Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Kelbaugh.
Mike, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started playing in the Hagerstown Area Church Softball league when I was 27 years old. I became President of the league when I was 31 and have held that position for the last 35 years. At the beginning we played at different complexes throughout Washington County, Maryland. For the last 23 years we have played at the Hagerstown Fairground Softball complex.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At the beginning there was 8 teams in the league and currently have 26. It has been a smooth ride and when we made our home at the fairgrounds there was three fields which had no lights. With the growth in teams we needed lights so a lot of fundraising and we put two fields under lights. I also maintain the fields as mowing them and preparing infields. Working on ball fields has always been something I enjoy doing. My wife manages our concession and my kids have always helped along with other volunteers.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the church softball league I have seen many people change their lives through. One of the commitments to play is you have to attend church twice per month. I have seen people start church, accept Christ, and later they are in leadership at their church. This is what got me started at church and I was involved with our worship team as drums is another hobby of mine.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was just an average kid who loved sports and rudimental drumming. Before joining the church softball league I marched with a competitive Drum and bugle corps from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.. I also was hired by High School bands to teach their drumlines. I later went on to work for Tournament of Bands and judged percussion at high school band competitions.
