2026 MSBL Player Profile: Todd Bollinger, Columbus MSBL
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
The Columbus MSBL was formed in 1989, making it one of the longest-standing leagues in the history of MSBL. The league is currently under the leadership of Mike Gross, but he’ll be the first to admit that he doesn’t coordinate everything without a little help from his friends.
Todd Bollinger is one of those helpers. Todd is the treasurer of the Columbus MSBL, which we all know is a very taxing position, resulting in many sleepless nights.
Todd has been in the league since 1998, and after 28 years, certainly qualifies as knowing up from down
“I have played in the CMBL since 1998,” started Todd. “I am attracted to the competitive nature of the league. The high level of play makes playing baseball at our ages as fun and rewarding as when we were young.
I come back each year to enjoy the friendships on my own team, as well as within the league, and enjoy Sundays in the sun playing a game I have loved for as long as I can remember.”
Todd grew up in Columbus and Dublin, Ohio, is 57 years old, and is a manager for an Ohio company specializing in employee benefit programs, which keeps him involved in treasury-related activities and business dealings. He has been married to Jennifer for 31 years, has a son and a daughter, Blake and Taylor, and three grandchildren, Blakely, Oakley, and Carter.
“I am a benefits consultant. It requires a lot of daily travel, but not too many major trips on the road. The job doesn’t conflict very often with my league duties or playing.”
Jim Durham was the league president when Todd came into the league, and Rick Fryman took over as president in 2013. Both are MSBL Hall of Fame members.
“I was treasurer for Rick, too. I was taught about certain times of the year when the job is more intense and how to ensure that the league continues as stable as it has always been. I think we have accomplished that under the current guidance of Mike Gross, too.
Jim Durham remains my friend and has brought this league to where we are now. We have been blessed with great leaders here in Columbus.”
Todd is also a seasoned veteran of the MSBL World Series in Arizona, as well as in Clearwater, Florida, and West Palm Beach for the Fall Classic and Holiday Classic.
“I work a lot in September and through December. It’s hard to juggle my work and playing in the tournaments.
For about five years, I went to Arizona with Jim Durham and the Dodgers from our league, but they kept going up in age divisions and left me behind! I have been to Clearwater and West Palm Beach for about a dozen years. Our team sort of broke up, though, over the past couple of years.
I have played in Vegas, too. I think it would total over 20 tournaments throughout the years. Maybe I can get back into it in the years ahead.”
We asked Todd about the complexion of the Columbus MSBL right now and what lies ahead.
“We currently offer competition in 25+, 35+, and 45+ divisions. We can expect around 20 teams this year. The 45+ division was an informal division previously. They have become a bonafied part of the league the past couple of years. As we all get a little older, I can see that division (45+) becoming our dominant one, though the 35+ division is our most competitive right now.”
When Todd came into the league in 1998, he joined the Indians, who are now the Dragons in the 35-over division. He is also the skipper for the Expos in the 45+ division.
“I have been running the Dragons for the past fifteen years. We are basically the same team with the same core of players. I have been a shortstop all of my life, but have had to slide over to second base as the youngsters come aboard! I have played all nine positions and will play wherever I am needed.”
What is the best thing about the Columbus MSBL?
“The competitiveness and level of baseball is extremely high,” Todd quickly answered. “The quality of the play is right up there, and all of the teams are run really well.
The camaraderie of seeing old friends every summer is a wonderful aspect. We play 90% of our games on turf fields, so your odds of playing on a questionable day are high. It all adds up to a wonderful experience.”
We asked Todd if he had a favorite MLB player who helped shape his on and off the field. Since he is from Ohio, it is no surprise that the Big Red Machine dominated his memories.
“I have to split this answer between two people. They would be Johnny Bench and Pete Rose. They were equally my big-time favorites for sure. I wasn’t quite ten years old back in their day, but their memories will never fade.”
Does a favorite MSBL moment stick out as a favorite after these past 28 years?
“This one particular league game was against my old friend Jim Durham and his Dodgers. When our two teams play, they are always crazy games.
Five years ago, we played a tournament game against each other in 50 MPH winds, with gusts higher than that. It was worse than a crazy wiffleball game! We played 12 innings, and it took almost seven hours.
We couldn’t catch fly balls, and throws were all over the board, not to mention the pitching. We had to cancel the second playoff game because it got too dark! We still talked about that crazy game today.”
Final comments?
MSBL has been wonderful to us over the years. I am so glad that Steve Sigler started the MSBL. Most of my close relationships stem from baseball over these years. Without those relationships, I never would have met them.
It is run very well and stays strong. The MSBL national tournaments allow you to see the best in the country, and playing against some ex-MLB guys is special, too.
I conclude by saying that as long as your body lets you play, keep playing. Don’t stop. It’s too big a part of your life. Thank you, Steve.