The Greater Loudoun Babe Ruth League (GLBRL) has been serving the youth of Loudoun County, Virginia, since 1956.

The League began with a 13-15 Year-olds Division.  Since then, GLBRL has extended opportunities to play Babe Ruth Baseball to more youth by adding first a Babe Ruth 16-18 Year-olds Division and next a Cal Ripken Major70 Division.

Over the years, the Greater Loudoun Babe Ruth League has hosted numerous District, State, Regional, and World Series tournaments.   For the most part before 1995, players were required to be housed for State tournaments and above.  Greater Loudoun set the standard for accomplishing this task, over and over again.

In 1997, the League raised about half a million dollars to renovate Fireman's Field in Purcellville in preparation for hosting the 1998 16-Year-olds World Series.  World Series participants in 2001 (16-18s), 2004 (16s), and 2007 (13s) have taken away many fond memories from this "Field of Dreams" in northern Virginia's Loudoun Valley.  In 2010, the 14-Year-olds will come to Purcellville as Greater Loudoun BRL hosts its fifth World Series.

From the perspective of the Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia, the Greater Loudoun Babe Ruth League is one of a select few leagues in the Commonwealth that are considered to be "go-to" leagues when there is a hosting crisis, be it at the State, Region, or World Series level.

Deceased in 2010

Bob Koontz began his Babe Ruth League career in 1974 as a manager-coach and continued in that role for 8 years.  During that time, in 1976, Bob was elected as Vice President of the Currituck Athletic Association.

In 1983, Bob was elected as President of the Currituck Athletic Association as well as being appointed to the position of Eastern North Carolina District 7 Baseball Commissioner.  He remains in both of these positions today after 26 years!

In 1986, Bob accepted an additional appointment to the position of Eastern North Carolina District 1 Softball Commissioner.  He remained in that position until 2000 when he turned over the responsibilities to a colleague.  Why?  Bob felt that he couldn't reasonably manage and visit all of the tournaments of both Districts as one person!

In 1989, Bob received the Currituck County Outstanding Volunteer Award, honoring his contribution to both his community and surrounding communities through his work with Babe Ruth League, Inc.

A key accomplishment in Bob's career is the growth of the Currituck Athletic Association under his management and leadership to provide youth athletic programs for 700 to 900 youth annually.

Deceased in 2013

In 1968, Don Rose began his Babe Ruth League career as a manager/coach in the Greater Loudoun Babe Ruth League.  He continued to coach until 1977 when he became the Greater Loudoun BRL President; Don served in that position for 20 years!

In 1997, Don was elected as Virginia Babe Ruth District 8 Commissioner; he served as District Commissioner for 6 years.

In 2003, Don was elected as Virginia Babe Ruth State Commissioner.  He continues his service to Babe Ruth League and the youth of Virginia in that position today, and was re-elected as State Commissioner for 2009-2011 in September.

Don's accomplishments during his over 41 years of Babe Ruth service are numerous.  He has been successful at bringing dozens of Southeast Regional tournaments to Virginia (there were six in 2009).  He is proud that under his tenure there have been six World Series held in the State, with more coming in 2010 and 2011.  His focus on the youth served by Babe Ruth League has provided a role model for countless new Babe Ruth volunteers and his mentorship has been invaluable in expanding and strengthening Virginia's Babe Ruth programs.  Don has received many honors for his efforts on youth sports programs, but the one recognition for which he is most proud is the Lefty Gomez Volunteer of the Year Award for Softball that Babe Ruth League presented to him in 2007 for his many accomplishments, including the successful results of his efforts to enhance the size and visibility of Babe Ruth Softball under the auspices of Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia, Inc.

Deceased in 2022

Bob Brown began his Babe Ruth career in 1984 as a manager/coach.  In 1989, Bob coached a 12-year-olds team that participated in the Southeast Regional Tournament in Winchester, Virginia.  Building upon the success of this team, 2 years later Bob managed a 12-year-olds team that won the 1991 Virginia District 8 Tournament, Virginia State Tournament, and the Southeast Regional Tournament.  The 1991 Winchester team represented the Southeast Region at the World Series in Pueblo, Colorado.

Since his coaching debut, Bob's tournament teams have won a combined 11 District championships, had two Virginia State runner-up finishes, nine Virginia State championships, made nine Southeast Regional appearances, two Southeast Region championships, and made two World Series appearances.

In 1993, Bob was elected as President of the Winchester Baseball League. In 1994, Bob embarked on a facilities improvement program with the goal of making Winchester Baseball a tournament level facility. From 1994 through 2005, Bob joined forces with the Winchester Parks and Recreation program to raise over $750,000 to improve the Winchester Baseball complex located at Jim Barnett Park.  Bob along with his volunteers constructed second floor press box facilities on Rotary and Yost fields. Further improvements were made to the facility with lights being added to every field, chip tar walkways, a new tee-ball field, restrooms facilities, dugouts and batting cages located at every field.  Bob's original dream to build the Winchester complex into a state-of-the-art tournament facility was realized this past year.  Babe Ruth Headquarters selected Winchester to host the 2011 10-Year-olds World Series.

Bob demonstrates all of the necessary attributes of being an excellent leader of young athletes, as well as symbolizes the true meaning of sportsmanship. His take charge attitude of the game earns him both the respect from the coaches, players and fans. Bob is well liked by his peers, coaches and players.

In closing, Bob Brown is a great asset and represents the Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken program in a professional manner both on and off of the field of play.

Spike played in the 1959 Babe Ruth World Series in California as a 15 year old. He coached Babe Ruth baseball from 1982-1991 and was District Commissioner from 1991-1992. He then served as Tennessee State Commissioner from 1992-2008.

Spike served at 16 World Series and has been tournament director for 23 Southeast Regional Tournaments.

Spike has also been a member of the board of directors for the Old Timers Baseball Association the past 15 years.

Spike is a volunteer that never minded getting his hands dirty. He would help leagues do whatever it took to get the job done. He has refunded leagues their State contract fees when he saw they had small crowds, or he discovered the league was struggling to make ends meet. He always paid his way into tournaments. He has never used his State Commissioner card at any gate to get free access.

He has been a mentor and a special person who cares very deeply about the total Babe Ruth program. He has been involved in every aspect of Babe Ruth and served as a loyal volunteer at every level.

He has been witnessed on many occasions providing his valued work to help leagues, managers, coaches, and especially players in any way he could.

One of his greatest attributes was his ability to keep everyone happy across the State.  He has a great baseball mind and is a great administrator.  He is always thinking outside of the box.

Babe Ruth baseball is very fortunate to have him as an International Board Member.

To quote Spike, "He has been involved with youth sports since before Flipper was a minnow."

Deceased in 2021

Volunteers have always been in short supply. That was the case in 1965 when Henry Sermons was one of the first to step forward to help the struggling Babe Ruth Baseball program. The ensuing years saw Henry serve as coach, manager, umpire, player agent, president, District Commissioner, State Commissioner, and now a Regional Commissioner and member of the Babe Ruth International Board of Directors.

Henry has served in every conceivable volunteer position. He has mowed the grass, hauled dirt, cleaned the toilets, and cooked the hot dogs (not necessarily in that order!). Henry was always thinking of ways to make things better for the various leagues he was involved with. He would have an electric fan strategically placed so that the aroma of the freshly popped popcorn would drift into the stands, and thus increase popcorn sales. He also determined that if you placed just a pinch too much salt on the popcorn, later in the game you would sell another soft drink. For the past 45 years, Henry has also served as an unofficial public relations representative of the Babe Ruth programs.

In 2002, Henry was approached by Ron Tellefsen with a plan to make changes in the Southeast Regional program. Ron wanted Henry to be the new Commissioner for the Region. Realizing the opportunity this would give for training and interaction between the States, Henry also saw it as a great opportunity to help the Babe Ruth programs grow and prosper in the Southeast. Henry has worked tirelessly to provide workshop training for every aspect of the Babe Ruth programs, from rules and regulations to tournaments, as well as the criteria for laying out fields. Henry has put special effort in ensuring that the newest volunteers have the training necessary to prepare themselves to effectively serve in their local leagues. Having served as an umpire, Henry has also insisted that all Babe Ruth umpires be afforded the opportunity for excellent training so that there are outstanding umpires at all levels of competition.

Henry continues to strive to improve the Babe Ruth experience for all. Under Henry's leadership, the Southeast Region is a leader in the Babe Ruth family and continues to grow as seen by the newest addition of The Bahamas and Bermuda to the fold. Henry is a youth sports icon throughout the Southeast.

Ken has had a 43-year association with youth baseball.

Upon graduation from the University of Virginia in 1969, he began a career as a youth baseball coach.  In 1971, Ken was appointed as the baseball Director of the Staunton Kiwanis Club, a position he has held for 41 years.

Ken spent the majority of his baseball seasons coaching 12-year-olds and younger players in Staunton, Virginia.

In 1984, after many years as an independent league, Ken agreed that an association with Babe Ruth Baseball (Bambino Division) made sense and was a driving force in the creation of what is now the Staunton Cal Ripken League.

Apparently, it was the correct decision!  That year, the Staunton 12-Year-olds tournament team won its first District, State, and Regional tournament titles and then finished third in the Bambino World Series held in Shelbyville, Indiana.  Two years later, the same result!

In 1993, Ken was elected as Virginia's District 4 Commissioner and stepped down from a league that he had directed since 1971.  Thanks to Ken's leadership and vision, District 4 continues to grow year after year.

Ken also continues as an active member of the Kiwanis Club and stays busy volunteering his time at the concessions and other fund-raising activities.

Wayne Stutzman has been involved with youth baseball for over 45 years serving in many positions such as coach, board member, equipment maintenance man, field improvement guy, carpenter, and handyman, all to ensure that the kids of the Sarasota Babe Ruth League have the very best.

Wayne became President of the Sarasota Babe Ruth League at a time when the league was experiencing growth opportunities.  He seized these opportunities and helped grow the league into what it is today.  He is highly regarded throughout the Sarasota community due to his unwavering commitment and deep dedication to the children whom he serves.

After several years of holding down the position of President of the Sarasota Babe Ruth League he chose to become active at the State level.

In the over 20 years that Wayne has served the State of Florida he has taken on the duties of State Tournament director numerous time.  He is currently serving as the Florida State Treasurer, the Director of T-Ball, and as an Assistant State Commissioner, oversees four districts.

It is said that Wayne approaches every task with a smile and a clear vision of what is to be accomplished.  His energy and enthusiasm for providing a safe and positive experience for the youth of Florida are indeed without bounds.

Deceased in 2019

Deceased in 2013

Joe Baker began umpiring youth baseball in Monroe (Union County), North Carolina, in the early 1970s.  When the Monroe Babe Ruth League chartered in the mid-1970s, Joe became a Babe Ruth League umpire for their regular season games.  Monroe Babe Ruth League hosted two 16-18 Year-olds Babe Ruth World Series in the 1970s and Joe was an umpire for Babe Ruth League in those World Series.  Joe continued to support the Monroe Babe Ruth League, which later merged into the still-active Union County Babe Ruth League.  Through the 1980s and 1990s, Joe Baker umpired and booked the umpires for this league.

Joe umpired in many Western North Carolina District and State Tournaments.  In the late 1990s, and continuing thought the early 2000s, Joe umpired in many Southeast Regional Tournaments including being the Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) in several.

In 2004, Joe became the UIC for Western North Carolina Babe Ruth Baseball (WNCBR).  In his new position, Joe started Umpire Clinics for the leagues in WNCBR at no cost to the local leagues.  Under Joe's leadership, the WNCBR Umpires Association was born and soon began training sessions for WNCBR umpires. That training led to the State Association selecting umpires for the State Tournaments instead of the local host league.  Joe was appointed as an Assistant State Commissioner for WNCBR and served in that capacity until his death in September 2013.  During his 10 years of service as an Assistant State Commissioner, Joe was Tournament Director for a State Tournament every year, doing two State Tournaments in several years.  In addition to his service to WNCBR, Joe volunteered to serve as Tournament Director for Southeast Regional Tournaments in Monroe and Matthews, N.C., plus handling umpire assignments for the Southeast Region Commissioner.

Joe Baker was "the sounding board, the solid good sense, and personal friend" to the Western North Carolina State Commissioner throughout the past 15 years.  His good sense approach to issues, always putting the kids first, helped make Western North Carolina Babe Ruth successful.

John Lucas began his love of the game in Sarasota, Florida, first as an 11-year-old player and subsequently, in 1965, as a coach in what is now known as the Cal Ripken program. He became involved with Sarasota's Babe Ruth program as an umpire in 1973 and soon became the booking agent for the league. The following year, John joined the local Babe Ruth Board, became a vice president, and then served as the president of the league from 1975 until 1995. John became the Florida State Commissioner in 1995 and continues to serve in that position today. In his 19 years as State Commissioner, he has done wonders to improve and grow the Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken programs in Florida. So much so that, in 2008, Florida was divided into two Babe Ruth States, with John serving as State Commissioner for both.

John is a very dedicated and active State Commissioner; he travels and meets with every District Commissioner and every league president on an annual basis. He holds Executive Board meetings every year and sometimes biennially. He travels to all the State tournaments in North Florida and in South Florida. He runs the two Rookie Qualifiers (which involve a combined total of more than 100 teams) as well as the B State Tournament (which involves approximately 50 teams). He is willing and available to attend any meetings involving the recruitment of new leagues. He also supports the Buddy-Ball program in Florida and has recently (2012) absorbed softball into his domain. The continued increase of new leagues (12 last year) in Florida is a testament to John's dedication and belief in the Babe Ruth mission: "That every child who has a desire to play baseball or softball be afforded the opportunity to do so."

In the past, John has worn many hats, including that of coach and umpire for baseball, basketball coach, and high school football referee. John, a U.S. Navy veteran, is a retired schoolteacher and he continues to substitute teach. John's involvement in Babe Ruth became a family affair. His wife, Marion, and daughters Amy and Laura spent many hours helping in the concession stand, designing and selling tournament t-shirts, and housing players at tournament time when needed.

John's Babe Ruth colleagues characterize him as "always fair and respectful," "a pillar of strength, support, and stability," and "humble, caring, and honest."  John ensures that everyone follows the rules; he doesn't like having to be the "bad guy", but has strong convictions and broad shoulders if need be. His ultimate goal is to "get it right for the kids."  His many accolades, including the 1995 Teacher of the Year Award and the 1995 Vernon "Lefty" Gomez Volunteer of the Year - Baseball Award, are now joined by his 2014 induction into the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Hall of Fame.

Deceased in 2019

The Winchester Baseball Babe Ruth League has been a large part of the Winchester-Frederick County, Virginia, community since the league began in 1952 and chartered with Babe Ruth League as Winchester Bambino League in the mid-1980s. The league’s commitment to the development of youth baseball has been unwavering.

The coaches of the Winchester Baseball organization demonstrate all of the necessary attributes of being excellent leaders of young athletes, as well as symbolizing the true meaning of sportsmanship. Winchester Baseball has earned the respect of opposing coaches, players, and fans.

Winchester Baseball is the epitome of what Babe Ruth League, Inc. stands for. The players in the Winchester Baseball League receive the very best educational and sports experience possible. They are an all-play league that teaches the rules of the game and basic ideals of sportsmanship and fair play, along with proper baseball fundamentals that prepare the players both mentally and physically to develop a love for the game—a love that from all indications of past players will last a lifetime.  (The sign that greets those entering Winchester Parks and Recreation’s Jim Barnett Park echoes that passion: “You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.”)

On a community level, Winchester Baseball League has been instrumental in helping to provide quality sports fields. The partnership with the city and the park system is unrivaled and has led to major capital improvements at Jim Barnett Park such as improved fields, press boxes, batting cages, and concession stand. Without Winchester Baseball League’s commitment to the community and players, baseball simply would not be what it currently is in the Winchester‐Frederick County area.

Leagues like this deserve recognition and there is not a better way to do that than to honor all the volunteers and players (past and present) by inducting Winchester Baseball into the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Hall of Fame.

Deceased in 2020

Dave Gushee's tireless efforts in applying his exceptional skills in negotiation and conflict resolution, communication, record keeping, and analysis have had an immeasurable positive impact on the participants and volunteers in Babe Ruth programs at the local league, District, State, Regional, and national levels. Dave Gushee served as a league official in Vienna, VA, for some 10 years, was District VII Commissioner (northern Fairfax County) from 1991 to 2003, and has been Secretary-Treasurer of Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia since 2004. Before that, he coached Little League teams from 1971 through 1974 and Babe Ruth teams from 1975 to the mid-80s.

As a long-time Babe Ruth volunteer, Dave has always sought ways to maintain the Babe Ruth focus on community sports programs that provide the opportunity for all youth to participate in the great sports of baseball and softball and to structure leagues to enable players of all skill levels to achieve the success needed to motivate further learning and development.

Dave has had a life-long passion for baseball. He played high school baseball in his native Milton, Massachusetts, and was the starting right fielder on the first baseball team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a sophomore. He recalls that the team practiced in a pasture under the Harvard Bridge, since they had no field of their own (one was built for the following year). The right field wall was the Charles River.  He played both left field and right field the last 2 years and batted .318 his senior year when MIT played heavily favored Boston College to a 2-2 tie. Dave played left field and caught two monstrously long foul ball flies to left hit by Eddy Clasby, a football quarterback in BC's sports Hall of Fame and hitter of a lot of long balls in baseball.

Dave's record of service to youth baseball is just one of many examples of his commitment to serve others--notable examples include his service to our Nation during his active duty service in the U.S. Army in Korea as a forward observer (1951-2), first on assignment with the Sixth Korean Division and later as an aerial observer with IX Corps Artillery (Dave flew 120 missions and was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters), and his post-retirement accomplishments as a member and ultimately Chairman of the Planning Commission of the Town of Front Royal, Virginia, after moving there in 2004. When Dave moved from Vienna to Front Royal, he started a new career as the announcer for the Internet broadcasts of the Front Royal Cardinals of the Valley League from 2005 through 2007.

Deceased in 2017

Richard W. "Dick" Glover made support for youth athletics a high priority in his 30 years of public service as an elected member of the Henrico County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors. During his tenure, he successfully hounded RF&P Railroad to donate millions of dollars worth of land to Henrico, where he envisioned building a sports complex with a baseball stadium that would match the look, feel, and functionality of modern minor league ballparks. Once the land was donated, he went to work building his dream. The resulting park now boasts seven baseball and softball playing fields, along with a multi-purpose field and detailed amenities including concessions, restrooms, community pavilions, and tennis courts. These facilities are among the finest in the country and regularly host some of Babe Ruth's most prestigious tournaments, including State and Regional tournaments and World Series events. In fact, Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park has been the site of Babe Ruth World Series in 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2017. The venue is a regular site for State and Regional tournaments, and is a favorite of families and players who visit and play there.

Perhaps Dick Glover's greatest legacy was the encouragement and inspiration that he gave to the young men and women playing on those fields that he loved so much. Nearly every day, he would make a lap through the park in his car just to “check on things” as he would say. Oftentimes, he and his wife Joan would stop and take in a ball game on one of the fields at RF&P Park. When Joan wasn’t looking, he would sneak a hot dog and a drink from the concession stand. The one thing that never changed was he was never seen alone.  He was always chatting with a youngster or a family in the stands. His presence was obvious to all whenever he was in the park.

Upon his sudden passing in 2017, Dick Glover’s funeral procession took him on one "final lap" through RF&P Park.  The park was lined with young and old wanting to pay their final respects to the man who gave so much to them.  There were current players ages 4 to 15, along with former players (some now playing professional baseball) who came back years after completing their eligibility, just to say "thanks."

Dick Glover will be missed by many who benefitted from his leadership and tangible support for youth athletics. But his contributions will live on in the facilities that he built and, more importantly, in the hearts of many grateful people that he served.

Grace Paglione has served as the Regional Service Representative for the Southeast Region since 1991. At the top of the many responsibilities that she performs so effectively for the Southeast Region, one of Babe Ruth League’s largest Regions, is hands-on communication with local leagues, District Commissioners, State Commissioners, and the Regional Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners. She oversees a myriad of tasks for the Southeast Region including league charters (all aspects: number of Divisions chartered, number of teams chartered within the Divisions, insurance compliance, etc.), National Umpire Association registration, State financial statement reporting, and Commissioner certification.

Grace began her career with Babe Ruth League, Inc. in 1980 as a secretary working under the direction of then Vice President Jeanne B. Layton. Grace’s knowledge and understanding of the organization grew quickly, as did her responsibilities and workload. She has successfully performed in several positions of advanced responsibility including the management and accounting for the sale of promotional materials starting in 1984 and being the Regional Service Representative for several Regions (the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Southwest, Southwest, Ohio Valley, and Southeast) starting in 1991.

Her professional approach and dedication to Babe Ruth League has been acknowledged by management and clients who praise her for her pleasant demeanor, her amazing “can-do” attitude, and her ability to follow through in a timely manner. Her “old-school” work ethic –Grace is never late and rarely takes a day off— results in constant invaluable support to the many volunteers who give unselfishly of their time and resources for the youth of their communities.

Her loyalty to the Babe Ruth League program and her respect for its many volunteers has played a supportive role in helping the program enrich the lives of millions of children worldwide. Grace Paglione's many contributions to Babe Ruth League's Southeast Region are recognized by her 2017 induction into the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Hall of Fame.

Deceased in 2017

Tom Steele has been actively involved in the Babe Ruth program for well over 40 years. He started as a local league coach in Union County, North Carolina, and was soon elected to the league board and subsequently league president. He later became an Assistant District Commissioner, District Commissioner, and then Assistant State Commissioner. He was first appointed to the State Commissioner position by the then Southeast Regional Commissioner Jim Penland and subsequently elected to be the State Commissioner for Western North Carolina where he continued to do an outstanding job. When he took over the State Commissioner position, the organization was facing significant financial hardship. He developed a strategy to put the organization back on sound financial footing within 5 years. It was accomplished in 2 years. He continued to lead Western North Carolina Babe Ruth for many years as the program grew and prospered.

Then, in 2013, Babe Ruth League Headquarters decided to combine the Western North Carolina Babe Ruth with Eastern North Carolina Babe Ruth to create the North Carolina Babe Ruth League, Incorporated. There was tremendous turmoil in Eastern North Carolina brought about in large part by the sudden merger. Most people would have declined the offer to oversee this certainly untested new combined organization, but Tom Steele is not 'most people.' He took the job and as they say, 'The rest is history.' The new organization came together as a cohesive team quickly because of Tom's outstanding leadership and amazing dedication. The western area continues its growth and the eastern part of the North Carolina Babe Ruth program is slowly but surely overcoming the significant losses that took place during the reorganization. Tom accomplished this feat in spite of inheriting a program with seemingly insurmountable financial challenges.

Tom Steele's commitment and dedication to Babe Ruth Baseball are legendary. Recently, Tom was undergoing prolonged medical treatments during which most people would have let their volunteer position slide as they concentrated on their medical issues. But Tom is not 'most people' -- he carried his laptop and his phone to the hospital time and time again so the he could continue to do what needed to be done for his beloved Babe Ruth League. He certainly has become a role model for all his fellow Babe Ruth volunteers. Tom Steele's many contributions to Babe Ruth League's programs are recognized by his 2017 induction into the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Hall of Fame.

John began his youth volunteer career as assistant coach of a T-Ball team in 1984 when his older son brought him a flyer about the Town of Herndon program. The next year, John became a head coach and, when he volunteered to assist with an instructional league team in 1986, his arm was twisted to be the team’s manager.

Since 1987, the years have brought lots of rewarding experiences to John being the manager or coach for one or two teams each spring and fall seasons in the Herndon Cal Ripken (was Bambino then!) league (including managing tournament teams in 1989 and 1990), coaching and managing in the Greater Herndon Babe Ruth (13-15) League as well as serving as League President for 3 years (1993–96), and coaching in the Northern Fairfax County Senior Babe Ruth (16-18) League since 1994 (and serving as League President in 1996–97).

Babe Ruth volunteering did not stop with coaching, managing, and being a league president. In 1998, John was appointed Assistant State Commissioner, 16-18, of Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia, Inc. He was elected Assistant State Commissioner in September 2001 and became Assistant State Commissioner, Baseball Operations, in 2007 when Virginia Babe Ruth combined its youth baseball and softball programs under one organization.  Around that time, he became the Virginia State Webmaster maintaining tournament information (schedule, MTIPs, and brackets) and general information on the State website.

John has served as Regional Representative at many Southeast Region tournaments going back to 2003. He was the World Series Task Force member responsible for press box operations for the 2007 13-Year-olds and the 2010 14-Year-olds World Series and served on the volunteer press box staff at the 1998 16-Year-olds, 2001 16-18 Year-olds, 2004 16-Year-olds, and 2013 13-15 Year-olds World Series.

It’s not all about baseball and softball. John has been involved as a volunteer in many different endeavors over the years: he was instrumental in creating the Herndon Optimist Youth Lacrosse program in 1996–97 (and coaching ever since); volunteers for the Herndon Friday Night Live! (concert) events held during the summer; was on the first organizing committees in 1984 and 1985 for the Reston Triathlon; provided help on the Advisory Board of the Friends of Laura Ratcliffe (a Civil War spy) in the effort to preserve Merrybrook, her home from 1869 until her death in 1923; has been a regular donor at Red Cross blood drives; from 1984 to 1997 was a timer and chief timer at NVSL meets and at the annual Herndon Swim Olympics; in the mid-1980s served as an assistant coach and head coach for Herndon Youth Soccer and youth basketball teams; and, most recently, was the co-editor of a 147-page book, "1967 Undefeated Ivy League Lacrosse Champions," documenting the Princeton Tigers’ 1967 season and the 50th anniversary reunion of the team in April 2017. John served on active duty in the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Nha Trang, Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Deceased in 2019

Mary Clarke, better known as "Baseball Mary" throughout Virginia Babe Ruth and the SoutheastRegion, joined the Greater Manassas Baseball League (GMBL) in 1972 and served continuously until her death in March 2019. Her 47 years of service to Babe Ruth baseball included 17 years as GMBL President as well as service in every league capacity short of fields and grounds. Mary was the tournament director for many District, State, and Regional tournaments and was instrumental in starting the Manassas Memorial Day Tournament, an event that has continued for over 25 years. Throughout her many years of service to Babe Ruth baseball, Mary always held the interest of the kids, both those playing on tournament and recreational teams, as her foremost priority.

Having had eight children and five grandchildren participate in the league, Mary contributed many times as manager and commissioner in the T-Ball, Rookies, Minors, Majors, and Babe Ruth divisions, winning several league championships during those years. She was an extremely knowledgeable coach and a fierce competitor with a winning record. She was a standout in the 1970s when female coaches were very uncommon. She helped mentor countless children both on and off the field and gave so much of herself volunteering and giving back to the community.

Mary was well known to be a very persistent and persuasive fundraiser. She served as GMBL's primary sponsorship chairperson for many years and consistently performed above expectations in that role during both strong and weak economic conditions. In the early 1980s, when the league had outgrown its facility at the time and had nowhere to go, Mary was instrumental in coordinating a door-to-door effort looking for a benefactor to donate some land to build new fields. After partnering with the Mayor and local city government officials, they were able to convince IBM to donate the land that the current GMBL complex now occupies. Then, partnering with many area merchants and construction companies, they were able to complete the site preparation and facilities enhancements to make the complex a reality in 1983.

In more recent years, Mary spent a large amount of time pursuing donations to support The Ann Clarke Dollard Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit started in her late daughter’s name to provide direct relief for individuals with cancer living in northern Virginia and the surrounding area or towards supporting community health programs. When not at the fields, taking care of her grandchildren, volunteering, being Woman of the Year, organizing fundraisers, serving on the city’s Safety Advisory Board, or a host of other altruistic pursuits over the years, she enjoyed spending time yelling at the TV during Redskins games, watching Judge Judy, and texting her older granddaughters her uncensored opinions of various Bachelor/Bachelorette cast members.

Baseball Mary attained incredible levels of accomplishment and recognition—her tenure, contribution, and desire to provide for the greater community continue to provide inspiration to her fellow volunteers. She was a Lifetime Board Member and a fixture at the GMBL complex.  She truly loved the game and there was no bigger fan of the kids who played the game!

Jim Guzdowski has been umpiring baseball and softball for 31 years and has been a member of the Babe Ruth National Umpire Association (NUA) for the past 26 years. He has umpired 15 Babe Ruth Southeast Region Baseball tournaments and has served as the Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) in 8 of those tournaments. He has also umpired 9 Southeast Region Babe Ruth Softball tournaments and has served as the UIC in 8 of those tournaments. Jim also has umpired in many Virginia State and District Babe Ruth baseball and softball tournaments, and has served as the UIC in many of them.

Jim has been consulted on numerous occasions by the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Commissioner regarding rules changes for the Rookie division in baseball and the 8U division in softball. His recommendations are presently reflected in the current Southeast Region rules for those age groups.

Jim is also a Virginia High School League (VHSL) varsity official in baseball, softball, and basketball. He has been a member of the Bull Run Officials Association for 26 years, and he serves on the training committee for that association.

Jim is a retired major crimes detective with the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia. He was a patrol officer for 6 years and a major crimes detective for 22 years. Interesting to note that he has assisted Scotland Yard in a homicide investigation and participated in the investigation of the DC sniper case. In addition, Jim has appeared on the national television show Unsolved Mysteries regarding a 10-year-old murder case. As a result, the suspect was apprehended in Phoenix, Arizona, within 24 hours, extradited to Virginia, and convicted.

Jim lives in Manassas, Virginia, with his wife, Susan, and continues to serve his community as a civilian crime analyst in the Violent Crime detective division of the Prince William County Police Department.

Deceased in 2011

Lionel "Rabbit" Moomau was the dominant fixture of Babe Ruth Baseball in Augusta County (Virginia) for over five decades as a coach, manager, league president, district commissioner, field developer, and concession stand operator. He was a jack of all trades when it came to the sport he loved and dedicated his life to.

He was a leader and mentor when it came to Babe Ruth Baseball, coaching in the 13-15 division for 38 years. He also served as the president of the South Augusta Babe Ruth League in the 1960s and 70s.

When he became the Virginia Babe Ruth District 4 Commissioner, one of his main objectives was to promote Babe Ruth baseball. This was especially true with the birth of the Bambino Division.

He convinced Staunton, which had been an independent league since the end of World War II, to join in 1984. Staunton went on that season to advance to the first-ever Bambino World Series, and finished third.

If it wasn't for him, this wouldn’t have happened. He was truly an ambassador for Babe Ruth baseball, leading to many more local leagues joining the Bambino program.

But it was coaching which he loved the most, where he was a fair and honest manager. He always made sure his players had a way to practice and games, and that each had proper equipment, even if it meant that he had to pay for it.

After his commissioner and coaching days, Rabbit was instrumental in forming the Greenville Athletic Club, which developed a two-field complex for Babe Ruth baseball and softball. You could always find him working on the fields or running the concession stand to support the organization.

Rabbit was an inspirational man and motivator of people. Many a coach and player have said that what they know about the sports of baseball and softball came from him.

Rabbit Moomau died on January 22, 2011. At the funeral home, in a part of the service on how I wish to be remembered, he wrote: "As the first manager in the County of Augusta to play black children in organized baseball."

When George Burke took the field in the 2014 Cal Ripken 10-Year-olds World Series at Winchester, Virginia, it marked his sixth Cal Ripken World Series (one of which as UIC) in his 24 years of umpiring. George has also served on the umpiring crews at two Babe Ruth World Series (in 2007 and 2010). He has also umpired at eight Southeast Region Cal Ripken tournaments (five of which as UIC), 28 Virginia State Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken tournaments, and numerous District tournaments. In August 2014, he was among 91 umpires from across the country and 104 baseball teams from all over the United States and Canada invited to participate in the Cooperstown (New York) Hall of Fame AAU 12-to-13 Year-olds amateur baseball tournament.

George assists in the assignment of umpires for Virginia State baseball tournaments and has been a driving force behind the program to develop and hold training sessions for Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken State baseball umpires. Working with State UIC Donny Rose, Jr., and the late Don Rose, Sr., George planned and conducted training sessions for new umpires at Gainesville-Haymarket, Big Stone Gap, and Brentsville. He has helped Donny Rose, Jr., organize, schedule, and run baseball umpire clinics annually throughout Virginia [at Fishersville, Falls Church, Herndon, Arlington, Stafford, Glen Allen, Staunton, Winchester, Springfield, Lakeside (Richmond), Varina, Williamsburg, Fauquier County, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Madison County, Summit Point (WV), and Peachtree (Charlottesville)]. He also helps run the Junior Umpire program.

George lives in Summit Point, West Virginia.

Don Rose, Jr. (Donny) started playing little league football and little league baseball when he was very young. He began playing Babe Ruth baseball at age 13 and played all the way to 18. He attended Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville, Virginia, from 1976 to 1980, where he played football and baseball through all 4 years. He next attended Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia, for a post-graduate year, playing football and baseball and graduating in 1981.

Donny began coaching football in 1982 and continued for the next 31 years, including coaching both of his sons.

Around 1982, he began umpiring baseball. He became a member of the Mid Atlantic Umpires Association in 1990, went through their pro-school, and took off on umpiring from there. He also refereed basketball for 28 years.

Umpiring baseball became his passion. He umpired high school baseball through 2016, also doing Division 1 college and semi- pro baseball, but Babe Ruth was his first love. He began doing Regional tournaments in 1996 when he was involved in several in Florida. He worked hard to become a sought-after umpire, and was selected to officiate numerous State and Regional tournaments and 14 World Series tournaments throughout the years.

Donny was also chosen to be the Umpire-in-Chief for Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia, Inc. (position title was Umpire Consultant prior to September 2009) in 1992 and has been appointed continuously since, serving under four different State Commissioners, including under his father, Don Rose, Sr.

Since the passing of his father in January 2013, Donny organized a scholarship fund in his dad's name to help deserving high school seniors with financial support to continue their education. The scholarship has been in place for 5 years and is now well funded.

Donny recently has taken on helping run Regional tournaments with his best friend and fellow umpire, Tennessee Babe Ruth State Commissioner Doug Strong.

Donny and his wife, Lynne, have two sons. They currently live in Leesburg, Virginia.

John Armentrout has been associated with Babe Ruth League, Inc. for 33 consecutive years, holding volunteer leadership positions at the local league, District, State, and Regional levels.

John has touched the lives of every participant in the Southeast Region and beyond through his pioneering application of web-based technology in Babe Ruth League, starting at the local league level in 1996, then establishing the first Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia website in 1999, and now being Webmaster for the Southeast Region and maintaining most of the State websites in the Region.  Downloadable manuals and forms, the Managers Tournament Information Package, and online brackets featuring instant access to tournament score updates are a few of the many innovative time- and cost-saving online features that he has introduced.  The incalculable value of well-designed and maintained websites in improving communication and access to information ranging from corporate bylaws and policies to league charter status and tournament schedules and results are attributable to his outstanding programming and problem-solving skills and zealous attention to accuracy, coupled with his passionate interest in and knowledge of baseball and softball.

It all began in 1988 when John was a T-Ball manager with the Greater Manassas Baseball League in northern Virginia.  John climbed the baseball age-group ladder as a manager all the way through the Babe Ruth 16-18 Division.  Many of those seasons included serving as a tournament team manager.  Along the way, John coached in several other youth sports organizations, including the Prince William Basketball Association, American Legion Baseball, and the Prince William County Fall Extended High School Baseball League.

In 2001, John established the current day Virginia Eagles Baseball Club, which offered opportunities to college athletes during the summer.  From 2001 through 2004, the Club played in the collegiate Summer Wood Bat Baseball “Industrial” League.  John remains as the President and General Manager of the Virginia Eagles.

John’s administrative service started when he was elected to the Manassas Board and appointed to the position of T-Ball Commissioner in 1990.  By the end of 1996, John had held many positions in Manassas, including league Vice President and President.

In October 1996, John was appointed Assistant District 8 (then VIII) Commissioner.  When the District 8 Commissioner, Don Rose, Sr., was elected Virginia State Commissioner in the fall of 2003, John was elected to replace Don as District 8 Commissioner.

John served as District 8 Commissioner until he was appointed to the newly established position of Assistant State Commissioner, Training and Compliance in October 2004 (and elected to the following year).  In October 2011, Babe Ruth League Southeast Region Commissioner Henry Sermons appointed him Assistant Commissioner, Operations, the position that he currently holds.

Edison Goldman "Easy" Smith, Jr. was instrumental in the formation and was one of the driving forces in the creation of the Greater Manassas Baseball League (GMBL) and as well as other leagues in Prince William County. Although he and his wife had no kids of their own, his love for the game and the children of the community made Easy a father figure in the formative years of GMBL.

In addition to his love of the game of baseball, Easy was an accomplished musician who played with the Jimmy Dorsey Band, among many others, throughout the Midwest and southern United States. He served with the Army in Germany during World War II. After completing his military service, Easy and his wife moved to Norfolk, where he took a job as a policeman and helped start a local youth baseball program. Eventually they settled in Manassas where they became part owners of the Ole Town Inn. Easy went back to being a policeman and his involvement in the community expanded when he found himself at local sandlot fields organizing baseball games and teaching the game to the parents and children of the community. His involvement led to the formation of the earliest youth baseball leagues in Prince William County.

Easy served as a manager, coach, and multiple support roles as a member of the GMBL Board of Directors for many years. He was eventually honored as the first person to be granted the status of Lifetime Board Member in recognition of his dedication and many contributions. Easy had a particular soft spot for the players in the T-Ball division, where he took a special interest in guiding the coaches and players, while often serving as their volunteer umpire.

In his later years, Easy's contributions were limited to attending league Board meetings where he rarely missed an opportunity to share his vast experiences and perspectives to provide the best possible opportunities for the area youth. In addition, it was a Manassas tradition that Easy perform the National Anthem on his saxophone at the annual Opening Day ceremonies, a tradition that continued until his passing.

After his death in 2003, the City of Manassas renamed the baseball and softball field complex at the corner of Godwin Drive and Virginia Route 28 the E G Smith Sports Complex in honor of his many years of service to the community. This remains as the home of the GMBL to this day. Easy Smith's role as a co-founder and mentor made him a driving force in the history of Manassas baseball.

George R. "Ray" Walker has been an iconic presence in the Manassas and Prince William County youth baseball scene since 1987. He has served as a manager, coach, and member of the Greater Manassas Baseball League (GMBL) Board of Directors, and is considered a leading subject matter expert in ball field site construction and maintenance for the City, the County, area schools, and various local leagues for over 30 years. Born and raised in Manassas, the man known as Pappy is widely respected and admired by the children and adults in the area and might well be the most beloved member of the GMBL community. Ray is the heartbeat and soul that helps that league continue to be one of the top baseball and softball programs in northern Virginia.

Ray has served many years as a manager and coach in the league, winning multiple District championships and participating in several State tournaments, where his teams have always acquitted themselves well. He has served as a mentor for countless managers and coaches, offering advice, guidance, and tips. He is a role model for the young people because of his work ethic, his respect for others and willingness to share his knowledge and offer his help. In addition, Ray has served for many years on the GMBL Board of Directors, most notably as the field and grounds coordinator, where his expertise and commitment are unrivaled. He has shared this experience with other leagues and high school varsity programs as well.

As well as his many duties to GMBL, Ray has also contributed to the Babe Ruth organization by lending his knowledge and experience on several occasions as a tournament director and as an assistant District Commissioner.

Because of his commitment to the community, Ray was the third member of the GMBL to be awarded the distinction of being named as a Lifetime Board Member.

Rebecca Slough began her Babe Ruth career in 2006 on the Board of Directors of the Glen Allen Youth Athletic Association as Director of the Carnival. In this position, she organized and oversaw all aspects of the largest fundraiser for the organization. Her efforts resulted in the organization raising money that would have positive impacts on our youth for years to come.

Throughout her career, Rebecca was a devoted member of the Board of Directors while also holding the positions of League President, Director of Administration, and Director of World Series. Rebecca's skills were highlighted in 2011, 2014, and 2017 when she organized and oversaw the Babe Ruth World Series held at RF&P Park in Glen Allen. She was a great ambassador for the Glen Allen Youth Athletic Association as well as for Babe Ruth League during these large events. Rebecca's devotion and organizational skills were exceptional, and she was a true leader of the organization.

In 2014, Rebecca was selected to be the manager of the Glen Allen 8-Year-olds tournament team. She fell in love with coaching and became a second mother to all the players. Rebecca continued coaching the Glen Allen tournament teams through the 2019 season. During her coaching career, Rebecca led her teams to six District 3 championships, six Virginia State championships, three Southeast Regional championships, and two World Series titles.

In 2016, Rebecca became the first woman manager of a World Series championship baseball team in Babe Ruth League history and then followed up with a U.S. Championship in Branson, Missouri, in 2018 for her second title. Rebecca compiled a 57-5 overall tournament record for a 92% winning percentage throughout her 6-year coaching career.

Rebecca demonstrates all attributes of being a true leader to young athletes. She loved every player on her team and wanted nothing more than success for each of them. At the park, she made friends with everyone she met. From the coaches to the parents, she loved to meet new people. To this day, she still is in contact with many of the teams she befriended every summer.

In closing, Rebecca Slough has been a great asset to the Cal Ripken Division of Babe Ruth League. Her professionalism both on and off the field was second to none. During her nearly two-decade tenure, Rebecca has been a true ambassador for Babe Ruth League, Inc.

Wayne Harwell’s Babe Ruth baseball career began in 1972 when, as a 13-year-old, he was selected for Statesville’s Babe Ruth tournament team (Babe Ruth of Iredell County) and carried them to the North Carolina State championship and to the Southeast Regional tournament. During those tournaments, he went 6-0 as a pitcher and batted .452 with four home runs. As a 15-year-old, his league’s tournament team won the North Carolina State tournament and participated in the Southeast Regional tournament.

Wayne finished his 3-year career at Statesville High with a pitching record of 28-3 while having a career batting average of .390. He was voted Player of the Year in the conference twice and led the team to the Association Championship in 1977. He continued his playing career at Western Carolina University, where in his freshman year he finished fourth in the Nation with a 1.89 ERA. Injury forced Wayne to stop playing baseball, but he returned to Iredell County to take over as head coach of the baseball program at Statesville High where his teams won 11 conference championships and the 1991 3A State championship. He encouraged his players to play in the local Babe Ruth league during the summers. To show his support, he agreed to coach.

In 1983, Wayne coached the 14-year-olds tournament team, which won the North Carolina State tournament and participated in the Southeast Regional tournament. At that time, Wayne was asked to join the board of Babe Ruth of Iredell County. He agreed and was instrumental in helping them get their Babe Ruth ballpark built.

In 1986, Wayne was asked to add Cal Ripken teams to Babe Ruth of Iredell County. There were two small fields without lights and lots of work that had to be done in order to get them playable. Wayne solicited local businesses and landscapers for assistance. Within a year and a half, he was able to provide a program on two lighted fields that consisted of four minor teams and four major teams. Since then, the league has grown to as many as 20 T-Ball teams, 23 coach-pitch teams, 12 minor teams, and 12 major teams.

In 1988, Wayne was chosen as president of Babe Ruth of Iredell County. From 2013 to 2016, he served as the North Carolina State Umpire-in-Chief (UIC). Wayne has been a Babe Ruth umpire for 43 years and has umpired 26 WNC State tournaments, 6 Southeast Regional tournaments, and 7 World Series—the most recent 2 as the UIC and 4 more scheduled for 2023!  In 2019, he was elected to his current position, State Commissioner of Western North Carolina.

In addition to his duties as State Commissioner, Wayne offers no-charge baseball camps during the summer. He says that his payment is in “The joy of being out there with the kids and teaching the great game of baseball.”

Paul Link’s many years of outstanding service and significant accomplishments in leadership positions at the league, District, and State level have enhanced the many benefits and life lessons that participants gain from Babe Ruth programs. Paul began coaching T-Ball in 1987 and has coached at all levels through the 16-18 Year-olds age group. He spearheaded a successful effort to move Chantilly Youth Association’s 13-18 baseball teams to Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia, Inc. This was a shot in the arm for Virginia Babe Ruth as the strengthened Virginia 16-18 State championship team finished second in the 2001 Babe Ruth World Series!

Paul’s 5 years of service as President of the Chantilly Youth Association’s Babe Ruth baseball program were followed by his election as District 7 Commissioner in 2004. His innovative efforts to improve the Babe Ruth experience for participants included working with neighboring District 6 to combine as District 13 and create a more robust District tournament situation for players in those Districts.

In early 2013, after the passing of State Commissioner Don Rose, Paul stepped forward to be the State Commissioner, but noted that Don’s tenure was a hard act to follow and that would not try to fit in Don’s shoes, as that was not possible. Instead, he brought to the office several principles of leadership that he found to be helpful over the years—being firm, fair, friendly, and flexible. During his years as State Commissioner, 2013–23, Paul used these principles to institute changes that led to growth in the number of participants in Virginia Babe Ruth and to the experience enjoyed by ballplayers in baseball and softball; this growth included expanding geographical coverage in the southwestern counties of the State by establishing two new Districts, adding over 100 teams and 1200 players. One of the measures of the respect for the State’s organization is the assignment of Virginia leagues to host 33 Regional baseball tournaments, 8 baseball World Series, and several softball Regional tournaments from 2013 through 2023 (and that does not include the 4 Regional baseball tournaments and 1 baseball World Series that were canceled in 2020 owing to the pandemic).

Among the changes introduced were enhanced awards to State champions, a grant program to assist leagues with equipment purchases and facility improvements, a new “Area” format to replace unbalanced District tournaments for 16-18 baseball, support for the 50% playing rule in the State and in the Southeast Region, continued support of the 12-Year-olds 60-foot State tournament after that World Series tournament trail was discontinued, and participation by Virginia teams in Champions Day at Nationals Park. Five new State policies were created to address the games-played requirement, adherence to the provisions of the Federal Safe Sport Act, acceptable practices for internet and print media, new procedures for invoicing for local leagues’ State fees, and increased incidences of unsportsmanlike conduct at games.

Paul’s hands-on attention to all facets of Virginia Babe Ruth programs and events is incredible! He has been on site representing Virginia Babe Ruth at seemingly every State tournament, training session, Buddy-Ball celebration, and numerous meetings at the local league, District, State, Regional, and national level. And during the unprecedent challenge of the pandemic in 2020, his tireless efforts to maintain communication with State volunteers during the hiatus led to a rapid rebound in the years since.

In addition to baseball, Paul has also coached youth basketball (ages 8 to 18) and served as an adult volunteer for the International Country Club Interclub Junior Golf Team. Paul’s son, Jon, a Babe Ruth alumnus, played professional baseball for 13 years and made his MLB debut in 2010 for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The name of Mike Tatum is synonymous with hard work, teamsmanship, and sportsmanship. Mike, a graduate of Jones High School in Giles County, Tennessee, has a long list of accomplishments in Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth baseball and an even longer list of players, coaches, and administrators who have been positively influenced during Mike’s years of dedication to Babe Ruth baseball.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, Mike was a successful coach on the local league level in Marshall County. In 1995, he teamed with longtime friend, Danny Hollingsworth, to win the Babe Ruth State tournament in the 14-Year-olds age group, followed by a repeat in 1996 as he coached the 13-15 Year-olds to the State Championship. In 2005, Mike took the local Marshall County 13-Year-olds tournament team to the Southeast Regional finals in Mobile, Alabama.

In 1993, Mike became a part of a small group of leaders who led the way to build the Ted Cashion Cal Ripken Complex, a new multifield youth baseball complex in Lewisburg, Tennessee.

In 2008, Mike was elected to the position of District Commissioner for Eastern Tennessee District 8, where he served through the 2021 season.

Mike has represented the Southeast Region on a number of occasions as the onsite assigned Southeast Region Representative. He is known for his efficiency, calm presence, quiet behind-the-scenes leadership, and especially for jumping in to do the necessary field work to get things going again after weather delays.

Mike Tatum’s many contributions to Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth baseball programs are recognized by his 2023 induction into the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Hall of Fame.