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"Spotlight Award"
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Harold Butcher
Birthdate: 8/9/50
Birthplace: Wichita, KS
Occupation:Purchasing Manager
Family: Wife, Docie; 2 sons; 1 grandson
Big Thank YOU!: Docie
Hobbies: Motorcycles
MSBL History:
Dallas MSBL Commissioner 6 yrs.
Orioles 1989
Yankees 1990 - 1991
Angels 1992 - 1998
38+ Cardinals 1999
38+ Cubs 2002-2003
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I joined the Dallas MSBL in 1989. I went to the spring playoffs at MacArthur High School in Irving. Ed Gamlin's Orioles were playing the Athletics that day, and the Orioles only had 9 players show up for the game. After the game was over, Ed looked into the stands and asked if there were any pitchers available. Surprisingly, the stands at this game were filled with spectators. My wife insisted that I raise my hand, and just like that, my career with the MSBL began. I started pitching as an Oriole, until I was traded in 1990 to the new Yankees. The Yankees were not very deep in pitchers at that time, so it all fell into place for me. I started the Angels in 1992 and managed them thru the 1998 season.
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During this time, I also coached both my boys Little League teams, as well as filling the office of the Commissioner. Needless to say, I did not see much of my wife for about 6 years. I'm glad she likes baseball! Without her support and understanding, none of this would have happened.
Our league was featured in Hardball magazine for the Fall/Winter issue in 1993. I was lucky enough to be on the cover of that issue, thanks to Bob McNellis. So much for my 15 minutes.
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1990 was my first experience in the MSBL World Series in Phoenix, and I continued to go through 1998. Unfortunately I did not attend in 1999, when the team won its first championship. Everyone should plan to attend at least once. More than likely, it will be more than once. The opportunity to play on major league training fields was beyond all my expectations. The crunch of newly mown grass, the pitching rubber that isn't already dug out before the game starts, and the aura that surrounds the fields is incredible. Aside from all of that, in most games you will play against ex-major leaguers. Pretty exciting.
I am happy with the progress of the league, and thankful that I have had the opportunities and ability to play baseball again.
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