BILL SCHINDEL SPEECH
Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for Bill Schindel:
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, APBA Baseball enthusiasts, & to all the Hall of Famers behind me it is my distinct honor & privilege to stand before you today to introduce a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on the Mid-West Baseball League & more importantly on the world of APBA Baseball. Today, we gather to celebrate the extraordinary achievements and enduring legacy of Bill Schindel, a true legend in the realm of the Mid-West Baseball League.
Bill Schindel’s journey in the baseball realm began with his love for baseball, but his contributions extend far beyond that. With unwavering dedication and unwavering love for the game, Bill has become a cherished figure within the APBA Community, as well as a mentor and friend to many, myself very much included here.
As an avid enthusiast of APBA 5.75, Bill has been instrumental in guiding countless individuals, imparting his wealth of knowledge & expertise to help aspiring players and enthusiasts navigate the intricacies of the game. His mentorship has not only fostered a deep understanding of the game but has also nurtured a passion that continues to thrive in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have learned from him.
Bill’s impact extends beyond his role as a mentor. Known for his commitment to the Columbus Explorers, he has consistently displayed an unparalleled work ethic and an infectious enthusiasm for the game, always trying to “Go for It”. Whether it be analyzing statistics, strategizing game plans, or fostering team trade ideas, Bill has been a driving force behind the success of the Explorers.
His contributions to the Mid-West Baseball League are immeasurable. Bill’s unwavering dedication & exceptional leadership have helped shape the MWBL into what it is today—a vibrant and thriving community of passionate individuals brought together by their shared love for the game. His influence on the league’s culture, development, & history has been invaluable, leaving an indelible mark that will endure for generations to come.
Beyond his accomplishments with his Columbus Explorer & within the league, Bill Schindel is renowned for his kindhearted nature & genuine character. A true gentleman, he exemplifies the values that make baseball a cherished sport, embodying the ideals of integrity, sportsmanship, & teamwork.
Today, as we gather to honor Bill’s exceptional contributions, we recognize not only his achievements but also the person behind the accolades—a remarkable friend, mentor, and all-around great guy. Bill Schindel’s name shall forever be etched in the hallowed halls of the Mid-West Baseball League Hall of Fame, serving as an inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps.
As we celebrate his induction today, let us not only pay tribute to his remarkable accomplishments but also express our deepest gratitude for his enduring friendship & unwavering support. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the incomparable Bill Schindel into the Mid-West Baseball League Hall of Fame, where he rightfully belongs.
Bill Schindel Speech:
Thank you Mr. Commissioner,
I am incredibly humbled and grateful to be chosen for induction into the MWBL Hall of Fame. It never crossed my mind that I would be in this position, as it was reserved for the elite players and managers, like the infamous “Evil Empire” and the delightful rival Chris Douglas of the Tempe Tempers. We have some exceptional individuals in the Hall of Fame, such as the legendary Draft Coordinator Stacy Corrado, who has made the MWBL a fantastic experience for every team owner. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my wife, who has supported and tolerated my involvement in baseball playing, managing, general managing, and commissioning throughout our 45 years together. Her patience, even when I would say, “I’ll be just 5 more minutes,” which would turn into at least half an hour, is truly remarkable. Thank you, Lynn! I love you, and I am grateful for all the support you have given me.
And yet, here I stand today on this podium, receiving this incredible honor. My journey in the MWBL traces back to my days playing the APBA DOS Classic game, where my passion for baseball began. In my first year in the Iowa Baseball Confederacy (IBC), I met another rookie manager named Stray Corrado (although his real name is John). Stray and I embarked on our managerial careers together, attending the annual draft for both the IBC and ICBL in Indiana. After the draft, we would stay up late, playing the DOS game with our newly acquired players and prospects. Our teams at the time were the Explorers and Mobsters, and our friendship flourished. And like anything else, some great stories evolved from those weekends – ask either of us sometime.
As my life as a military dependent was coming to an end and my wife, Lynn, retired from the Navy, I found myself in need of full-time work. In the early 90s, I discovered an opportunity to pursue my passion for baseball. Years earlier, I had fallen in love with the APBA DOS game and even created a draft league with a friend. We encountered some technical issues with the game and brought them to the attention of the Miller brothers, who developed the game. This led to my introduction to the Miller brothers and eventually my role as the BBW Tech Support guy, starting as a part-time representative and later becoming the Operations Manager for the company. During this time, I had the pleasure of interacting with many passionate baseball fans and even some MLB owners who sought game support. Through this experience, I formed lasting connections with numerous fans, some of whom I have been fortunate enough to be in leagues with over the years.
Stray was there with me when I founded the WIBL (Windows Internet Baseball League), the first-ever BBW league that still exists today. I created it as a beta testing platform for BBW and League Manager when the League Play tools were introduced. The mechanics of League Manager were influenced by the way we ran our DOS leagues. When Stray approached me about starting the MWBL, I didn’t hesitate to join. We both loved the new BBW LM tools, and I was thrilled to be a part of his FIRST LEAGUE. The Columbus Explorers were one of the early teams to commit to the league. Interestingly, Stray also approached me about other leagues, such as the MWHL (MidWest Hockey League). However, in the early 2000s, I needed a break from baseball due to various life commitments, including raising three children through high school and college. I “retired” from all my leagues until a friend convinced me to return to my old league, WIBL, in late 2012. Stray, who hadn’t given up on me, convinced me to return to MWWL and MWBL as well. It’s a testament to his friendship and the wonderful environment of the league that I gladly accepted the invitation. It’s a place where I can enjoy baseball and, more importantly, build meaningful friendships.
Before I conclude, I want to reflect on what makes a good league. First and foremost, I must acknowledge that I have been blessed with an incredible family. My wife and children have been a constant source of support and love. When selecting the organizations I choose to be a part of, I look for a group of individuals who share good intentions. MWBL excels in this regard. We all have a profound love for baseball and dedicate a significant amount of our personal time to dive deep into the intricacies of the game. However, what truly sets us apart is our camaraderie and willingness to support one another. As I wrap up my remarks, I extend my gratitude to my fellow league members for this prestigious recognition. While I may not have won a World Series, I can confidently say that I have had 16 remarkable years in the league, surrounded by the most knowledgeable baseball minds and cherished friends. Once again, thank you for bestowing this honor upon me! The best part is that I am still an active member of the league, enjoying the company of outstanding individuals, and I hope to continue doing so for many more years to come.
Bill Schindel