2022 MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Joe Banasik, Houston Hardball League
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Joe Banasik started playing baseball in Houston in 1993 while in his mid-20s. Fast forward 30 years and the 54-year-old Banasik is now running the show! The Houston Hardball League is under his wing and is one of the most successful and productive leagues under the MSBL banner.
Because of Joe’s hard work and dedication in running things there in Texas, and for his achievements on the field both in the league and at the MSBL World Series in Arizona, MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has named Joe the 2022 recipient of the MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award.
“For many years I have taken on league duties day by day, month by month, year by year facing each challenge head on,” explained Banasik. “We have accomplished so many things, such as building new baseball fields, playing at some of the finest high school fields in our area, and even playing a game at Minute Maid Park.
One of the biggest accomplishments, which totally goes unnoticed, has been preserving and maintaining our ongoing relationship with the city for so many years in such a volatile environment. I do, however, get about a dozen Thank You’s throughout the year, normally from the older guys, and that means so much to me as they appreciate the hard work that has gone into this. Although none of us do this for the money or recognition, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award feels great knowing that in the big picture of all things MSBL, I am appreciated and recognized as one of the best.
I am humbled to share the spotlight with so many other great league leaders that have kept this adult baseball program going year after year. Like thousands of others who played in leagues just like this, my baseball ‘journey’ has landed me hundreds of friends, relationships, and countless memories. You can never put a price on that.”
The E-Commerce Developer from Spring, Texas is married to ‘my best friend and wife’ Misty and they share a teenage son, Joseph. Joe also has a son and daughter from a previous marriage who both recently graduated from Texas A&M and are both working as engineers. Joe also runs a baseball business in Spring, Texas called ‘American Pastime Sports.’
So, what about your baseball roots?
“I never had the opportunity to play organized baseball as a kid due to family logistics being able to get me to games and practices. My first opportunity to play was when I tried out and made my High School team as an outfielder. I was fast and could run down almost any ball hit in the gaps, as long as it ‘hung up there.’
I also tried to walk on in college at SE Louisiana and Sam Houston State but was not selected. Fortunately, a few years later I found a local MSBL league in Houston and have been playing ever since. I still love playing the game today just as much as back then, although body parts hurt for about a week afterward!”
Joe’s current baseball itinerary includes playing outfield and managing the 35+ Marauders in his league. In Arizona at the World Series, he has played for the 18+ Sky Sox, 35+ and 45+ Rockies, and the 50+ Skeeters.
“This year we are taking a Father/Son team for the first time. We will be the Yard Goats in the Central division. I’ve waited 15 years for my son to be of age for us to play together and we’re both very excited.”
What are some of the highlights of your baseball career?
“Being able to play ball on the MLB Spring Training fields is always amazing, but being able to play on the same field with my son for the first time will absolutely be the highlight of my MSBL participation. When my son was around one year old, we took him to Arizona for one of my MSBL tournaments and I was hoping that one day we could do this tournament together, and here we are.
One of the pictures we cherish is a picture of our son sitting on top of home plate at Maryvale from his first visit. Now looking at the schedule for Father/Son this year, the Father/Son Championship game is zoned at Maryvale so it would be amazing to play there and recreate that photo.”
I asked Joe if there are any individuals he would like to thank in helping his baseball career take flight?
“As the President of Houston Hardball League, I am always thankful to my Vice-President Steve Folk who keeps me grounded and realistic when it comes to decision making. Also, I would like to thank our League Commissioners Dean Cosme, Ward Brigham, and newcomer Cambo Nelson, who help us sort through the drama as it arises.
I appreciate all their help and support and would not be able to lead such a large organization without their help. Thank you, guys! As far as my amateur career as a washed-up has-been recreational baseball player, I am always grateful to my wife and kids for understanding and supporting my passion.”
Any final thoughts?
“MSBL has given us the structure and opportunity to maintain a successful organization throughout the test of time. We will always have competing leagues in Houston who will replicate the original MSBL process, tweak it here and there to appeal to a certain crowd normally by cutting corners for lower prices, and offering inexpensive shiny things. Regardless, our league remains strong based on overall value and we still provide the ability to travel and play against other teams abroad whereas others do not.
We may not be the largest as far as volume of teams but as long we have support from guys who want to keep the dream alive then I would consider our league the very best there is!”