Category: News Items

2024 Election – Bios and Statements

Candidate for the office of Vice President

Robbie “The Natural” Cook – Nashville Maroons
I would like to ask for your vote in our upcoming election for the position of League Vice President. As a founding member of The TAVBB completing my 12th season I have been active in volunteering for many duties along the way. As a business owner of “Hester & Cook” we have sponsored our league since its inception. Our league has been a bright spot in my life and in my family’s life. I have been blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people over all the years.  Gratefully I have also been able to play alongside my son Will and hopefully we will be joined by my youngest son, Calvin, next season.  Now I feel it is time for me to give back. My qualifications for the position include:-Co-owner of Hester & Cook. A Nashville based wholesaler and retailer with 4 retail locations in the Nashville area. My Wife Angie and I have just completed our 19th year of business. I am currently serving as the league’s Treasurer, and I am a former Captain of the Maroons.

-Chairman of the Board of The Wonderful Life Foundation. 20 Years
-National Delegate for the Austin Healey Club of America. 30 Years
-President of the Middle Tennessee Austin Healey Club. 30 years.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Candidates for Position of Secretary


Jacqueline “Sharkbait” Lorusso – Cumberland Club of Nashville

Hello fellow ballists! My name is Jacqueline “Sharkbait” Lorusso and I’ve been playing vintage base ball for 14 years. I started playing for the Somonauk Bluestockings in Somonauk, IL back in high school. It didn’t take but a few months after relocating to Middle TN for dad (Fish) and I to find our new team. Him and I have been playing with the Cumberland Club since 2019.  I’ve always played with my dad and we’ve developed a very special bond through playing ball. I always give 100% in the game and love keeping up with the guys. I must say, I was nervous that my Cumberland team wouldn’t be as fun as my team back in Illinois, but they’ve proven themselves to be quite the bunch! I truly enjoy playing with them and have loved getting to know them throughout the past 6 seasons. Why can you count on me as your new Secretary? Like I previously mentioned, I always give 100% playing on the field and that translates to my work off the field as well. I have great attention to detail and am a bit OCD! If something is mentioned at a meeting or a game, you can count on me making note of that idea or concern and not just brushing it aside or forgetting about it. In addition, I currently do not have kids or a demanding job so I will be available for meetings and any other board events. I’d like to highlight some relevant experience in leadership and involvement: I wrote press releases for the Somonauk Bluestockings, summarizing our games for the local newspaper. I held a secretary position and another board position in 2 organizations in college. I currently run the Instagram page for the Cumberland Club of Nashville. I am eager to become more involved and take on more responsibility. I’d really love the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to our league. I also feel like I could bring a unique perspective to the board. Thank you for your consideration. I hope I can count on your vote!

Shane “Sugar” Wise – Mountain City Club of Chattanooga
I’m Sugar Shane are y’all may know me sugar-free i’m looking to run for Chattanooga representative of played in this league for over seven years now it’s one of the best moments of my life playing this game with all of y’all fine young gents table dedication to step up and do more. I think I would represent y’all for sportsmanship advertise how fun this is and how to play baseball To get out there enjoy time on the field. I’m a single father of two sons try and steal the values of what is like to be a young gentleman with manners no matter what the outcome is to hold your head high accept all consequences. Y’all all know me throughout this league I’d like to think I’d be a great asset on the board.

Candidates for Position of Middle Tennessee Player Representative

Robbie “Country Bumpkin” Woods – Cumberland Club of Nashville
This is Robbie “Country Bumpkin” Woods from the Nashville Cumblanders ball club. I would like to throw my hat in the ring for the office of Middle Tennessee player representative. I’ve been in the league now for three years as a pitcher. Each year I have strived to get better and I have. I play for the H&H traveling team also. I’ve loved baseball ALL MY LIFE. To have the opportunity to play organized baseball at 56 years old is beyond words. This has been about  so much more though than playing the game. Uncle Jessie through just watching him or his yelling CB, thought me so much about the respect for the game and baseball players. I’m competitive, but I learned so much from him. For instance after I get three outs pitching, I get the ball back and I give it to the pitcher on the other team myself instead of throwing it on the ground. It’s about respect, Uncle Jessie. It’s about the camaraderie, between the players and the baseball chatter. I treasure ALL the friendships I have throughout the league. Above all, even as competitive as I am, it is all about playing this childs game with childlike wonder. Having fun being 10 years old all over again with I take the field. I would be honored to have an opportunity to give back to the league if I am given the chance. I love baseball. Thanks for allowing me to play amongst y’all!!!

Korey “Kilo” Hodges – Franklin Farriers
As a dedicated player entering my 4th year in the league, I’ve had the honor of serving as Captain of the Farriers for the past two seasons. During this time I’ve come to deeply appreciate the history, sportsmanship, and especially the camaraderie that makes our league special. I am passionate about preserving and enhancing these values, which is why I am running to represent the Middle Tennessee players.If elected, I will do my part to maintain the integrity of the league while advocating for the interests of all the players that make this game special. I am eager to contribute my time, energy, and love for the game to the board, and I would be honored to have your support.

Marc “Flynn Rider” Leblanc – Cumberland Club of Nashville
I am running for Middle Tennessee player rep because I’m truly eager to make a genuine-impact in our sport! I will focus on awareness to increase our beautiful sport & fan bandwidth by gaining new and additional fans to come out and watch/enjoy/support our vintage-cause! I also will seek to make a splash for our own community-outreach (could be charitably) to provide help and support to those in need and draw league curiosity. If I am elected as Middle TN Player rep, I will give my all to address the in-league matters and to have an “All-Star game/celebration” at the end of our season to bring the league together one more time! On a personal note, I grew up just outside Boston, Massachusetts. I loved living in Maine, Colorado and now here in Tn. I am fortunate to have moved around a bit that has helped me excel in different environments to pursue my career passions. I have gained a unique and a personal growth-perspective to live a healthy life while also promoting/ inspiring others to do the same as a coach.  I have always been a passionate, motivated, creative & determined as an athlete/coach and personal trainer of various sports ( basketball, baseball and competing runner) for a big part of my life! I am an active individual within the community through supporting great charitable causes and participation in outreach organizations such as the chamber of commerce. In the last 5 years, I’ve played in 2 different vintage baseball leagues  (Massachusetts for 2 years and now Tennessee for the last year). I am both passionate and knowledgeable of this sport to be in the best position to promote it. I love playing vintage baseball with all of you great individuals while also maintaining my own running/competitions such as the Boston marathon and Falmouth Road Race.