When it comes to baseball, David Branson has been there, done that
By JESSICA BERNHARDT
Staff writer
From coaching and umpiring to becoming state commissioner, David Branson has been involved in some aspect of the game of baseball for the past 34 years.
Currently, Branson is the assistant state commissioner for Babe Ruth baseball. "My main responsibility is in the area of the Cal Ripken division, which is 12 and under and 70 foot bases," said Branson.
Since 2000 Branson has been a member of the state board.
Since he was 19 years old, Branson spent the game behind the plate. "I started umpiring when I was in college and continued to do it when I had the opportunity to," said Branson.
Although he doesn't umpire anymore, he still is a Babe Ruth certified umpire. Branson said, "The league has always had certified umpires."
Branson said that after becoming a certified Babe Ruth umpire, you get a patch to display on your umpiring shirt sleeve. "But if you can't make the calls it doesn't matter how you get dressed."
Branson decided it was time to quit umpiring when his knee began giving him trouble. "I had a knee replacement this year. I could do it again now (umpiring) but my body is still too old."
Branson didn't set out to become a coach. It kind of fell into his hands.
"They were looking for a scout master and wanted to know if I wanted to be scout master," said Branson. "I said no and some other guy said 'OK, I'll be scout master and you take over my team.' So I started coaching baseball in '74 and was then elected president of the league."
Not only is Branson a certified Babe Ruth umpire, but he's also a certified Babe Ruth coach. "I took the training because I figured if I tell these guys to take the training then I can say I've done it," he said.
The certification used to be for a three-year term. "Now you get certified to coach Babe Ruth baseball and you're certified for life."
Something new in the Babe Ruth division this year is a requirement that all coaches must be certified.
Branson said if a team shows up to district or state tournaments and isn't certified, he will give them a 24-hour warning. After 24 hours, if they haven't gone home and taken the online exam, they can't compete.
There is an election every two years for state commissioner. Choosing the state commissioner begins with league play. League coaches choose the district commissioners and the district commissioners must vote for the state commissioner. The state commissioner, in turn, appoints the assistant state commissioners.
Branson said, "If I choose to continue and if he (state commissioner) wants me then fine. But I may get to the point where I'm tired."
Branson has been helping tournaments come to Marion for several years, starting at the district level and now the regional.
"We have had district tourneys here for years. I begged and pleaded for a state tourney. Prior to 2000 we had a state 13-year-old tournament that was huge and successful. In 2000 we had a state tournament and I was the tournament director," said Branson.
The year 2000 also was when the league changed to Cal Ripken baseball.
"In the spring they came to me and said, 'Will you become the new commissioner for Cal Ripken baseball?' So in 2000 I was the tournament director and on the board. It was the first Cal Ripken state tournament anywhere."
Branson said the regional that is coming to Marion is an eight-state regional and they will be playing straight baseball, which basically means the players can lead off and the bases are further apart. "That's what Cal Ripken has said all along."
There are advantages to hosting regional tournaments. Two of those, according to Branson, are being able to get in and not having the miles. The host team automatically has a spot in the tournament and doesn't have to travel.
Branson will be out at the ball field during the regional tournament. "There is a three-person task force," said Branson. One of the other members is from Colorado and the other is the district commissioner who is from Moundridge.
"I've been to a lot of regionals," said Branson. "Kansas does them a lot better than any other state in our region."
Branson will be a busy man for the rest of July. "The senior Babe Ruth district playoffs will start Friday. Then I have state in Lyons. Then regionals is here. Then the Sunday of regionals I am helping plan the church service."
With a lot of years behind him, Branson said he doesn't know how much longer he'll keep going. "If they want me to keep going and I feel like I can and my health stays good, then I will. My plan is to probably stay working with baseball."
All the time spent involved with baseball might pay off when the games are done and the people leave happy, but it doesn't pay off monetarily. "One thing that's different about Babe Ruth baseball is that it's all voluntary. Nobody gets a dime. They might cover expenses but for the most part it's volunteer."
Aside from baseball, Branson has spent time driving a bus for the school district and currently is a substitute teacher.
When he was 19 not only did he start umpiring, but he started preaching. Branson finished his first degree and went on to get his second. Then he went on to get his third, which is a doctorate in ministry degree. "Technically I'm Dr. Branson. I've got the degree and the robe to prove it. But it doesn't matter what education you get. It doesn't mean you can get the job done."
After 59 years Branson is still preaching. Roughly nine years ago Branson bought a house at 521 N. Cedar and turned it into a church. "After I left the Christian church people asked if I'd come preach for them. We met in the city building for a while and that didn't work too well." The church is non-denominational and is open to anyone.
So, whether Branson is at the pulpit or on the field, it's certain he has the education and experience to get the job done.
