City of Orange Beach Honors Local Baseball Coach

Ken Cooper • March 28, 2025

Mayor and City Council Surprise Coach with Field Dedication

Across the nation baseball fans celebrated the season's opening day. The City of Orange Beach kicked off its 2025 Baseball and Softball Season with a heartfelt tribute to longtime volunteer coach, David McLain. During the opening ceremony, Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council surprised Coach McLain by dedicating Field 5 in his honor. Unaware of the plan, McLain read aloud the plaque's inscription at the center of Field 5, realizing the field now bears his name. He then threw the ceremonial first pitch, marking the official start of the season.


Expressing his appreciation, Coach McLain shared on Facebook, "I am very thankful and very blessed for this honor. Thanks to the many players, coaches, parents, my family, and the City of Orange Beach for this dedication. I'm so grateful for all the support and love from this community. Thanks again and Go Makos!"


​The Orange Beach High School girls' softball team has achieved remarkable success, securing four consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state championships from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, they achieved a 46-1 record and were named the MaxPreps National Champions, becoming the first Alabama school to receive this honor. This national title is based on rankings by MaxPreps, a division of CBS Sports that monitors high school teams nationwide.


This year, the league comprises 25 teams with 265 players ranging from Tiny T-ball to 12U divisions. The opening ceremony began with an invocation by Rob Jones, Youth Minister at Orange Beach Methodist Church, followed by Rhonda Hart's rendition of the national anthem.


The city extends its gratitude to the dedicated Sportsplex crew, including Parks & Recreation Director Nicole Ard, Sportsplex Director Scott Stacy, Athletic Coordinator John McIntosh—who served as the event's MC—and Recreation Team Leaders Collin Martin, Duane Kroeker, Hunter Peters, and Jeremy Jones. The Sportsplex Grounds Crew, consisting of Derrick Barlow, Dylan Rodi, Hayden Ware, Chandler Dick, and William Croy, also received special thanks for their efforts.


As the season unfolds, the community looks forward to an exciting and rewarding experience for all players and coaches involved.


Gulf Shores Sports News
  • gulf shores news

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
Add As GOOGLE News Source
  • news in gulf shores

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • port at zekes

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • saunders marine gulf shores

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • yabbas snack shack

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • freedom boat club orange beach

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • buzzcatz coffee

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

Recent Posts

Foley Road Improvements
By Guy Busby February 20, 2026
Work on Miflin Road in south Foley is now underway and may impact traffic over the next several weeks. Crews are beginning a series of improvements to make the busy corridor safer and more efficient. The road serves a growing commercial area and sees heavy daily traffic.
Gulf Shores Technology News
By Gulf Shores News Staff February 20, 2026
On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey signed the "App Store Accountability Act." The bill requires app store providers to verify the age of users, affiliate minor accounts with parent accounts and obtain consent from the holder of the parent account
Gulf Shores Bridge News
By Gulf Shores News Staff February 19, 2026
Canal Road between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will close temporarily so crews can safely continue work on the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge. The Alabama Department of Transportation says the short-term shutdown is needed to allow contractors to work directly over the roadway.
Show More