MISL: League History
MISL History |
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In 1975, Dick Bolt, with the assistance of Rec. Dept. Director Lou Ghiloni, forms a Sunday men's independent softball league to offer an alternative to the Marlborough City League, which plays on week nights. Back then, only 6 teams participate and the players call the balls and strikes themselves.
In 1982, the league officially organizes as the Marlborough Men's Independent Softball League. The league consists of 11 teams and the first champion crowned is the Prospector East Saloon team.
In 1983 and 1984, the Rock Lobsters (who are also sponsored by the Prospector) win back to back championships. The Rock Lobsters continue to play in the league for more than 25 seasons.
In 1989, Ron Blanchette becomes acting president and establishes a five man committee to oversee the growing 15 team league. This committee approach has remained the same since. Rules and by-laws are formed to help govern the league.
In 1992, the league forms two divisions, 'A' and 'B', to accommodate the growing league. Ten teams are placed in each division with each crowning a champion at years' end. The year also marks the last season of the Marlborough City League.
In 1995, Dick Durkee assumes the position of president and builds on the league's growing momentum. The league maintains stability by placing 20 teams in the league's 2 divisions.
In 1997, Mike Jacobs takes over as Commissioner and brings the USSSA umpiring association into the league. While sanctioned by the USSSA, the league separates itself from other leagues by adopting league specific rules. The most notable is the 'high arc' pitch, utilized since the first year, which now becomes the trademark of the league. The league sees its first drop with 16 teams competing.
In 2000, Bob Stuart becomes Commissioner and appoints Glenn Boxell and Ray Devoe as trustees for the Committee to help govern the league. As team participation falls to 14 teams, league growth and community involvement become the top priorities.
In 2001, to expand the league, out of town teams are allowed to join the league for the first time. The league grows to 18 teams and becomes more community involved by becoming a sponsor for the Marlborough Youth Baseball Association. During the summer of '01, the DiAntonio field infield at Ghiloni park is torn up and the 'stone dust' is replaced by clay.
In 2002, the league is renamed the Marlborough Independent Softball League (MISL), and its' web site begins, where team schedules and statistics, league standings and news can be accessed worldwide. In it's first 2 years of existence, the site is viewed by over 14,000 fans. The league continues its yearly tradition of playing the Ashland Softball League in a 2 game all-star event for the Metro Cup. In '02, the event is held in Ashland and a 'family day' is organized to help collect money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Before the 2003 season kicks off, the MISL holds its' first golf tournament. The tourney is a success and a second date is added for the following year. In 2003, the league begins honoring the accomplishments of past players and contributers by renaming the 'A' Division Championship Trophy for Ron Blanchette, the 'B' Division Championship Trophy for Kenny Bauks, and a new Sportsmanship Award for Ralph Grasso. During the '03 season, the MISL begins to actively promote special programs, such as the Children's Hospital, local charities, and the newly formed Marlborough Special Olympics Softball team formed in association with the Marlborough Greater Programs.
The 2004 season kicks off with the 2nd league golf tournament. The event is a huge success and raises money for two local children who had recently lost their parents. The 'B' Division Sportsmanship Award is renamed in honor of Tim Jewel, a league player who passed away earlier in the year. The league continues to sponsor the MYBA and increases its sponsorship to the City's Special Olympic Softball team by donating to the team their first game jersey's. The end of the year witnesses a record breaking performance by the Diamondbacks as they win their 5th consecutive 'A' Division championship.
Each year the MISL continues to build on its "Commitment to Caring" by donating proceeds to its annual Golf Tournament. In 2006, the league hosts the first ever Central Mass All-Star Tournament, joining teams from Ashland, Clinton, Hudson, Leominster and Marlboro. The event raises money for the Special Olympics plus a local charity. The event is billed as a huge success and plans are made to make it a yearly event to be hosted by the different towns each year.
In 2008, to accomodate the growing league, which in 2007 expands to 24 teams, the league appoints presidents to govern each of its divisions.
The MISL gratefully acknowledges its past Commissioners:
Dick Bolt (1982-1988)
Ron Blanchette (1989-1994)
Dick Durkee (1995-1996)
Mike Jacobs (1997-1999)
Bob Stuart (2000-2009)
The MISL wishes to recognize the following sponsors, whose long term committment to this league is truly appreciated and respected.
Prospector East Saloon & Bob Kays (More than 25 years)
Marlboro Eagles (More than 20 years)
The league also recognizes the following sponsors, whose committment in the past is also appreciated.
Bills's Barber Shop, Marlboro Moose and the Cozy Cafe (12 years)