2025 MSBL World Series Hall of Fame Inductee: Bill Kurata, Redwood Empire Baseball League

By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications

Bill Kurata is 64 years old and lives in Windsor, California.  He has been a staple of the Redwood Empire Baseball League since 2013 and has participated in the MSBL World Series every year since then.  To add to his impressive resume, Bill is being inducted into the 2025 class of the MSBL World Series Hall of Fame, as determined by MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler.

“I began playing in the MSBL in 2013 for the Redwood Empire Baseball League based in Santa Rosa, California, starting in the 45 division, and have remained there,” said Kurata.  “I didn’t start playing until I was 51, and have also now graduated to the 55-over division, pulling some double-duty.

I started with the 45+ Mariners for five years, winning a league championship. I then joined the 45+ Cardinals for two years, where we won another championship. Following that, I played with the 55+ Dragons for two years, also winning a championship.  I currently play with the BlackSox in the 45s, where we have been fortunate to win two titles.  I just play anywhere they ask me to.”

Bill is currently retired after working for several California State Agencies, reaching as high as Chief Technology Officer. He started his coaching career at Head Royce High School back in the late 80s, became the assistant and eventually Head Coach at Windsor High, and he can now be found coaching at Mendocino College in the Baseball Program as an Assistant Coach.

“I’m proud of my coaching resume and especially honored to be named Conference Assistant Coach of the Year for 2025.”

Bill is married to Jan and they have two children, Karly and Billy.  Like many of us, he has been playing since he was six years old for St. Jerome’s School and the El Cerrito city leagues.

“I played semipro for various leagues, stemming from high school at Salesian in Richmond, to D1 at the University of San Francisco. After College, I went back into semipro ball and then softball, playing every day of the week and tournaments all across California on weekends.

I did that until my late 30s, earning a few all-tournament and MVP honors, and then slowed down, playing in only a few city leagues.  I kept that up until I was 50.”

How did your MSBL journey begin?

“I met a friend of my wife, Dan Graham, who said, ‘Don’t go Soft, Play Hardball!’  That’s how I found out about MSBL and have been playing ever since.  That was in 2013.

How did your MSBL World Series involvement begin?

“That same year, I started attending the Arizona World Series.  I have also been to Palm Springs for the Desert Classic and Las Vegas several years for both the Kickoff Classic and the Las Vegas Open.  I also enjoy playing in local tourneys in Sacramento.”

What is your track record in the tournaments, including the World Series?

“We came close in Vegas, making it to the Championship game, but never winning. In Arizona, we almost always made the playoffs and even to the championship game, but were never able to get over the hump.

I generally play in the 45s, with various teams, the 50 Cardinals, the 55 NorCal Cubs, and the Sonoma County Cardinals in the 60s.  I have also managed for several years in the 50 and 60 divisions, came close, with both getting to the championship game, but not earning the ring.

However, we finally won last year in the 55 Division with the NorCal Cubs!”

What would you consider the biggest highlight of your World Series career?

“The biggest highlight would be finally winning in Arizona and obtaining that ring. It is something that everyone strives for. I’m sure that is everyone’s goal from the first day of pool play.

However, more importantly, the greatest highlight is the relationships that are solidified by building friendships with guys in your league that play for other teams and unifying under one team.

I meet people in Arizona and form long-lasting friendships, and am able to see them every year in Arizona. I formed our 60s team from guys I met in Arizona, as well as from other parts of the country. We’re one big Family in the MSBL!”

Every journey has a beginning, and there are always people who have lent a helping hand along the way.  Who have been some of your biggest supporters in your adult baseball life?

“I’d like to start by thanking Steve Sigler and his staff. Brian, Steve, Tom, Sam, Red (RIP), and numerous other members. They provide us the ability to play the game we all love in different venues across the states.

I obviously need to thank my wife, who lets me forget my daily responsibilities on Sunday, and a few weeks in Arizona to play the game.

Dan Graham, who got me started in MSBL, and Fonso Roman, who I played with on the BlackSox, and who got me back into coaching for Dave Avila, who played in the REBL/MSBL.

JJ Marek and Albert Higgs of the BlackSox, who have offered encouragement over the years, and Zeke Zaccagne, who founded the REBL, and Rick Cantor, who is the current President.

Head Coach Mike Nackord and Brett Kim, with whom I’m living the Coaching Dream at Mendicino College. Alan Maciel and Tim Kirgan, who keep me sane as the manager of the 60 SC Cardinals. And Ryan Weiss of Victus, who keeps me supplied with bats throughout the year for both me and the College.

And finally, Marty Pitz. A TRUE Gamer. He came to Arizona in 2022, just after chemotherapy, and played extremely well. He returned in 2023 after several health setbacks. He put off seeing a doctor so he could go to Arizona. He was in pain during play but didn’t complain about it once.

After returning from Arizona, he made that appointment, and the news was not good. He was one of those Iowa guys I met to form the SC Cardinals. I called him on the phone and texted him to check up on him and he was always matter-of-fact and never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him. He passed the following spring.

What does this award mean to you?

“I can’t express enough gratitude for receiving this prestigious award. I have to pinch myself to see if I’m awake. lol. I’m humbled to be even considered for this prestigious award.  I haven’t been a part of the MSBL Family very long compared to other recipients or other players. But for me, it is relationships through the MSBL that are important.

The MSBL gives us that opportunity to do just that. Seeing the staff and other teams and players that you run across year after year, across different age divisions. I can’t be more thankful, just for that aspect. This award is just icing on the cake.”

Final thoughts?

“My final thought is to treat others like you want to be treated, even the umpires. I have made several friends with umpires whom I only see in Arizona.  I love the MSBL and everything it has to offer.

MSBL is unique. Most teams are formed through friendships and acquaintances in an effort to develop strong team chemistry. Some fly players from all over the country to win, but I find that it’s more fulfilling to do it through building strong bonds. Yes, everyone is there to win, but it’s also the camaraderie in getting there.”