2024 MSBL Fall Classic Hall of Fame: Dave Benedict
There are a few individuals within the MSBL ranks that demand your immediate attention. The sight of them walking into the opposing dugout before a big game makes you yearn for the solace of your den, at home or at a tournament hotel room, solidly planted in front of the TV and behind a cool beverage.
But you still reluctantly have to play them, as the river leading to securing a championship ring flows through their dugout, and this individual is the ringmaster who dictates your fate. Dave Benedict is one of those people.
This is not to say that Dave is a ‘Nasty Boy’ or anything other than a true gentleman who merely stimulates your goose bumps.  He just slowly and methodically pitches in with his Boston Wolfpack teammates to firmly establish who the boss is.
For his intensity, integrity, and mastery of the game of baseball, Dave has been inducted into the MSBL Fall Classic Hall of Fame.  To clarify, Dave was inducted in 2024, but a story was never compiled to outline his achievements and what he means to the game and everyone around him. It is about time we do that.
As we ex-jocks get older, the athletic exploits of our youth and adulthood become greater. That’s the way our memories work. But Dave’s accomplishments are on record for all to see, from the days of his youth, his coaching prowess with his friends and family, to his amazing career as a member of the MSBL national powerhouse Boston Wolfpack.
Dave is married to his college sweetheart, Lourdes, who has been by his side throughout his baseball journey.
“Dave has always spoken so highly of MSBL and is so proud to be in the Fall Classic Hall of Fame,†said Lourdes. “He has spent so many years playing and coaching our boys and hundreds of other players in our area. Baseball has been a huge part of our family.â€
Dave is now 62 years old, retired, fighting a recent cancer diagnosis, and living in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his abovementioned bride of 40 years. We were able to catch up with Dave to dig into his history, successes, and what the game of baseball means to him.
MSBL Fall Classic Tournament Director Gary D’Ambrisi stated, “One of the ex-MLB players that plays in the MSBL had said, “If he was building his own team, he would start with Dave. For all the many championships that Dave was part of, he always remained humble, welcoming and quick with a smile.”
“I have played baseball my entire life,†explained Dave. “We won the New York Big League Championship and competed in the Big-League World Series, winning the Eastern Regionals. I am also thankful for the opportunity to have played in college at Flagler College.
My MSBL career started as a shortstop and pitcher in 1994 in Clearwater, Florida, and that remains the home of my league legacy.
My biggest fans include my daughter Marisa (our family’s best athlete) and two sons, Matt and Dylan, both pitchers and both having played D-1 baseball. Matt played pro and currently works for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Baseball has been a huge part of our family.â€
Dave’s adult baseball achievements would take far too long to list in one writing, so we asked Dave to touch on a few highlights that are special to him.
“I have been playing in the Fall Classic, MSBL World Series, and other national tournaments since 1995. In 1998, I was featured on the cover of Hardball Magazine as MVP for the Florida Cup. We won the Championship 30+ Division playing for the Clearwater Tigers. That was very special.
In 2017 and 2018, I played in the MSBL Holiday Classic in Kissimmee, Florida, and was awarded MVP both years. Also in 2017, I participated in the World Masters in New Zealand with the Boston Wolfpack, and we won the Gold Medal.
The next year, I played in the Pan Pacific Masters Games in Australia, where we won the championship, and I was once again named MVP.â€
That is indeed an extremely small sampling of Dave’s baseball contributions, especially where the Boston Wolfpack is concerned. Yeah, we all know these guys. They are a talented assembly of exceptional ballplayers who are continually on the prowl for supreme tournament competition.
“I have been playing with the Boston Wolfpack and the West Coast Game Cocks since the age of 30,†elaborated Dave. “We have won many championships in both Florida and Arizona at the MSBL World Series, and I am honored to have been a part of it for so long. Winning championships and being named MVP remain the highlights of my baseball career.â€
Added Wolfpack manager Steve Wolf, “Dave is the consummate teammate—capable of playing all nine positions at a high level, never taking a play off, and always supporting those around him.
Wherever we have played together, he has excelled on the field and earned the respect and admiration of everyone in the clubhouse. A multiple-time tournament MVP for the Wolfpack, he rightfully earned the nickname “Super Dave.â€Â
Final thoughts?
“I am very appreciative of MSBL for providing the opportunity to play and for developing the leagues and tournaments. It’s awesome to think I went from playing catch with my mom in the backyard to playing across the country in MLB Spring Training Facilities.
I want to thank everyone at the Men’s Senior Baseball League, and especially Gary D’Ambrisi and Steve Sigler. It is heartwarming to be recognized for all of my hard work for the game I love.
My mom instilled the love of baseball at an early age. We watched the Mets and played catch in the backyard. There have been several individuals, including my family, who have supported me along the way.
Baseball has been a tremendous brotherhood, and I have made many lifelong friends with my teammates over the last 40 years. Thanks for this great honor.â€
