2013 MSBL Honor Roll Inductee: Dave Bayer, Southern Wisconsin-Madison
By Steve LaMontia, Executive Regional Director
Biographical Information:
Your name: David Bayer
City or town of residence: Madison WI
League name:MSBL of Southern Wisconsin
Town where league is based: Madison area
Where did you grow up: Colorado and WisconsinHigh school and college, if applicable: Madison West and University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
What do you do for a living: Agribusiness
Family information: Married to Jill for 14 years. Son Wilker is 12, son Turner is 8.
General Questions:
Describe your baseball resume: I had not played baseball since a kid before joining the MABL/MSBL. While playing baseball twice a week is very satisfying, the greatest enjoyment with the game right now, is coaching both of my sons Little League teams.
What is your greatest baseball moment, either watching or playing: I’ve made diving catches, stole home more than once and have drove in runs. But my most satisfying memories are seeing the kids that I coach in Little League get excited when they experience the success of what I taught them. The smiles on their young faces now will lead to them smiling whenever they are around baseball for the rest of their lives.
When did you start playing for MSBL and how did you hear about it: I am a charter member with our local affiliate joining the first year, 1992.
Do you still play: Yes
What team and age bracket: Managed and played on a team in our 25+ division until we formed the 35+ division. Now I play for the Pirates 35+ and for the Grays in our new 45+ division.
What is the best thing about your league: As most leagues, we have men from all walks of life where there’s chain of affection for baseball that connects us. When you have a group of 250 to 300 guys, there is more talent than just baseball. Tapping into these resources is what makes a President’s job much easier. The guys that step up to the plate to do the extra things are what really makes our league remarkable, and I tip my hat to them.
Questions just for fun:
Who is your favorite player of all time and why: Like most guys, I have more than one favorite… Ernie Banks – “Let’s Play Two”, Roberto Clemente – Humanitarian, Lou Gehrig – “The luckiest man on the face of the earth”……
But if I had to pick one, it would be Henry Aaron. He’s in a class all by himself.
Who is the best player in the majors right now: The great thing about baseball is that on any given day, any player can be the best for that day. And on that day, even the all stars give him a hand.
Who is the greatest pitcher of all time and why? Satchel Paige was an Ironman in his day that may have dominated in the majors. The pitcher is the first line of defense; strikeouts and shutouts…I’d want Nolan Ryan and Walter Johnson on my team.
Are there any additional personal comments you wish to add about your playing or life thus far? Failure is not a bad thing, as long as you don’t let it define who you are. Learn from it and use it as motivation for your next ambitious goal. Get your feet on the ground every morning with intent and purpose, and you may be surprised by what you can achieve.