The MSBL 40-Year Man: Will Grant, Long Island MSBL

 

By Steve LaMontia, MSBL Director of Communications

Will Grant is a pioneer, along with MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler.  Why is this relevant?  Steve’s vision in 1986 led to the establishment of the Men’s Senior Baseball League in Long Island, New York.  Well, Will was there to experience the first pitch, and 40 years later, he is still pitching in the league!

To be playing a kid’s game for forty years is newsworthy in itself.  But to be around for every year of the operation of the league, now THAT’S an amazing story.

“There were four or five teams in the beginning, maybe six, and Steve (Sigler) and I played together early on,” explained Will.  “We were the Silver Bullets, and we were pretty good.  I think we won the first championship.  I could throw in the 80s back then, but at my current age (76), I rely on junk and location.  But I’m still climbing the bump for an inning here and there.  We all need to eventually adjust!”

Will is a retired local freight union electrician in Manhattan, and also was in the landscaping business, from which he is also retired.  Will played in high school and one year of college ball before he joined the union and started working in his profession as an electrician.

He is the proud father of two children.  His daughter is a police officer, while his son, who resides in Baltimore, recently made detective in the same law enforcement profession.

“I threw a no-hitter in high school, which remains a favorite memory.  A group of a dozen or so of us grew up together in the neighborhood and played stickball, wiffle ball, anything we could find to play, from dawn to dusk.

We went to high school together and won some championships.  We got pretty darn good.  One guy, Billy Adams, was a really good catcher.  He was one of our baseball brothers and is now a vice president at New Era.  I’d say he did pretty well for himself!”

Will remains an MSBL tournament junkie, to go along with his league play.

“I’ve been to the MSBL World Series in Arizona maybe 12 or 15 times, and also to Florida.  I won a ring in 2021 as part of Bob Sherwin’s LA Athletics, along with MSBL World Series Hall of Famer Charlie LaDuca, from Chautauqua, New York.  I’ve been playing in Arizona off and on for 35 years.”

I asked Will if he has ever dipped his toes into the managerial waters.

“No, I never had the time.  Now that I have the time, I don’t have the desire.  I am content to play on Sunday for the 55+ New York Yankees in the Long Island MSBL. I don’t make all of the games because some involve some traveling, and I don’t want to drive an hour to maybe throw one inning.”

Will said he has played on maybe eight or ten different teams over his 40-year tenure.  He spends most of his time on the mound or occasionally prowling right field.

“I can still hit pretty well.  They can’t keep me on the bench!  Five years ago, I could still throw 70 miles per hour.  I’ve won probably 150 games and lost 35 or 40 so far.  It’s been quite a run!”

What is the best thing about the Long Island MSBL, in your opinion?

“I’ve known many of the guys in the league for nearly 40 years, so there is camaraderie and plenty of hugs.  I touch base with players on all of the teams.  A lot of guys have known me for 15 or 20 years, and as one of the better pitchers.  Though I’m not that pitcher anymore, it still feels good to get their respect and well-wishes.

It gets harder to get mentally ready to play, and this year was one of the hardest.  But I’m not quite ready to walk away from it yet.  Seeing my friends every week means a lot to me, and I don’t want to give that up.  As long as I can still throw strikes and not embarrass myself, I’ll keep going.  I still feel I have something in the tank and can contribute.”

What do you do to stay in such good shape at 76?

“I thank God every day for the body he gave me, and the ability to be an athlete my whole life.  I’m 6’2” and 180 now, and used to be a bodybuilder.  Now I use bands and stretching instead of weight lifting.  I also incorporated Tai Chi about eight months ago, and it has really helped me get ready this year.  Tai Chi has really made a difference.  I would recommend that everyone look into it.

As is our tradition, we asked Will if he had a favorite player of all-time.

“Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, because of everything they had to endure during their careers, along with Jackie Robinson.  For sheer talent, Babe Ruth still remains at the top of the heap.”

How about your greatest baseball moment, either watching or playing?

“In one game in the early 90s, I struck out 17 guys.  I forgot the team, but afterwards, they were sharing plenty of accolades and asking who I was.  A game like that remains in your mind forever.  I still remember many of the pitch sequences!”