2025 MSBL League Profile: MUNY-Buffalo MSBL, MSBL Hall of Fame Member Ralph Proulx, League President

Ralph Proulx With Wife Kara Portrait

Compiled by Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications

Buffalo Mens Senior Baseball League LogoLeague name: MUNY – Buffalo MSBL

Your name: Ralph Proulx

What is the history of the league and how did it start?  My brother Jim started the league in 1989 after he heard Steve Sigler on a local radio show. I took over as President in 1992, we were a 30+ league with six teams.

What age divisions of play are now offered?  We now have an Open division, 35+, and 45+ divisions.

How many teams are anticipated this year?  We should have 28 teams this season.

When does the league begin play and when will it finish, including any playoffs? We start in mid-May and play through the end of August.

When did you personally start playing in the league?  1989

What is your personal baseball playing history?  Played baseball since the age of eight. I grew up playing in the local MUNY league (established in 1912) and had many coaches who instilled in me the game and how it should be played. I started to play/manage in my 20s.Ralph Proulx is the President of Buffalo MSBL

Besides playing I love the managing aspect of the game; it certainly gives you a different perspective.  Fortunately, I have had great players to manage over the years.

When did you become president?  1992

Who were your predecessors and are they still involved in any capacity?  My brother Jim was the President until 1992, he retired from playing several years ago.

What is your most memorable MSBL moment as a president or a player? When I was inducted into the National MSBL Hall of Fame in 2010.

What challenges did you face when you started the league or when you took over?  The challenge was to grow the league.

What are your biggest challenges today?  The biggest challenge was and still is securing fields for all the divisions. With kids’ baseball being so big in Buffalo I start to secure fields in January each year.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction?  Seeing the league grow from year to year and the players enjoying the league.

What do you see for the league in the future?  We are looking to grow with the addition of a 52+ division.

What is the reason for the continued success of the league?  The managers are one of the biggest reasons for our success. They help me out immensely before and during the season.

What part of running the league do you enjoy most?  The enjoyment of watching the teams compete.

Do you still play in the league?  Yes, in the 45+ division.

What is the history of your league team’s participation in any MSBL national tournaments?  I started to take teams to regional tournaments and the world series in 1998. Since then, many players in the league have had the opportunity to participate at the national level.

What would you say are the most important accomplishments in your league?  I would say that keeping amateur baseball alive and growing in Western New York.

How valuable is your relationship with MSBL?  The support I get from the national office has certainly helped in allowing me to grow the league.

What advice would you give to new league presidents?  Work with your managers and listen to their advice, they will be a big part of your success.

How important is family support?  Without the support of my wife Kara I would not have been able to run this league for over 30 years. She is a saint! We have lived in Arizona and now in Florida and we travel back to Buffalo each summer so I can continue my involvement.