SMSBL Hall of Fame

Phil was born and raised in Merced, Ca. where his first exposure to baseball was watching the Saturday baseball broadcast with his dad and listening to Dizzy Dean’s colorful narration. He played little league baseball as soon as he was age eligible and lived for the practices and games.

Phil played little league and pony league as well as pickup games with his fellow paperboys in Merced. He played high school ball his freshman year and continued with pony league until he aged out at 17. After that, slo-pitch and fast pitch softball (intramural in college and city rec leagues) was his baseball substitute.In the mid 1990’s while working in Sacramento, he noticed that on weekends there were guys his age actually playing real baseball on real baseball fields. He tried out and began his middle age baseball career. His SMSBL career started with Dave Sutherland’s Free Agent team in the summer night league. He then played with Jim Tygrett’s Ranger and Cardinal teams. He also played with John Mason’s Solon teams winning championships in 2006 and 2011. When SMSBL started a Sunday league, Tim Burkitt let Phil play with him on the Free Agents once again. As the years moved on and the body ran down, Jim Tygrett started the Golden 60’s league and Phil was able to find his home with the Yankees.

Phil would have to say that the greatest moment of this baseball journey was playing with and winning the 65+ world series with the Sacramento Solons in Florida in 2017. Thanks to Lanny, Irv, Tina and all his Solon teammates for that awesome experience!

Phil has lived in Lincoln for the past 35 years with his wife Terri. They have 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters who keep them busy.

“I would like to thank the HOF committee and all of my SMSBL family for selecting me to be in the SMSBL Hall of Fame. I am humbled and honored to be in such good company.”