MSBL League Profile: Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL, Turk Starniri, League President
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Turk Starniri is a wonderful communicator, MSBL National Hall of Fame member, and has been a part of the Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL for the past 36 years. His presidential tenure began in 1997, with a short hiccup in the mid-2000s, while the 27-team league continues to prosper under his leadership.
Turk has also been competing at the MSBL World Series in Arizona since 1991 as co-manager of the always-tough Lehigh Valley Moondogs. It is safe to say that Turk and his colleagues are ‘all in’ with the MSBL format of league and tournament play.
We asked Turk to share a few thoughts with us, as I thought I would simply convey his responses to you in no particular order and just treat this as if you were just sitting down with a fellow ballplayer and chatting about his roadmap these past three decades or so. Please enjoy a minute or two with Turk.
“The Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Pa.) Men’s Senior Baseball League began in 1988,” started Turk. “I was one of the original members and will begin my 36th year in the league.
In 1997, I succeeded Rich Racovsky and Gordon Santee as President. In 1990 the league, in its attempt to give back to the community, established ‘50 Hours of Baseball’, which was our charity fundraiser benefiting local organizations such as Dream Come True, Camelot for Children, the Children’s Home of Easton, and the Allentown Boys and Girls Club. In those early years, over $240,000 was raised for these worthy causes.
This charity fundraiser is now called ‘Diamond Dreams Charity Weekend’ complete with All-Star Games, raffles, and a home run derby.
Our principal charitable recipients now are the Miracle League of Northampton County, which is baseball for special needs children, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, and Leo’s League. There is no league in the Lehigh Valley who can claim this generosity.
In the mid-2000s, on my Doctor’s advice, I decided to resign from the presidency and enjoy the game as a player, until several years ago Steve Sigler called and asked me to assume the Presidency for a second term which continues to this day.
I also made sure our Lehigh Valley Hall of Fame included those players who were deserving of that recognition. This league cannot have a Hall of Fame without Dan Waelchli, Bob Fatzinger, Eddie Rodriguez, Steve Ramer, Randy Fleck, Keith Schaffer, Mike Zuk, Rich Wescoe, and ex-major leaguer Dennis Kinney included. Now they are inducted and were long overdue.
Also in the Hall is our good friend and competitive pitcher, the late Frank John. Our Hall of Fame can be found on the league’s website Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL.
As I approach my 80th birthday in July, I come to realize that Father Time is undefeated. My baseball career is coming to an end and bike paths and pickleball are calling.
Through the years, since 1988, my teammates and I have experienced the MSBL World Series in Arizona, winning seven National Championships and five final fours in several age groups.
In 2024 my team, the Moondogs, moved to the ‘Over-60’ Division and gave me the chance to end my career with the players I started with in the early 90’s.
Today in the league, the Over 18, Over 25, Over 50, and Over 60 Leagues will continue to grow and under the present leadership, the future is bright.
I want to take this time to thank those men who set the table for the younger players who are our future.
The list includes League Vice President Joe Vallely, Rich Racovsky, Joe Mags, Joe Ponak, Donny Buskirk, Joe Gonzalez, Dick Prue, Greg Stokes, Jim Reagle, Vinnie Eiden, Joe Sedler, and the late Gordon Santee.
Most importantly, I met my wife Doreen during the first years of the MSBL. She has been on this ride with me all these years and has always supported and encouraged me, through the good and bad. I am richly blessed to have her by my side.
I’ve said enough to last a lifetime…so peace to all of you.”
Ernest ‘Turk’ Starniri, President Lehigh Valley MABL/MSBL
