2025 MSBL Player Profile: Ray Deckman, Ohio MSBL
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
In the words of Nick Loukas, League President of the Ohio MSBL, “Ray Deckman is a good guy to feature from our league. He is a longtime manager in our 25-over division and is the 18-over commissioner for our Canton Class A affiliate.”
That got my attention, so I reached out. Ray and I had a great time talking about baseball, then and now, but one thing stuck out that I envisioned possibly never hearing.
“My wife and I started dating in 2017 and I was working two jobs and trying to fit baseball into my schedule,” started Ray. “My future wife said ‘I like coming to games, you should play more.’ She has allowed me to become totally involved in my duties within the league and with the team I manage, such as with fundraisers and communications. I am a very lucky man.”
As I type this, I think there are approximately 50,000 players who agree as they read this.
Let’s dig in a little deeper and explore what Ray does within the Ohio MSBL.
Ray is a 5’, 9” 200 pound, 35-year-old baseball enthusiast who is the player/manager of the Yard Goats in the 25+ division of the Ohio MSBL, where he began his adult baseball career in 2009 at the age of 19. He is also the 18+ division commissioner in the associated Canton Class A Baseball League, representing the 18+ division of the OHIO MSBL.
“I’m not playing in the 18’s, though I manage Jerzees in the Class A league. We are currently in the middle of the pack at 11-5, and the Yard Goats are in first place at 10-3 in the 25s.
Both leagues will have playoffs at the end of the year, with the 18’s in the first week of August so they can get back to school and then the end of August for the older divisions. I currently have 18 full-time college students on the Jerzees. It’s very competitive.”
Here are the league website links to dig deeper: ohiomsbl.com cantonclassa.com
As commissioner of the 18-over division, what have you seen in any changes throughout the past few years? What are your duties?
“Our 18’s play two or three games per week, usually on Monday thru Wednesday. We total 20 games from June to August, which requires a lot of coordination of fields, rainouts, umpires, and anything else that may come up.
We start organizing right around Thanksgiving and get our board of trustees together. We have to make sure we have secured our four dedicated fields and start planning the registration and start collecting money.
The players pay their registration to the league and not to the manager, which makes it a lot less of a headache. Then we arrange for the umpires, baseballs, and updating of uniforms.”
Hold on right there. Updating uniforms as part of a fee?
“During registration the players are asked about jersey preferences, including number and sizes, then in March and April we contact our uniform reps so they are ready to go by opening day.” 
What do you enjoy most about your commissioner role?
“My profession is a business analyst, so I enjoy all of the communication and planning the most during the offseason. We have a great group of managers and trustees who make this league better every year.”
Ray grew up in East Canton and played for Lake Erie College before finding the MSBL, where he puts in appearances in left field and at second base, though he has played most positions on the field.
“I tell my 18+ guys every year that my favorite memories are from when I was their age are playing in the summer, competing and building relationships with my teammates. Those are the days I cherish. Enjoy every minute. You are making friends now that you can count on for life.”
What is the complexion of the Canton Class A 18-over division?
“The 18’s total six teams this year. Our teams now are highly competitive and are usually completing games within one to five runs. Hopefully we can get to eight or ten teams soon.”
I totally switched gears and asked one of my favorite questions. Who is your favorite player of all-time and why?
“Josh Hamilton. He’s a guy who had to overcome a lot of issues and never quit playing and trying to improve his life, on and off the field. I’m glad everyone was finally able to see his full potential for a while.”
Final comments?
“I have nothing but good things to say about the league and their association with MSBL. It’s comforting to always have someone to sit down and talk baseball with. Looking back, it’s hard to believe I’ve spent over 15 years playing men’s league baseball. Incredibly thankful for the relationships I’ve built with my teammates.
We now have several groups of good men who bring their families to games and spend time together in the winter and early spring months as we prepare for another summer together. Much like everyone who will read about me, I’ve loved this game since I was old enough to pick up a ball.
The things that this game has given me will always far outweigh the contributions I’ve been able to give. For as long as I’m able, I’ll continue to give the game, my teammates, and their families the best I can on and off the field.”
