2024 MSBL/MABL National Hall of Fame Inductee: Rob Isbell, Central North Carolina MSBL
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Robert (Rob) Isbell is the 61-year-old League President of the Central North Carolina MSBL, the league he has called home for the past 17 years.
“I may be 61, but I still have the body of a 60-year-old!”
Rob and his beautiful wife of 33 years, Wendy, live in Willow Spring, North Carolina, while the league is located in and around Raleigh, roughly fifteen miles away.
“I started out playing in the 35+ and 45+ divisions and then we restructured to include a 50+ division, where I took over managing a new expansion team (Senators),” said Isbell. “After a few years of managing, I was elected League President.
One of my first acts as president was to select age-specific division reps to help me with some of the specifics of their respective division. We currently have 27 total teams in the league in four divisions.
Those guys are a huge benefit to me and help carry some of the burden. Also, the decision to have a board or committee to help me come to the right conclusion on anything that might be controversial. I lean on those guys a lot; (Dave Halley, Bobby Lovett, Pat Ferrick, Rob Woods, Brain Cloninger, Jason Angel, Bill Tallon).”
Because of Rob’s contributions in growing and maintaining the Central North Carolina MSBL throughout the years and ensuring its success, MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has inducted Rob into the 2024 class of the MSBL National Hall of Fame.
“There have been some great Hall of Famers from our league, and I’m humbled to join that group. Since joining the league years ago I’d heard of the local guys in the MSBL Hall of Fame (Glen Garrison, Mike Wilson, and recently added David Halley), and really appreciate what they’ve done for this sport and our league in particular,” explained Rob. “I’m proud to be mentioned in the same conversation. I’m humbled that someone recognizes the great work that we’ve put into this league and the growth and excellent teams that we are able to put together and send to tournaments across the country.
I really appreciate the recognition. It is actually a reflection on our 27 teams, their managers, and the 500 or so guys participating in the CNCMSBL. I accept the honor on their behalf and thank each and every one of them for making it possible for us all to keep playing.”
Rob’s leadership abilities spill over to his family, or maybe the other way around.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a beautiful wife (Wendy) for 33 years and we have three wonderful kids together (Becky, Haley, and Jake). Becky just gave us our first grandchild on January 1st of this year and Lyla has brightened our world.
Haley works in the veterinary field and keeps all of our family dogs in shape (I think we’re at six dogs currently). Jake played four years of college ball. He and I will be playing together this year for the first time in the Father/Son division of the World Series, so I’m pretty psyched about that. It’s a wonderful group of family I have surrounding me.”
Rob is an engineer for Duke Energy working for the nuclear industry, something he has been doing for the most part since joining the US Navy in 1985. After the Navy, Rob I finished his engineering degree at Auburn University.
When not engineering, you can find Rob on a ball field somewhere.
“This past season I was on the 32+ Braves, 50+ Senators, and the 60+ Classic Braves. I’ve primarily been a catcher but have had to pitch a little and play some third base as well. I’ve had a knee replaced and a shoulder repaired so I try to be a little smarter these days about how, where, and when I play.
I was a catcher for a great High School program in Opelika, Alabama and also played at a couple of small colleges in Alabama and Kansas. I didn’t play pro ball but I did have a couple of tryouts with the Reds and the Braves. I also had a good workout with the American team for the Pan-Am games back in the early 1980’s, which was a great experience.”
Rob’s baseball experience also pours onto the MSBL national tournament stage.
“I’ve played on MSBL World Series Championship teams in 2017 and 2018 with Dave Halley (HOF) and the Raleigh Braves (now the Yonder Travelers). I’ve played one Fall Classic with Glory Days (Joe DeSantis and Jeff Moore).
I have also played and won a few Memorial Day tournaments in Atlanta and Richmond with the Raleigh Braves over the past 15 years. This year I’ll be playing on the Yonder Traveler’s in the 55+ National division. Carolina Thunder in the 60+ division. Also playing with the Tri-Valley Giants in the Father/Son division.”
Is there a baseball highlight that sticks out?
“Probably my first two trips to Arizona and winning rings in back-to-back years. It remains unbelievable to achieve that feat right off the bat. I’ve since learned that it’s not always that easy.
Until I received this Hall of Fame honor my biggest achievement was receiving the coveted “Skillz Gotti Batman Award” at the 2017 World Series. (Only the local guys will appreciate the humor in that one).
Final thoughts about being inducted into the MSBL Hall of Fame?
I just really appreciate everyone in the CNCMSBL who keeps things in perspective and fun (like when we were kids playing in the streets and vacant lots). I’ve surrounded myself with great baseball and businesspeople who have really helped me move this league forward.
We’re heading in a great direction, thanks to people like Pat Ferrick, Andy Darroch, John Plachetka, Dave Halley, Mark Simpson, Dave Blaha, Jeff Moore, Kerri Moody, and too many other guys to list here but you guys know who you are and know that you’re appreciated.
I just want to remind guys that our time is limited and we need to enjoy the days we have on this earth and on the ball field; play for the fun of it. The scouts aren’t coming; the letters of apology from the colleges that failed to recruit you aren’t coming. So, let’s play the game for the fun of it while we can!”