2026 MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Ralph Proulx, MUNY-Buffalo MSBL
By Steve LaMontia-Carlentini, MSBL Director of Communications
Ralph Proulx is the 70-year-old poster child for an MSBL ambassador. He is a coach, a manager, an accomplished player, an MSBL Hall of Fame and Honor Roll member, and has been the League President of the MUNY-Buffalo MSBL since 1992, a post inherited from his brother Jim.
“Nobody wanted to do it, so I volunteered,” chuckled Ralph. “That was nearly 35 years ago!”
Such longevity and commitment are hard to find. Ralph’s success hasn’t escaped the watchful eye of MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler, who has named Ralph as the 2026 recipient of the distinguished MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ralph began playing in the MUNY-Buffalo league back in 1989 and has played baseball since the age of eight. He grew up playing in the local MUNY league (established in 1912) and had many coaches who instilled in him the game and how it should be played. He followed his passion beginning at an early age.
“I started to play and manage in my 20s. I love the managing aspect of the game; it certainly gives you a different perspective. Fortunately, I have had great players to manage over the years.”
We sent Ralph a questionnaire asking him about his journey and what this award means to him. I will switch gears here and allow Ralph to elaborate, in his own words. It is a treat to dig deeper into Ralph’s success story. Congratulations, Ralph!
“It is truly an honor to accept this MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award. When I first became involved with the MSBL, I never imagined that one day I would be accepting an award like this. Baseball has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and opportunities I could never have imagined.
For over three decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Commissioner and President of the MUNY Buffalo MSBL. Since 1992, our league has continued to grow.
But our success has never been about one person. It belongs to every manager who has volunteered countless hours, every player who has competed with passion. Without their dedication, our league would never have become what it is today.
I’ve also been fortunate to manage the Erie-Buffalo Baseball Club, a team that has enjoyed tremendous success over the years and is approaching an incredible milestone of 1,300 victories. More importantly than the wins, I’ve been blessed to coach and play alongside remarkable athletes and even better people.
The MSBL has allowed me to travel across the country and compete with some of the finest baseball players imaginable. Managing Team New Era from 2000 to 2015 and winning five national championships, merging with the legendary East Coast Cardinals founded by David Hash (Fall Classic HOF member), and now managing the Cardinals alongside my longtime friend Glenn Hauptman has been an incredible journey.
Together, the Cardinals have captured more than 30 national tournament championships and 12 championship rings. I’ve also had the privilege of playing for Bill Rector and the San Antonio Black Ops in the MSBL World Series in the 65+ division, proving that our love for this game never gets old.
Coaching has always been a passion of mine. Today I’m proud to serve as Head Coach at Aquilla J. Morgan High School in Wimauma, Florida. Along the way, I’ve also had the opportunity to coach at Iroquois High School in New York with Chris Snusz (former professional player) and at Cactus High School in Arizona with my good friend Mike Briguglio (Arizona MSBL HOF member). Watching young players grow both on and off the field has been every bit as rewarding as winning championships.
I would also like to sincerely thank Steve Sigler, Brian Sigler, and Gary D’Ambrisi. Your friendship, encouragement, and unwavering support of both our Buffalo league and my national teams have meant more than you know. Thank you for believing in me and for everything you’ve done for the MSBL family.
Most importantly, I want to thank my own family.
My brother, Jim Proulx, first introduced me to the MSBL many years ago. That simple invitation changed the course of my life, and I will always be grateful.
I’m incredibly proud of my daughters, Melissa and Kaila, who both played high school softball and have always supported my love of baseball.
And finally, to my wife, Kara—my best friend, my biggest supporter, and my greatest teammate. You’ve sacrificed countless weekends, vacations, and evenings so I could continue doing what I love. Through every season, every road trip, every victory, and every challenge, you’ve always been there beside me. None of this would have been possible without your love and support. Thank you. I love you.
At 70 years young, retired and fortunate enough to live in Florida and travel back to Buffalo overseeing the league, I realize that this award isn’t about the championships, the wins, or the years. It’s about the relationships. It’s about the people. Baseball has introduced me to lifelong friends all across the country, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Thank you to the MSBL for this incredible honor. I accept it with great humility, on behalf of everyone who has shared this journey with me. I will always cherish being part of the MSBL family, and I look forward to many more years of helping this great game continue to grow.”