2013 MSBL Honor Roll Inductee: Robert Schiotis, Fresno Men’s Baseball League
Robert ‘Spongebob’ Schiotis is a retired law enforcement professional who just happens to be the league president of the MSBL affiliated Fresno Men’s Baseball League. Though retirement age, Bob still plays in the 45+ division in league play and manages the perennial powerhouse Fresno Grizzlies at the MSBL World Series in Arizona.Bob has been a part of the MSBL nation since 1994 when he decided it was time to become a 44 year old rookie. MSBL president and founder Steve Sigler has cited Bob for his efforts the past nineteen years with MSBL as the most recent member of the MSBL Honor Roll. Bob was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.
Biographical Information:
Your name:
Robert “Bob” Schiotis
City or town of residence:
Fresno, CA
League name:
Fresno Men’s Baseball League (FMBL)
Town where league is based:
Fresno, CA
Where did you grow up:
Born in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Fresno when I was 2 years old.
High school and college, if applicable:
Fresno High School and Fresno City College
What do you do for a living:
I retired last year after 35 years in law enforcement.
Family information (if you wish to share this):
Married 39 years, 3 Daughters and 4 grandchildren (#5 is due in September)
General Questions:
Describe your baseball resume: (list levels played, any major accomplishments, etc.)
I played Babe Ruth League ages 13-15. Played Twilight League (College level teams playing double headers on Sundays during a summer league) from the age of 17 to 21. Assisted and coached Babe Ruth and Little League teams from the age of 16 to 29, due to job hours, I had to stop coaching.
What is your greatest baseball moment, either watching or playing:
When I was 18, I pitched a complete game, 1-0 shutout win, 1 hit, with a dozen strikeouts, against the undefeated first place team in the Twilight League and was named to that years All Star Team.
I feel blessed to have been invited to pitch in the FMBL in 1994 at the age of 44. Had a good season and received the leagues Cy Young award.
When did you start playing for MSBL and how did you hear about it:
I started playing in the MSBL league at the age of 44 in 1994 after a friend called me and asked me to pitch for his 30+ team after they had lost all their games the year before.
Do you still play:
Still play in the 45+ Division of the FMBL and play tournaments in the 60+ division.
I held numerous positions on the FMBL Board before being elected President of the league and currently serving my fourth year as President. I have managed a 30+ and 45+ team in the FMBL. Managed a 50+, 60+ and 65+ tournament team in the Arizona World Series and Las Vegas National tournament.
What team and age bracket:
Fresno Grizzlies 45+ in FMBL and the Fresno Grizzlies 60+ and 65+ tournament team.
What is the best thing about your league:
It gives youngsters, 18+ a place to play ball if not going to college and/or did not have a chance to play high school or college baseball. FMBL has ten 18+ teams and six 25+ teams. It also gives us older players a chance again to play baseball. We have ten 45+ teams and are looking into splitting into some 52+ teams for next season. We play on the best high school varsity fields/stadiums in Fresno County and we are able to donate money to their high school baseball programs.
What is the funniest thing you have ever witnessed on a ball field:
Nothing stands out as the funniest but there have been many funny stories and many laughs along with serious competition.
Questions just for fun:
Who is your favorite player of all time and why:
Never have narrowed it down to one. Too many great players.
Who is the best player in the majors right now:
Clayton Kershaw is one of the many.
Who is the greatest pitcher of all time and why:
Sandy Koufax is one of the many great ones. His record speaks for itself and is the one pitcher everyone compares all left handers too in today’s game.
Are there any comments about MSBL you wish to share:
Great Job MSBL National – thank you for all you do for the leagues.