Keenan Longcor wrapped up a very brief college experience, choosing instead to establish his own sales and marketing company. The company grew to encompass a five-state area in the Pacific Northwest, making it one of his industry's largest sales agencies in the region. His successful business strategies became a springboard for his publication of INTERPERSONAL, A Sales And Management Letter, as well as his career as a management consultant. For more information you can visit: www.interpersonalbiz.com

"Of all my years in business, with all its many rewards, my fondest memories are not business related, but of being with my son on one of our baseball road trips. We were following his team, following our favorite professional team, all the while chasing the moment. . . and the conversations found through our shared love of the game."


Ben Longcor graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2001 with a BA in Communications/Public Relations. He is a Research Associate with Waggener Edstrom Worldwide Innovation Communications, a company with 8 offices throughout the U.S., and 7 in Europe and Asia Pacific. His communications practice focuses on news media monitoring, and measurement analysis, for internal and external agency clients.

"I have always longed to share with others the feelings of comradery and pureness I had when I played ball throughout Little League, Babe Ruth and high school. Through Friends of Baseball, I will be able to help kids and teams experience the sheer joy and purity - the feeling - of baseball."


Sally Longcor wore many hats as she enjoyed careers in the fields of public education, international trading and, most recently, as an executive administrator for a northwest Sales and Marketing Company. But there is only one hat, and one field, that has captured her heart for life.

"My great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and stepfather were all wildly enthusiastic about baseball, so my ardent passion for the game is generations old. To those who say I'm a Baseball Maniac, I say, "Thank you for the compliment."


Drew Mahalic is the CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority, a nonprofit organization that brings world-class sports events and sports franchises to Oregon. He is a five-year veteran of the National Football League with the Eagles, and was a three-year starting linebacker for Notre Dame. He is the first NFL veteran to graduate from Harvard Law School, and has produced a handbook on sportsmanship for youth.

"Though I played professional football, it was youth baseball that was my first love, and remains so today. I constantly review baseball statistics, and am the proud owner of a modest baseball card collection. I often agree with Babe Ruth's words in his farewell speech at Yankee Stadium when he said, "The only real game, I think in the world, is baseball."


Dick McClain has committed his life to youth baseball. As a coach for over forty years, with teams that have enjoyed over 1200 wins, Dick brings significant field level experience to our board. His coaching career in High School, College and American Legion culminated with the only American Legion National Championship for the State of Oregon. Dick is currently the executive director of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.

“My parents were always my greatest supporters during my playing and coaching careers. Some of my greatest baseball memories were with my folks, sharing a special moment. I am honored to be a trustee on the Board of Friends of Baseball and believe that through the foundation we can enhance family values through baseball.”


Barbara Pearson, the seasoned "baseball mom" of two elementary school boys, brings a variety of business and non profit experience through her years as co–owner/founder of Pearson Financial Group, an investment and financial planning firm in Lake Oswego. She is also active with Metro Baseball Academy and Broadway Rose Theatre Company.

“Our family has become closer, thanks to baseball. It has taught our son good life lessons, and how to work diligently towards a goal and achieve it. It has helped shape his character and define his work ethic. More families and children in our communities are able to share the same experience through the support of Friends of Baseball. It is an honor to be part of the FOB tradition.”

“They say baseball is like a fever and once you catch it you never recover. That day I caught it.”
Heart of a Champion, by Carl Deuker


Kellie Torres Walker is the Director of Sellwood Junior Baseball and a Grant Coordinator with Portland Parks & Recreation. She and her husband, Kevin, were the proud Volunteer of the Year Award recipients in 2007. Kellie’s belief in strong community involvement in sports and education drives her to seek out like–minded individuals to help improve existing programs.

“Baseball provides a tremendous opportunity to help ‘raise up’ youngsters in our community. Encouragement, support, dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to having fun – these are the transferable life skills passed between volunteer and child during the season — and all while playing a game!”