2024 MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Jim Tygrett-DeNuzzi, Sacramento MSBL

By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications

By definition, the meaning of a lifetime achievement award is to recognize contributions over the whole of a career, rather than or in addition to single contributions.  That description rings true in describing our 2024 recipient of the MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award.  Our recipient has been an integral part of the Sacramento MSBL since there was a Sacramento MSBL.

Jim Tygrett-DeNuzzi is a 75-year-old mainstay and past president of the league, as well as an MSBL World Series veteran as a manager and participant in multiple tournaments across the landscape.

“Jim possesses every quality not only necessitated by an adult baseball league but for any company in need of highly organized, dedicated, and experienced leaders,” explained MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler in Jim’s previous 2013 MSBL National Hall of Fame website story.

“Receiving the MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor and humbling,” said Tygrett-DeNuzzi.  “Serving the Sacramento MSBL as an administrator for 25 years and as a player for 30 has been most rewarding. It’s been hard work, time-consuming, and fun, all at once.”

In addition to this prestigious award, Jim is also a member of the Sacramento Hall of Fame (2011), the MSBL Honor Roll (2012), and the MSBL National Hall of Fame (2013).

Nobel Prize-winning doctor, missionary, philosopher, and musician Albert Schweitzer once said, “You must give something to your fellow man, even if it is a little thing.  Do something for others, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.” Jim Tygrett-DeNuzzi takes that message to heart.

Let’s get to know Jim a little better.

Jim lives in Plumas Lake, California, which is about 30 miles outside of Sacramento.  He is currently retired from the corrections and court systems profession and plays a lot of baseball and golf!

A few bangs and bruises have limited Jim’s playing time recently but you can still find him toting a scorebook in the dugout while managing some pretty successful Sacramento teams.

“I try to play some first base, outfield, and even catcher.  I used to play second base in the past but mobility has become an issue lately.  I am still able to sub for the 50+ Giants and the 68+ Rays in the league”

Jim’s MSBL baseball roots take him back to 1995 in Sacramento as he has served as commissioner, secretary, treasurer, vice president, and finally as League President from 2009 to 2014.  His baseball passion began as a three-year high school second baseman and catcher in Central New Jersey, which led to a collegiate career in Missouri as a shortstop and outfielder.

“I went to college on a basketball scholarship as a point guard and ended up playing baseball instead. My coach, Volney Ashford was inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame but he coached Varsity Baseball, too.

I started playing in the Sacramento MSBL at the same time I was receiving cancer treatments in 1995 and I firmly believe getting back in the game was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Baseball became therapeutic and provided the incentive to get through the 6-12 months on and off from chemo and radiation.”

Jim is the Proud Father of Army Veteran and daughter Taryn Noel and a ‘grampa’ to Rocco.  He grew up with his sisters Bernadette and Deb, and his brother Joe.  His extended family continue to reside in New Jersey and New York.

“I’m the only one in California, besides my daughter and grandson.”

We literally don’t have space to publish a laundry list of every tournament Jim has either participated in, managed, or won.  I asked Jim to do his best to summarize his baseball resume.

“I have been fortunate enough to be a part of multiple World Series Championships each with Sacramento Solons, Tribe, and Royals. We also have a Florida Fall Classic Championship with the Royals.

We have been participating in regional tournaments for decades at the Las Vegas Kickoff, Las Vegas Open, Palm Springs Desert Classic, San Diego Memorial Day, and the Woodland and Sacramento Labor Day tournaments.  There are a lot of championships from those tournaments.”

Jim’s current managing assignment is heading up the tournament powerhouse Sacramento Royals in the 65-over division of the MSBL World Series.

“We’re not getting any younger so we moved up from the 60s.  So far, so good.”

Is there a special highlight or achievement from this impressive body of work on the ball diamond?

“I was voted MSBL World Series MVP in 2009 for what has come to be known as ‘The Catch.’  The other team had bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and they hit a line drive to right-center field, where I was able to snag it to preserve our 8-6 victory in the Championship game.  Even factoring in all of the championships, that moment is hard to top.”

Nobody makes this journey alone.

“There are many individuals who have been so impactful throughout the years.  Sacramento MSBL Founder Val Lewis, past presidents Jerry Karnow, Jim Lortz, Lanny Ropke (Solons), Jim Barr (retired MLB SF Giants pitcher), and my successor, good friend, and current Sacramento MSBL President Alan Van Ness.

I also have to include my teammates and fellow MSBL Hall of Famers Gary Stonebrook, Steve Welch (Royals), Ken Chavez (Original Tribe founder), and co-manager Bob Brown. I could fill up a whole page with those I could thank.

And of course, Steve Sigler for his support during my time on the SMSBL board and two terms as Sacramento MSBL President. Most importantly the personal friendship that Steve and I have developed over the years.”

Jim is also a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  Also, the DAV, (Disabled American Veterans).

We have reached our ‘final thoughts’ portion of the interview.

“I don’t play much anymore and mostly just manage. My legs are gone and I’ve got significant back issues requiring surgery I choose not to have at this age, but I love being around the guys.

I want to urge everyone to simply get involved, volunteer, don’t be complacent, and make it better no matter what it is.  Not for the recognition but for your own personal satisfaction knowing it will benefit those whom you are serving. The MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award is the cherry on top and I am forever grateful.”