On Monday, July 20th, the Muskingum Valley Old Timers Association hosted a banquet honoring the MVOTA Hall of Fame class of 2026 at Zanesville’s VFW Post 1058. The class inductees were Jason Smith, Todd Mitchell, Wes Carder, Pat Corder, Craig Stoneburner, Brandon Bush, and Brandon Wheeler, representing the Zanesville Vipers and Senior Pioneers.
The Senior Pioneers are a long-standing local amateur men’s baseball team representing Zanesville and Muskingum Valley and serving as an older division following local youth, Babe Ruth, Junior, and high school levels. The Pioneers have competed locally and within the Central Ohio Men’s Adult Baseball League (MABL), and have built rivalries and secured multiple Central Ohio League (COL) titles.
The Vipers are an adult baseball team started and coached locally at one time by Dustin Rock a local baseball player. The organization focused on strong fundamentals, holding special clinics such as catching camps led by collegiate players to support local talent. The team is part of the Zanesville amateur baseball culture with several local youth leagues.
In honor of the Hall of Fame class, the Senior Pioneers hosted a game against the Alumni from both teams, but after 2 ½ innings, the game was rained out. They will attempt the game again on Sunday, July 26th at Gant Stadium. For up-to-date information on the game and the Senior Pioneers, visit their Facebook page.
PHOTO CREDIT: Senior Pioneers
