BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A cherished little league baseball coach, Rick Kelley left more than home-runs on the scoreboard. He taught kids to take a swing at life.  

Family, friends, and former athletes packed a Bowling Green baseball field  Thursday, Oct. 13 to share stories and celebrate a man who they say made a significant influence on the city.  

“You see these hats behind me, people are putting their hats and memories of him up here, he really made an impact,” said Adam Nuse, a board member at Bowling Green East Little League and former opposing coach of Kelley.   

Kelley unexpectedly passed away last week at 68. 

Also known as “Coach” around the community, Kelley led three All-Star baseball teams to the Little League World Series. 

“He touched so many people over that time span. I wish the kids that came after us got to experience that as well,” Witt Glosick, a member of Kelley’s 2019 Little League team, said.  

He guided aspiring young baseball players for 42 years. 

“Rick was a positive person, talked about being kind to people, treat people the way you want to be treated and keep your best foot forward,” Nick Wilkins, Kelley’s friend since childhood, said.  

Kelley wore many hats. He was a heavy influencer in the development of the Bowling Green Ballpark and Hot Rods Minor League Team. 

In addition, he co-founded Mariah’s Restaurant in Downtown Bowling Green. 

“He was certainly innovative. He was driven for the community, he came up with some fabulous ideas downtown. His footprint is on, his handprint, everything is on the city and will be for years to come,” Nuse said.  

As a businessman and baseball coach, Coach Kelley will certainly be remembered for a long time. In-lieu of flowers, the family is raising money for the Playing for Mason Foundation here.