2024 MSBL/MABL National Hall of Fame Inductee: Jim Doran, Southern Maine Men’s Baseball League
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Jim Doran joined the Southern Maine Men’s Baseball League, based in Portland, Maine, in 1999 and has worked himself up to Commissioner of the league in 2006. He is also one of the catalysts of the Maine Diamond Dogs, a mainstay in the Father/Son division of the MSBL World Series in Arizona.
The 62-year-old Doran resides in Old Orchard Beach, Maine with Melissa and continues to play in the league for the Nationals in the 35-over division. He is giving up nearly 30 years!
“I am primarily a catcher,” said Jim. “But I also pitch a little.”
The SMMBL houses 13 total teams in 25+ and 35+ divisions and operates from May through September. Then it is time to get ready for Arizona!
“I started playing in the World Series in 2001. It was an awesome experience and actually got me playing more baseball! We won the Father and Son division in 2006 and 2007 with the Maine Diamond Dogs. We also won the 45+ Fall Classic in 2008 and 2011 with the Diamond Dogs. We recently won the 2023 Holiday Classic.”
As the first few paragraphs suggest, baseball is a huge slice of Jim Doran’s life. His experiences and hard work as commissioner and player have prompted MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler to induct Jim into the 2024 class of the MSBL National Hall of Fame.
“I am very honored to receive this Hall of Fame award, joining Clair Crandall from the SMMBL. Just want to thank Steve for all his support. Since taking over the SMMBL in 2006, the MSBL has been there to support me. I enjoy being Commissioner of the league. There have been plenty of tough times and the MSBL has always been there for me and the league.”
Jim played high school ball at Biddeford High School in Biddeford, Maine as a pitcher and utility infielder. His college career was spent at Division III University of New England as a pitcher and outfielder.
His adult life led him to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he was an Instructor of Radiological Controls. Since retired from there, he found the perfect job for a baseball junkie.
“I work for the Old Orchard Beach Recreation Department. I am in charge of maintaining the baseball field at The Ballpark. I am in charge of scheduling games, prepping fields for each game, and the overall maintenance of the baseball field.”
“This is The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach Maine. ‘The Ballpark’ has been around since 1984 with a long history. It was originally the home of the Maine Guides who were a AAA team of the Indians. This is basically my second home.”
Jim is the proud father of two grown sons, Chris and Sean, and a beautiful granddaughter Raelynn. He and Melissa also embrace Jim’s ‘terrific’ stepdaughter Kira.
Circling back to Jim’s tournament play, he is quite an active player.
“I continue to play for the Maine Diamond Dogs. I currently play for the 54+ edition but have played 18+, 25+, 35+, and 45+.
I’m not sure if there is one particular highlight. I know that my first experience playing in the 2001 World Series with the Diamond Dogs influenced my interest in playing more. Being around teammates and the atmosphere of the tournament was eye-opening for me. I had not really played at that level before and being around great ball players was awesome.
If there is one highlight it would probably be winning our first Father and Son Tournament in 2006. It was a great experience. I have been fortunate enough to have been on several teams that have won our League Championships.”
Are there any individuals who have been impactful in your baseball journey?
“Growing up, probably my grandfather. He was a big supporter of all my sporting events. He was a 3-sport athlete growing up and inspired me to be better.
Clair Crandall from our league. He has done more for me in the last 20+ years with our League and Tournament teams and as a teammate and a friend.
Of course, all of the teammates that I have played with over the years. I have had the pleasure of playing with some amazing individuals.”
Any final thoughts?
“Being Commissioner of the SMMBL has been enjoyable. I plan on doing this for as long as I can. I have gotten to know many players, umpires, and town officials during my tenure, many of whom have become good friends. The players in our League have been great to me, especially the team managers who work hard to keep their teams going.”