SMSBL Hall of Fame

Pete Snyder loved coaching little league baseball and playing hard ball.He cherished his baseball friends and always looked forward to the annual trip to Phoenix to play in The Men’s Senior Baseball League World Series. Pete began his SMSBL career with the Auburn Braves in the 1990’s with teammates and SMSBL Hall of Famers Jim Arbogast, Alton Ceaser, Dave Kephart, Mike Baker, Mike Borba, and the late Tim Day. As time went on and he got older he continued to play and Pete transitioned to the Solons team which had multiple championships in league and Phoenix. In 2009 Pete was an important factor as designated hitter for the SMSBL Silverbacks/Solons and winning the 60+ MSBL World Series in Phoenix. (Authored by Dave Kephart)“Pete played and managed the Auburn Braves starting in 1997. When we first met Pete it was his positive attitude, smile and infectious laugh which would endear him to us for a lifetime. Truly “one of a kind” as a teammate, manager and friend Pete stepped up to take the managerial reigns for the Auburn Braves in 1998 and was instrumental in keeping the Braves together as one of the longest standing teams in the SMSBL. We had quite a cast of characters come through the revolving door that was the Braves roster in those days but he was determined to keep this team together. His poetic left handed swing garnered him the nickname “Sweet Pete” as much as his amazing personality did. Pete and I shared a love of music and baseball and we often collaborated on post game, tailgate tunes which would ring out through the night accompanied by the glow of the omnipresent tailgate Coleman lantern. We all shared many special moments both on and off the field at the World Series in Phoenix during that time. Pete and Timmy Day were at times, a tough assignment as the third room mate, but as I reflect on those days I do so with the same smile and laughter that Pete displayed throughout our long history together. We all miss him so much and will honor his legacy in the James Field parking lot every night to good tunes, baseball and the lantern that certainly will shine even brighter in his memory.” We celebrate Pete’s induction into the SMSBL Hall of Fame for his contributions to the league in its early days up and until his last at bat, and as a manager and organizer, teammate, and player.” With a heavy heart, Peter Whitford Snyder passed away from stage 4 prostate cancer on May 2, 2018 at 8:58 P.M. his loving wife of 43 years, daughter and son by his side. He was an inspiration to all.