Inland Northwest Men’s Baseball League 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee: Ron Mackie

Submitted by Jeff Ennis, 45+ Division Commissioner

Few names echo through the fields of Inland Northwest baseball with as much reverence and legacy as Ron Mackie. A coach, a player, a mentor, and above all, a lifelong ambassador for the game, Ron’s story is a remarkable one—rooted in small-town beginnings and grown through decades of service, passion, and leadership.

A Journey That Started in Ritzville
Ron’s love for baseball began at the age of six in Ritzville, WA. Riding his bike to games, playing until the sun went down—those early days defined his passion for the sport. After moving to Spokane in 1977, he continued playing through junior high and graduated from West Valley High School in 1983. It was in 2004, thanks to Mike Gilden, that Ron was introduced to the Inland Northwest Men’s Baseball League (INMBL). Three years in the 28+ division was all it took before Ron took the helm—founding his own team in 2007. From that moment forward, he would spend the next 17 years as both a player and a manager, leaving a profound imprint on the league and the players within it.

A Coach, A Leader, A Builder
Ron’s coaching career is a testament to his selfless love of teaching and leadership. He began coaching with Special Olympics in 1985, where he not only led teams in softball, basketball, and track & field, but also helped pioneer Unified Sports Programs in this area and held numerous directorial positions. His influence extended to youth leagues, travel ball, American Legion, and high school programs throughout Spokane from 1995 to 2018. Ron coached virtually every age level—from tee-ballers to college athletes—and brought the same level of intensity, empathy, and discipline to every player he mentored.

As a manager in the INMBL, he began with the 28+ Rangers before founding the Spokane Padres, later known as the Phillies and eventually reverting to the Padres. He also played for the Angels and Braves in the 35+ division and joined the Eastern Tigers in the 45+ division. He created a tournament team the Northwest Bandits Baseball Club in 2019 to travel and play in Mens League tournaments. Ron’s teams were not only successful—they were family.

Behind the Scenes: A Pillar of the League
From 2008 to 2019, Ron served as President of the INMBL, guiding the league through seasons of growth and evolution. Helping create a 35 and over Division and a 45 and over Division. From 2020 to 2024, he continued to serve as Treasurer, and at different times, carried the responsibilities of Umpire Coordinator, Field Coordinator, and League Commissioner. His commitment extended far beyond the field—he was a cornerstone of the organization, often doing the invisible work and countless hours that ensured every game took place.

The Soul of a Ballplayer
What made Ron’s baseball journey truly special was the heart behind it. He speaks often of childhood games, riding with friends to see the Spokane Indians, and his mentorship under former MLB player Jack Spring, who taught him more than just the game—it was about character, perseverance, and love for the craft. That mentorship would ultimately inspire Ron’s own coaching journey.

Perhaps his proudest baseball moments came later in life—playing side-by-side with his son in the Men’s League and in the Father/Son division at the Phoenix Men’s World Series. For six years, they built memories that transcended generations. In 2024, Ron capped off his career with a championship win in the 25+ division of the World Series—coaching alongside his son DJ with the Northwest Bandits Baseball Club. It was a fitting and emotional sendoff to a career built on love for family and baseball.

The People Who Made It Special

Baseball is nothing without the people, and Ron has played with some of the very best. Over the years, he’s shared the field, dugout, and coaching box with men who became lifelong friends:

• Mike Gilden and Ted Yurek, who opened the door to the Men’s League and World Series experience.
• Teammates and close friends: Greg Williams, Scott Timpe, Lance Rickman, Dave Siemsen, Scott Kopp, Doug Villhour, Smitty, Jeff Ennis, Darrin Duty, Chad Chittenden, Mike Peterson and Scott Smith to name just a few.
• Fierce competitors and respected opponents: Charlie Zimmerman, Jimmy Olsen, Dan Dwyer, Mike Lee, Paul Sorenson, Jim Ewing and John Lehman.
• Managerial inspirations: Kerry Pease and Hugh Stine, both respected leaders who helped shape Ron’s coaching philosophy.
• Tournament comrades and extended baseball family from across the country: the sons and teammates from Houston Skeeters, California Hogs, Vegas’ Rattlers, and the Phoenix crew.

And of course, the many players Ron coached and mentored:

• The Peterson brothers – Matt, Luke, and Andrew
• The Hauschild brothers – David, Mike, and Tyler
• Kyle Arnold, Mark Douglass, Aaron Rockey, Josh Tiede, Chad Hunt, Conner Hargrove, Sean Belknap, Chris Dempsey, Chris Baker, James Edwards, Justin Marlow, Devan Khoma, and Juan Garcia.

He also cherished coaching at the high school level with legends like Trek Davis, Don O’Neil, and Corey Aitken—true partners in building young athletes and strong teams.

A Legacy of Wins—and Far More Than That
Ron’s list of achievements is as long as it is impressive:

• 16 Regular Season Championships (18+)
• 8 Playoff Championships (18+)
• 14 Championship Game Appearances (18+)
• League Titles playing in the 35+ and 45+ Divisions
• 2017 Men’s World Series Champions (45+)
• 2024 Men’s World Series Champions (25+)
• 2 time MSBL Honor Roll mention
• Multiple top finishes in national tournaments including Palm Springs and Phoenix
• State appearances in High School Ball and Legion

But his proudest accomplishment? The players he’s coached. The friendships he’s forged. The lives he’s impacted. The Baseball Families he has created.

The Man Beyond the Dugout
Off the field, Ron has been a tireless volunteer and community contributor. His board member work with Special Olympics, Hoopfest, Bloomsday, Spokane Spike & Dig speaks volumes about his character and willingness to give back.  Ron also did a stint with the Inland Empire Umpires Association. His wife Shelly of 40 years has been his rock—supporting his endless hours at fields and tournaments. His children DJ and Camille and grandchildren Emma, Easton, Gunner and Alayna are his inspiration and drive. And to those who’ve played with him, coached beside him, or simply shared a beer after a game, Ron is family.

A Hall of Fame Career—and Life
Ron Mackie retires not just as a decorated player and coach, but as a builder of men and memories. His chapel was the baseball field, and his sermons were about commitment, character, hard work, discipline and community. Whether it was throwing BP to his kids, mentoring a struggling teen, organizing tournaments, or just prepping a field at dawn—Ron never stopped giving to the game he loved.

As we welcome him into the INMBL Hall of Fame, we honor a man who has given everything to baseball—and, in return, made it better for all of us.

Thank you, Ron Mackie. You are a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word.