2025 MSBL League Profile: West Metro Atlanta MSBL, Don Etheridge, League President
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, Director of Communications
Don Etheridge started the West Metro Atlanta MSBL in 2005 after beginning to play in the Atlanta MSBL in 1996. Attorney Don and his wife Dalby live in nearby Smyrna, Georgia. For his many years of dedication and leadership, MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler inducted Don into the 2021 class of the MSBL National Hall of Fame.
“One of the most satisfying aspects of our league is having started it from scratch and watching it grow and of course seeing new players coming into the league and watching seniors continuing to play the game they love,” said Don. “We also send many players and teams to the MSBL national tournaments, which is equally satisfying.
It is also very satisfying to see our friends bringing in their friends to play. There are continually new friends being made by our league members. Everyone gets the exercise they need. We have guys playing into their 70’s. It is great to see.”
We recently asked Don to update us on what is happening in his West Metro Atlanta MSBL and where they are as we toward the 2025 season. His answers are shown below.
League name: West Metro Atlanta Men’s Senior Baseball League
Your name: Don Etheridge
What is the history of the league and how did it start? Founded the League in 2005 to offer a midweek option, and expanded in 2008 to add a Saturday division.
What age divisions of play are now offered? 35+, 45+, 55+, 65+
How many teams are anticipated this year? 17 teams
When does the league begin play and when will it finish, including any playoffs? Season begins in late April, with playoffs ending by end of August.
When did you personally start playing in the league? Played in MSBL starting in 1996, and have played in the WMAMSBL since its founding.
What is your personal baseball playing history? Played up to high school, and returned in 1996 with MSBL.
When did you become president? Served as President of Greater Atlanta MSBL 2000 to 2001, and founded WMAMSBL in 2005.
Who were your predecessors and are they still involved in any capacity? In Atlanta MSBL – Steve Rosenberg.
What is your most memorable MSBL moment as a president or a player? Playing in the MLK Weekend Tournaments in Orlando.
What challenges did you face when you started the league or when you took over? Securing fields and umpires.
What are your biggest challenges today? Fields.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction? Being able to offer baseball to adults who still love and want to play the game.
What do you see for the league in the future? Continued expansion of the 65+ division.
What is the reason for the continued success of the league? The camaraderie among all the players and managers involved.
What part of running the league do you enjoy most? Working with everyone to make this opportunity to play available to all who still want to play baseball.
Do you still play in the league? Yes.
What is the history of your league team’s participation in any MSBL national tournaments? Our league and many players have participated in MSBL national tournaments.
What would you say are the most important accomplishments in your league? Our ability to continue to expand and offer opportunities to all who wish to play adult baseball.
How valuable is your relationship with MSBL? We consider our affiliation with MSBL a critical factor in our success.
What advice would you give to new league presidents? Look for ways to continue to expand opportunities for adults to play baseball.
How important is family support? Critical to the success for players to have their family members support their participation.
