Keith Nicholson: From Blues to Baseball
Pictured: Keith Nicholson
Keith Nicholson, a dedicated and passionate figure in the Northwest Arkansas MSBL, has been recognized for his exceptional commitment to baseball over the years. With nearly three decades of experience in the league as a player and leader, he has earned a reputation as an outstanding communicator and a tireless advocate for the sport.
Keith's baseball journey began in Louisiana during his college years, and upon moving to Northwest Arkansas, he crossed paths with Stephen Boudreaux, a renowned regional drummer and the local MSBL chapter organizer. This serendipitous meeting led Keith to the league, where he quickly made his mark. He joined the NWA White Sox and played a pivotal role in the team's success, culminating in a league runner-up finish and an impressive 95-49 record (.660) over the next eight years. His dedication extended beyond the playing field as he tirelessly worked to ensure top-notch playing surfaces, often arriving early with a rake and Quick-Dry to prepare the fields.
In 2023, Keith's commitment to the league's growth became evident when he identified a potential shortage of ballfields. He took it upon himself to rejuvenate an abandoned field in a rural town near the league's center. Armed with undersized weed eaters, mowers, rakes, and shovels, he transformed the field into a usable condition. Simultaneously, he assumed the role of acting coach/manager for the NWA White Sox, where his legendary over-communication skills shone.
Keith's contributions extended to the league board, where he served for eight years, offering invaluable insights and promoting the best interests of the league. His diplomatic and amicable approach swiftly resolved issues and fostered a culture of goodwill among league members.
Despite his intense passion for the game, which drove him to push his aging body to its limits on the field and occasionally express frustration, Keith remained a beacon of positivity. He consistently greeted teammates and opponents with warmth and kindness, always prioritizing the team and league's needs over his own.
As Keith's playing days draw to a close, his belief in the local league's success and the broader national organization remains unwavering. He recognizes that the true essence of baseball lies in the people within the dugout, and Keith Nicholson stands as a shining example of the best of those individuals—passionate, dedicated, and a true asset to the game.
In his reflections on his journey through the Northwest Arkansas MSBL, Keith offered insights into his remarkable dedication and love for baseball:
“It is such an honor to know I’ve had an impact on someone (Stephen Boudreaux) who’s positively impacted 100’s during his tenure, through all of his many exploits on and off the diamond.
Although any efforts on my part were never done with recognition in mind, I’ll gladly use this as an opportunity to shine a light on our local league here in Northwest Arkansas. We’ve had some great/community-focused leadership, both past and present, and are very much staying this course as our area/league continues to grow.
What many of us don’t realize, is that this is really a necessary community service, disguised as grown men still playing a ‘kid’s game.’ We may start off in our local leagues ‘to see if we still have it’ but it eventually blossoms into the realization that there’s something bigger at play.
I can’t possibly keep track of the number of times a Sunday double-header has personally provided me stress relief or distraction from life’s ups & downs, just by helping give an afternoon reprieve to help refresh and refocus on what’s important. There have been countless opportunities to learn from/share in/help with a teammate’s life experiences or personal milestones, just like family.
The camaraderie/brotherhood that exists in a baseball dugout is unmatched by any other sport/job/group/band that I’ve ever been blessed to be a part of.
Thank you, guys, for starting this organization so many years previous. The impact it has had on communities all across this nation is immeasurable. Thanks again for what all you guys do!”
Originally featured on the MSBL National website: https://msblnational.com/keith-nicholson-from-blues-guitar-to-invaluable-board-member-of-the-northwest-arkansas-msbl/
