2022 MSBL National Hall of Fame Inductee: Dan Hendrickson, Southern Wisconsin MABL
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
63-year-old Dan Hendrickson is currently the league treasurer and field coordinator for the successful MABL of Southern Wisconsin, located in Madison. Since beginning his league involvement in 1995 Dan has enjoyed taking part in most every office within the league, as well as serving as a board member, and continues to play and manage in the league while attending the MSBL World Series and the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic on a regular basis.
The 2020 MSBL Honor Roll member is now honored by being inducted into the 2022 class of the MSBL National Hall of Fame by MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler.
“I have been on the board of MABL of Southern Wisconsin for 25 years and have also been league secretary, umpire coordinator, and division vice president in the past,” stated Hendrickson. “I want to thank Steve Sigler and the National MSBL for their valuable guidance and for the opportunity for adults to play a kid’s game. This is quite an honor and great for our local league to be recognized nationally.”
Dan and his wife Sue live in Verona, Wisconsin, have been married for 42 years, and share three daughters. He has also been a steady attendee at the MSBL World Series in Arizona.
“I have also participated in the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic. I have played in the 50+, 55+, and 60+ divisions in national tournaments. I am currently the player/manager of the Bears in the 52+ division of the Southern Wisconsin MABL and we won it in 2019. I also play in the Milwaukee-Rock league. My dance card gets pretty full!”
Dan isn’t the traditional player who missed the baseball days of high school or college and found the game once again.
“I didn’t play in high school or college. I picked up the game at 33 after not playing since Little League. I realize now just how much I missed it.”
This pitcher, infielder, and outfielder pharmacist plays for the 45+ Rangers and 52+ Bears in Southern Wisconsin and for the 55+ Expos in Milwaukee, while attending to his administrative duties in the league. But his journey hasn’t been a solo one.
“I have played alongside Terry Halena, Dave Bayer, and Jeff Janda for the past 30 years. We are charter members of Madison area senior baseball and still playing together. I also need to thank MSBL Man of the Year Dave Bayer and new MSBL Hall of Famer Sean Michael Dargan for helping along this journey.”
Are there any special moments from your league days?
“Winning the 52+ Southern Wisconsin league championship is an easy highlight. Being their player/manager was special. Overall, one cumulative special moment from our league is that all 400 players are friends who love baseball. The friendships made here in Wisconsin far exceed an occasional championship or ring. We really enjoy coming to the ball yard and having a good time with good friends.”