2026 MSBL National Hall of Fame Recipient: Aaron Eberhardt, Central Florida Amateur Baseball League
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
Aaron Eberhardt is the president of the Central Florida Amateur Baseball League headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, a city of just over 100,000 and also the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. Previously an independent league, the CFABL began under the MSBL umbrella in 2015, and Aaron took control of the league in 2016.
The 43-year-old Lakeland, Florida, resident and recipient of the 2023 MSBL Man of the Year Award and a member of the 2016 class of the MSBL Honor Roll, was recently named to the 2026 MSBL National Hall of Fame by MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler.
“This award means to me that if you work hard and overcome the difficult obstacles, you can achieve anything, and the right people will take notice of your accomplishments and understand what you overcame,” said Eberhardt. “We are fulfilling the Florida needs of having quality baseball leagues, and if it continues to grow, we must be doing something right.”
Aaron was a pretty fair pitcher and first baseman for many years, but his duties as heading up the fastest-growing region under the MSBL umbrella have taken a sharp turn regarding his playing availability.
“I think my playing days are over. It has become too big, and I can’t be on the field if issues come up. You have to be selfless.
To run a league, you need a strong mind, and you can’t become overwhelmed. You have to think unbiasedly and make sacrifices to your own joys in life and think for the good of the league.”
Aaron’s earlier playing resume does deserve some revisiting, however.
“From ages 9-12, I played Khoury League Baseball in Broward County for Miramar Optimist, Hollywood West Optimist, and Driftwood Optimist. I made the all-star team each year and played in the Khoury League World Series for Team USA at age 12.
At age 13, I played for Cooper City Optimist and Davie, followed by Pembroke Pines Optimist (Little League). I played my high school ball for the Port St. Lucie (FL) Jaguars under coach Tony Malizia.”
Aaron mentions growth in a passing phrase, but I need to illustrate that this is no result of anything except hard work and definitely can’t be taken lightly. Aaron started as league president with a four-team 18-over league based in Lakeland. They now register 110 teams in 17+, 18+, 30+, and 45+ divisions across Florida, and continue to grow.
“My goal is to continue to offer baseball where there is none. Quality baseball. There are a lot of dead areas across the midlands of Florida where there isn’t a lot of ball being played after high school.
I reach out to the counties, and they get excited that we can bring baseball to their area. The coasts are more populated, but in the center areas there isn’t too much baseball being played after high school.
I recently contacted one county that didn’t have one baseball field! That is unacceptable. We satisfy the need. You have to be thorough in your research.”
The reputation that Aaron and the league are nurturing is paying off in this great baseball state.
“Just a couple of years ago we took over two county programs and both counties already had some teams, which is good. The reason they came aboard is that they actually approached us because of our reputation for quality and follow-through. Once again, we are satisfying the need.”
What makes you continue to put in the hard work necessary to make the leagues click?
“I enjoy hearing players’ stories and their appreciation for offering baseball to them again.
“I need to thank my stepfather, who coached me throughout my career, and my high school coach, John Lewter. Without them laying the groundwork, on and off the field, I wouldn’t be in a position to accept this award.
Also, Steve Sigler has been a great friend and mentor to me for over a decade, and I appreciate every conversation we’ve had and the knowledge he’s imparted.
Regarding our vision, we want to create more mid-week leagues and hopefully expand to the panhandle. We steer clear of most major population centers. That is a fight we don’t need right now.
We have all we can handle and need to keep our focus on the areas where baseball is needed by everyone and would welcome having the opportunity to play baseball once again.”