2026 MSBL National Hall of Fame Inductee: Jeffrey Travis, Atlanta MABL/MSBL
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
Founded in 1837, Atlanta, Georgia, has remained a city rich in history, creative minds, and nonstop fun. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Atlanta is a fast-paced yet family-friendly city in Georgia that is home to people of all ages. What is Atlanta really known for? What makes Atlanta the incredible city it is today?
59-year-old Jeff Travis.
“I moved to Atlanta, from Rochester, NY in the Fall of ’94 and started playing in the Atlanta MABL/MSBL in 1995 after seeing an ad on a board at a golf driving range,” explained Jeff. “It was a sign that I was to continue my baseball career after ten years in ‘The ROC’ that culminated in a championship. Yes, I also remain a die-hard Yankee fan!
Who is Jeff Travis, you ask? Jeff is the right-hand man to legendary Don Pike at the Atlanta MABL/MSBL and helps maintain the league precision known throughout the MSBL universe. Because of his hard work over many years, MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has inducted Jeff into the 2026 class of the MSBL National Hall of Fame.
“It was a long time coming,” joked Travis. “Having been in the league since 1995 and assisting with the league since 1999, it is nice to be recognized for the hard work that it takes to bring baseball to those 18+ in Atlanta.
I just want to give thanks to the late Steve Rosenberg, Donnie Pike, and of course my wife of 29 years, Rachelle.”
Jeff plays in the Atlanta MSBL/MABL and in the West Metro Atlanta MSBL, a neighboring league led by Don Etheridge.
“In our league, I play for the 25+ Joros on Sunday, the 35+ D’Backs during the week, and the 35+ Twins on Saturday in the West Metro League. I stay pretty busy on the field. I continue to pitch and play some first base. Pitching in these younger divisions can be a challenge, for sure. But I can still hold my own!”
What are some of your on-field successes from being in the league since 1995?“I have won league championships with various teams over the years, including the Rockies, Mets (love ya Randy Melton), and Dodgers. I have played in various Memorial Day tournaments, the Georgia Games, which the Atlanta MABL/MSBL ran back in the day, and possess two rings from the Fall Classic with the Daytona Beach Rangers.
I have also won back-to-back championships in the ‘Santa Shuffle’ tournament in Atlanta with teams formed from player pool submissions, and have made new friends and teammates as a result. Both of the winning teams have become a permanent addition to the Atlanta MSBL/MABL.”
I have heard that the ‘Miracle on Dirt’ could possibly be the biggest highlight of your MSBL career thus far. What is the story behind that?
Years back, I approached Donnie Pike (current League President) about playing on his team, the Reds, but with the stipulation that I had to wear my longtime jersey number – #14, which was his number. The deal was made. That is Donnie’s nature. He truly would give you the shirt off his back.
That interaction led to what became known as the ‘Miracle on Dirt’ during the 2002 Georgia Games. I was brought in to play with the White Sox (who, oddly, wore green) but wore my Reds #14 uniform and played against my former team, the Cherokees. It was the ninth inning, two outs, and after having warmed up in the bullpen off and on for six innings, I was finally able to enter the game, but as a pinch runner.
Not known for my speed, I actually had to run for a player with a double hernia to run. Regardless, my deceptively slow pace paid off in my ability to draw throws. There was a chopper in front of the mound that the pitcher picked up and overthrew first. I am lumbering around second and look back, seeing Mike Veronesi (2B, and now long-time MSBL player) retrieving the ball, so I kick it in for third.
As I approach third, being tended by Frank Peters (now the long-time Manager of the Cherokees), I, of course, go full Pete Rose, headfirst slide into third. The ball goes by Frank to the fence, and now I only have 90 feet to go.
Motivated by the third base coach and insistence to go…go…go, I get up and take off for home, and while doing so, try to position myself between the ball and home plate. Maybe not fast, but smart.
As I approach home, the catcher dropped to block a one-hopper, took it off the chest, and it drops to the ground, at which point I just lunge for home, again in Pete Rose head-first fashion, completing a most unlikely 270′ scamper around the base paths.
Upon reflection of this slow-motion-appearing play, one teammate dubbed it The Miracle on Dirt.”
What are some of the duties Don Pike (Atlanta League President) has tasked you with?
“I took over as webmaster in 1998 and was essentially the right-hand man to the late Steve Rosenburg, then for Don Pike when he took over the leagues and bestowed me the fancy VP title. I perform various tasks, such as webmaster, player pool coordinator, umpire (out of retirement after 36 years), and Don’s ‘Bad Cop,’ collecting delinquent funds and even repossessing a league-owned lawnmower!
Don and I are like Grumpy Old Men (Lemmon & Matthau), but we work great together and provide excellent results, as our focus is the same: provide adults the ability to continue to play a game that they love and to assist local high school programs with resources, such as money, equipment, field maintenance, etc. We are proud that our Atlanta MABL/MSBL history is OUR history since the beginning.”
Are there any individuals you would like to thank for helping your baseball career and would like to share this honor with?
“My Dad. He is no longer with us, but it was funny when he would come to tournaments in Florida and tell people, “That’s my baby boy!” (I was in my 40s).
He would also drive an hour after work from Webster, NY to Oswego, NY to catch some of my college games. (Oswego State University, Oswego, NY)
The fact that the seniors would stash a keg in the bushes by the field may have had a little something to do with that as well.”