2024 MSBL National Hall of Fame Inductee: Tony Martin, Cleveland MSBL

By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications

(Following is an excerpt from a previous article written about the Cleveland MSBL in January of 2024)

“The Cleveland MSBL has been a part of the MSBL family since 2011 and is currently operating under the careful eye of League President Tony Martin, who has also been in charge since 2011.  In that first year, they welcomed five teams and since then, Tony has expanded to an anticipated 20 teams in their 25-over format in 2024.”

We mention the 52-year-old Tony and the Cleveland MSBL once again for a reason.  MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has decided to induct Tony into the 2024 class of the prestigious MSBL National Hall of Fame.

“This was an unexpected announcement and I appreciate the recognition of the amount of work that I put in over the years,” said Martin.  “Whether it be managing teams, running the league, scheduling officials and fields, or umpiring games myself, it has been a very rewarding journey.

It takes something like this to make you stop and look back at all of the challenges and accomplishments along the road.  I take pride in awarding championship trophies each season as that closes another chapter in this book of baseball that has impacted a lot of lives.  It is my honor to accept this nomination and I am grateful for the recognition.”

Tony started the Cleveland MSBL in 2011, though his MSBL journey began in 2006 as a participant in the MSBL Fall Classic in Florida.  He has played in eight of the Fall Classics and has the MSBL World Series in his radar.

“I plan on making the first-time trip to Arizona in 2025.”

In Tony’s working world, he is a Safety Specialist at NASA and is married with two adult children.

“They all put up with my baseball habit.  Without their support and understanding, there is no way I would have survived dealing with the time and commitment needed to manage the teams and the league.”

Now a pitcher and first baseman, Tony’s baseball roots began by roaming left field for the Cleveland Central Catholic High School varsity.  Like many of us, he experienced various summer leagues and community games while a baseball youth.

As Tony got older, he decided to dip his toe into the MSBL tournament waters.  Tony’s MSBL tournament resume is quite impressive.

“I started in the 25 and over division of the Fall Classic with Cleveland Steve’s Sports and worked my way up to 50 and over in 2023 with the Cleveland Cobras, formerly the Cleveland Cubs in previous tournaments.

I have been fortunate enough to meet some former MLB pro players along the way, such as Dennis “Oilcan” Boyd, Jeff Juden, Carlos Castillo, and Doug Flutie.  Also, our Cobras team made the 45+ Central finals but lost a close game in 2022. However, we then returned and won the 50+ Central finals in 2023 with pretty much the same group of teammates.  That was very gratifying.”

Every honoree has a log of people whom have helped keep the dream alive throughout the years.  Tony is no exception.

“My mother, Christine Sansone Martin has had the most impact on my life, as she was a huge baseball fan throughout her life and continues to be to this day.  Without her knowledge and love of the game that she transferred to me, I would never continue to be involved to this degree.

I also need to thank Steve Baraona for continuing to set the bar in the Cleveland area.  He and Steve Sigler gave me the confidence I needed to start the Cleveland MSBL league back in 2010.”

What keeps that fire stoked to keep you doing what you do?

“The players in the league are what keep me going.  To see how excited they get on game day even though I don’t have the same enthusiasm I probably did 15 years ago.  It’s what keeps me going.”

What does this award mean to you?

“This award means a lot, as we have a small baseball community and everybody knows each other.  As I see some of the younger competitive guys starting in the 25+ and realizing they are the future of adult baseball, I am enjoying just playing with my friends and knowing we will go out for a beer after the game and have some laughs whether we win or lose.”