10. Our season starts in early April, with playoffs concluding the week before Labor Day. I am just glad we have a robust MSBL program here in Atlanta. I love the comments from players saying that they are glad to be able to continue to play the game we all love.”
Added Don, “One of the most satisfying aspects of our league is having started it from scratch and watching it grow and of course seeing new players coming into the league and watching seniors continuing to play the game they love. We also send many players and teams to the MSBL national tournaments, which is equally satisfying.
It is also very satisfying to see our friends bringing in their friends to play. There are continually new friends being made by our league members. Everyone gets the exercise they need. We have guys playing into their 70’s. It is great to see.”
Don continues to play and coach in the 55-over division of the WMAMSBL.
“I mostly play second base and previously caught, when I am not managing my team. I played from little league up to high school. After graduating from law school, I started playing in softball leagues in North Carolina until we moved to Georgia and then picked up baseball once again with MSBL.”
Don is also a seasoned veteran of MSBL national tournaments when his busy schedule allows.
“I have participated in the MSBL Holiday Classic in Florida numerous times, but have not made it yet to a Fall Classic or World Series due to my work schedule. I have been a part of several league championship teams and always have enjoyed the Florida Tournament trips. Someday I’ll make it to Arizona for the World Series or back to Florida for the Fall Classic.