Spring brings welcome warm weather and a resurgence of green fields throughout Indiana.

It also signals the return of outdoor youth sports and, consequently, Shelby County Babe Ruth Baseball board president Mark Tackett overseeing the youth baseball complex on Shelbyville’s west side.

“We have experienced significant growth in our program over the past few years,” said Tackett as he was busy making preparations for the start of the 2022 season. “We have right at 550 players registered for this summer, which is the most ever. We have even added a new league to accommodate the growth.”

Tackett, 52, is a 1988 Shelbyville High School graduate who has dedicated much of his effort and energy over many years to the service and support of the Shelby County community and its people.  

He is beginning his seventh year as league president. He started coaching at the Babe Ruth park in 2009 when his oldest son, Caden, began playing. He joined the board one year later.

“Matt Haehl was president and asked me to become a board member and I was happy to do it,” said Tackett. “My brothers and I were around baseball parks quite a bit while we were growing up so it has always felt comfortable to be involved here.”

Tackett is the fourth born in a family of six children of David and Anna Tackett. He lived on Grandview Drive in Shelbyville and recalls a childhood full of activity and fun.

“There were many kids around the neighborhood and we were always playing baseball or football in the field next to Standard Register (now Taylor Communications),” he recalled. “I spent much of my time during those years at the Boys and Girls Club. My older brothers coached me there and I think that is where I developed an interest in being involved in sports.”

Tackett (photo) became an active coach and volunteer at the club during his junior high school years and continued that participation throughout high school. His efforts and achievements at the Boys and Girls Club were rewarded with a Donald Brunner Leadership Award and, in 1986, he received the Ken Self Scholarship and was named Youth of the Year.

“The Club has been an important part of my life and I am very honored to have received those awards,” said Tackett.

He worked at the Muncie Boys and Girls Club during his four years as a student at Ball State University. Following graduation, he worked for three years as program director for the Clinton County Boys and Girls Club in Frankfort.

“I had a great Boys and Girls Club education from my involvement in Shelbyville and Muncie, so the job at Frankfort was a good fit,” he said.

Tackett worked for Shelbyville native Bill Wheeler in Frankfort.

“Bill was someone I knew from my youth in Shelbyville. He was always eager to help people and I appreciate all he did for me,” said Tackett. Wheeler died in 2003.

Tackett returned to Shelbyville in the fall of 1997 and accepted a position at the Shelby County Probation Department working with juveniles. Today, his job at probation entails supervising and interacting with adults and conducting regular alcohol and drug assessments.

Tackett’s basic Babe Ruth duties include operation oversight, fundraising and general management, however he finds himself serving in a variety of other capacities as well.

“We have an excellent board,” said Tackett. “We work well together and are all willing to do what is necessary to be successful.”

He is especially pleased with the growth and development of local youth baseball.

“We have added 14 teams in the last three years and constructed new batting cages. A few years ago, we started a fall league on Sundays,” he explained. “We truly appreciate the support we receive. Eagle Scout Lance File built a new shelter house for us as his project last year. When we need sponsors, some business or individual is quick to help.”

The league also annually awards three or four scholarships to graduating seniors who are Babe Ruth alumni, continuing a practice that began in 1998.

Tackett’s community participation extends beyond his extensive role with Babe Ruth. He is a board member for CASA, a child advocate group that is a proponent for children in need of social and government services. He has coached junior high baseball and continues his part-time work at the Boys and Girls Club officiating and coaching during the winter months.

“I have done something at the club every year since I returned home from Frankfort 25 years ago,” said Tackett.

Tackett credits board members, coaches and volunteers who came before him with establishing a strong foundation for local youth baseball.

(Photo provided: Seven-year-old Mark Tackett (right), aided by coach Todd McLane, recovers from a bad hop during a T-ball game at the old Boys Club baseball field).

“I remember people like Dave Wright and Jim Sleeth doing so much at the ball park,” said Tackett. “I played Little League for the Coca-Cola team when it was still held at Sunrise Park and my coaches were Terry Nicholson and Harry Shadley. Todd McLane coached me in T-ball at the Boys and Girls Club when he was still in high school. All these people made a positive impression on me.”   

Inspiration has been in abundant supply throughout his life for the married father of three boys, however he cites his mother’s example as the primary factor for his long-term community commitment and dedication.

“I recall my mother was always ready to be of assistance when we were kids,” he said. “She would pick up kids who did not have rides and take them to their games or practices, she would volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club and the Babe Ruth Park. She was the first female Babe Ruth coach and board member as well.

“She gained a great deal of respect for her efforts. She taught me that there may be a limit to the money you can give, but not to your effort.”

For Mark Tackett, that has been a lesson well-learned.    

(Main photo: Mark Tackett with his three boys: Cael (standing), Caden and Grant)