2026 MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Don Pike, Atlanta MABL/MSBL
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
Don Pike is a winner. Over the 40-year history of the Men’s Senior Baseball League, only a handful of leagues have been as heavily relied on as the Atlanta MABL/MSBL, currently under the guidance of MSBL Hall of Famer Don Pike. This is no coincidence.
Don has led the Atlanta MABL since 2007, was inducted into the MSBL Hall of Fame in 2011, and was named the first MSBL Man of the Year in 2014. Fast forward to 2026, and Don can now add the prestigious MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award to his impressive resume.
“The MSBL thrives for all because of the leadership of a few,” stated MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler. “Don Pike has always been an effective leader, but his presence in Atlanta has never been felt more strongly. He stepped up when nobody else would. We are a stronger organization because of Don.”
“I will never forget these awards,” said Don. “They are humbling and mean the world to me.”
Entering 2026, the league now consists of 36 teams, playing in 18+, 25+, and 35+ divisions. The league also hosts the annual Billy Townsend Memorial Day Tournament, the Rosie Shootout (held every Labor Day weekend), and the Santa Shuffle (held every December and benefiting Toys for Tots).
What would you like to see in the future in Atlanta?
“I would love to see a 50-team league, complete with its own complex. I enjoy going out to the ballpark on a Sunday and seeing the players and their families having a good time, and knowing that I had a hand in making that possible.”
Pike’s leadership and organizational skills were honed early. When he was 18, the Hagerstown, MD, native became president of the Sunday night bowling league he started at a local bowling alley.
When he was in the Marine Corps, he was transferred to Okinawa and was put in charge of organizing sports for the troops-an undertaking that, done well, boosted Marine morale. The trend of effective leadership continues in Atlanta.
“I’m on the road by 6:00 am every Sunday to help drag and prep two or three fields. I’m usually finished with that by 10:00 am, but then the phone calls and text messages come in.
By the time the game starts at 4:00 pm, I am sometimes cranky and always worn out, but it never fails: someone will come up to me and say ‘thanks.’ That single word will take any crankiness out of me and will make me forget how tired I really am.”
Don’s tournament participation and management experience are also quite impressive.
“I have participated in 21 MSBL Fall Classics, managed 14, won two as manager (2016 & 2018) and three as player. I currently manage the 18-over Reds in tournaments.”
How did your association with the MSBL begin?
“It all started in 1991,” said Don. “I had just homered in a slow-pitch softball game when I was approached by a couple of older guys looking for someone to fill in for them for a baseball game.
After my softball game, I walked over to the field; they gave me a full uniform, and I went 0-4. I played out the season for this team even though I was two years from eligibility.”
Is there a favorite moment in your extensive baseball career?
“After 35 years, there are four highlights that come to mind.
- Hitting home runs from both sides of the plate in 1996. The field wasn’t all that big, and we used metal bats back then.
- Going 3 for 3 in one inning where we scored 19 runs.
- Coming off the bench to pinch-hit for Dante Bichette in the Fall Classic when he had to leave for another tournament game. I singled. We won the tournament the next day.
- When a league player recognizes me in public and goes out of their way to thank me for what I do, I do feel bad when I don’t recognize the player.”
Circling back to the Atlanta MABL/MSBL, Jeff Travis is Don’s right-hand man who helps maintain the league’s precision known throughout the MSBL universe. In addition, because of Jeff’s hard work over many years, Steve Sigler has honored Jeff this year by inducting him into the MSBL National Hall of Fame.
“Don and I are like Grumpy Old Men (Lemmon and Matthau),” explained Jeff. “But we work great together, and we provide excellent results, as our focus is the same: to provide adults the ability to continue and play a game that they love, and to assist local high school programs with resources, such as money, equipment, field maintenance, etc.”
We asked Don why the Atlanta MABL/MSBL continues to thrive and grow.
“I realized early on that you have to surround yourself with good people and not try to do everything yourself. Delegate and let them help. They want to help.
Also, get to know your team managers. You’ll find the majority of them are team players. You’ll find that a few will go above and beyond to help you, while some won’t. It is what it is, so be prepared.”
Finally, what does this award mean to you?
“I have received several awards over the past 40 years, but just a few are very special to me, including this MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award.
Another very special one was being named Okinawa Marine NCO of the Quarter in 1986. I also received three Community Service Awards from three different high schools.
I consider my 2011 election to the MSBL Hall of Fame to be at the top of the list, too. It’s quite an honor to be considered for any of these awards. Thank you!”