2023 BMBL Hall of Fame class announced

2023 BMBL Hall of Fame Class

The Boston Metro Baseball League (BMBL) has seen its fair share of remarkable talent over the years, and in 2023, the BMBL proudly welcomes four of its finest, as Mike Knell, Rob Monti, Jay Thomas, and Alex Masel are inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

Being elected into the BMBL Hall of Fame is the most esteemed honor that a player can receive in this league. It is not only a reflection of the impact that they displayed on the field, but a reflection of the legacy and influence they have had on the game of baseball as a whole.

Mike Knell (1999-present)

Mike Knell's journey in the Boston Metro Baseball League began in 1999, and for the last 25 years, he's been a force to be reckoned with in the 18+ Division. An 11-time All-Star, Knell boasts an impressive seven championships under his belt, a testament to his consistency and excellence on the field.

In addition to all those championships, Knell currently holds the all-time 18+ Division lead in numerous statistical categories, including at-bats (1378), hits (477), runs (308), RBI's (313), triples (32), and walks (199).

Rob Monti (2004-2013)

Rob Monti's journey in the 28+ Division of the BMBL is a tale of pitching prowess and championship glory. Between 2004 and 2013, he mostly donned the uniform of the Scituate Tides and played a key role in their dynastic run of six championships in ten seasons.

Monti's contributions were not just limited to titles; he's also left a mark in the 28+ Division record books. The right-hander currently ranks third in strikeouts (608), fourth in wins (64), and was the Triple Crown of Pitching winner in 2010. Monti ended his BMBL career with a pitching record of 64-22 and a 1.28 ERA.

Jay Thomas (2001-present)

Jay Thomas has been a staple in the BMBL since 2001. A 14-time All-Star, Thomas currently has six championships to his name, winning three in the 18+ Division and three in the MetroWest 28+ Division.

He's also etched his name in the 18+ Division record books, where he is currently the all-time co-leader in doubles (73), ranks third in hits (390), and fourth in games played (387), at-bats (1113), and RBIs (189).

Alex "Al" Masel (1990-2010)

From 1990 to 2010, Al Masel was a player/manager with the Somerville Angels/Senators in the 28+ Division, winning back-to-back championships in 1991 and 1992, and then another title in 2003. Masel also led his team to the 28+ finals in 2001, 2002, and 2006.

Beyond the league, he was the co-organizer of the "Cape Cod Classic" Tournament, which he ran and played in for 26 years alongside Pete Mastro. Their efforts saw them lift the championship trophy in 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005. Masel's contributions both on and off the field have left an indelible mark on the league's history.

The induction of Mike Knell, Rob Monti, Jay Thomas, and Al Masel into the Boston Metro Baseball League's Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of their individual excellence but a celebration of the enduring spirit of the game and the invaluable contributions they've made to their teams and the league as a whole.

The 2023 Hall of Fame inductees have been added to the Hall of Fame page and will be recognized at the upcoming end-of-season banquet on Monday, October 23, 7:00 PM, at Game On Fenway.

Lastly, a special thanks to everyone on the Hall of Fame committee for your time and effort in casting your votes for this year's candidates.