Greg Gontaryk

Career Overview

Greg Gontaryk competed in the NBBA from 1985 through 2021, building one of the longest and most respected careers in league history. Greg passed away on December 22, 2021 at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Over nearly four decades, he represented numerous teams including the Philadelphia Warriors, Austin Blackhawks, Broome Beepers, Oklahoma City Bombers, Wichita Sonics, Columbus Vipers, West Coast Dawgs, Pennsylvania Wolfpack, Kansas All Stars, Bayou City Heat, New Jersey Titans, BSO Philly Fire, and USA Legends. Few players have competed at a high level for so many organizations across so many eras.

Across 127 documented World Series games, Greg recorded 488 putouts, 277 at-bats, 72 runs, and a .260 career batting average. His defensive totals place him among the most productive fielders in NBBA World Series history.

World Series Recognition

Greg earned World Series All-Star honors nine times, reflecting excellence on both offense and defense.

• 1985 at St. Louis Park, MN
• 1988 at Austin, TX Offense
• 1992 at St. Louis Park, MN Defense with 24 putouts
• 2003 at Denver, CO Defensive MVP with an 8.000 putout average and 56 putouts
• 2005 at Houston, TX Defense with a 6.4 putout average and 45 putouts
• 2006 at Cleveland, OH Defense with a 4.14 putout average and 29 putouts
• 2007 at Rochester, MN Defense with a 6.857 putout average and 48 putouts
• 2008 at Houston, TX Defense with a 5.375 putout average and 43 putouts
• 2011 at Indianapolis, IN Defense with a 5.67 putout average and 51 putouts

His 2003 Defensive MVP performance in Denver remains one of the most dominant defensive displays in World Series history.

Defensive Ironman

Greg was widely regarded as an iron man of beep baseball. His defensive consistency across multiple decades is reflected in his 486 documented World Series putouts. Even in later years, when his offensive numbers declined, his defensive impact remained elite.

He was known for durability, toughness, and a relentless competitive mindset that carried across nearly forty seasons.

Early Impact and Offensive Recognition

Greg began his career at age 31 and immediately made an impact, earning an All-Tournament placement in 1985 with the Philadelphia Warriors, a team he helped found.

In 1988, he earned an Offensive All-Star award in Austin, Texas with the Warriors. Notably, his pitcher that season was his young son, Chris.

Though later recognized primarily for defense, Greg’s early career included strong offensive production and versatility on both sides of the ball.

Leadership and Service

Beyond his playing career, Greg served on the NBBA Board of Directors and traveled extensively to support tournaments and league development.

In his later years, he split time between playing and coaching, sharing decades of knowledge with younger athletes. His mentorship helped shape a new generation of players who benefited from his experience and love for the game.

Legacy

Greg Gontaryk’s career spanned almost four decades, an achievement few in the sport can match. His nine World Series All-Star selections, Defensive MVP award, nearly 500 career putouts, and service to countless teams establish him as one of the enduring figures in NBBA history.

He will be remembered not only for his ironman longevity and defensive dominance, but also for his commitment to the growth of beep baseball and the athletes who followed him.