With his passion for the game and an unwavering commitment to his players, Atholton’s assistant baseball coach, Paul Donovan AKA Coach D, became a transformative figure in the lives of athletes and a staple for Howard County baseball.
Within his 40 years of coaching he led over seven teams to states, founded Maryland Collegiate Baseball League Columbia Reds, and provided hundreds of young baseball players in Howard County a mentor whose phenomenal advice orchestrated well rounded players, on and off the field.
Coach D’s compassionate attitude was recognized in 2007 when he was inducted into Howard County’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Former assistant coach Glen Deuchler at the induction emphasized the outstanding connection between Coach D and his players.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner, he said “Once players stop playing for him, the relationship doesn’t end. When they have problems with baseball, or even life, he is one of the first people they call.”
This beautiful connection between him and his players is also mentioned by Atholton Senior, Brody Pope when reflecting on last year’s experience as one of Coach D’s players “He taught me to be a good player but also a good man,” Coach D giving life lessons is a common theme amongst current and former players.
“He was truly somebody who cared about you as a person, not just as a player,” Mr. Peddicord stated. Mr. Peddicord knew Coach D for 22 years, originally meeting him at 16 years old when he began playing for him. Initially meeting Coach D, Peddicord recognized Coach D was not the average coach.
He remembers upon the first impression he knew Coach D was anything but a surface level coach,“ I found it endearing honestly, he was very authentic to who he was, he liked to have side conversations getting to know kids on a personal level.”
Similar to Peddicord, Vice Principal Mr Dupski also began playing for Coach D in highschool and described him as “very honest but caring.” and his desire to connect with players was visible,“He always wanted to know how we were doing in school, he wanted to know about our families, he connected with our families, connected with my parents.”
The transparency from Coach D allowed a greater connection between the players and created an overwhelming amount of memories,“I cannot pinpoint one favorite memory. I think the memory of him himself outshines all,” said Peddicord.
The deep connection made between Coach D and all of his players created a trusting relationship.
Players put their faith into Coach D and believed he would help them go far in life, “Players trusted him to give them the opportunity to showcase their talents and find a landing spot for a college to play.” explained Peddicord.
This expectation was exceeded by Coach D, within his time being a baseball coach he gave the opportunity for over two dozen players to play ball in college. Dupski and Peddicord were a part of that two dozen, Peddicord at UMBC and Dupski at Towson.
However the influence didn’t stop in adolescent years. Both Dupski and Peddicord became baseball coaches themselves here at Atholton later in life, Dupski for 11 years and Peddicord for 6 years.
Peddicord had the amazing opportunity to coach by Coach D’s side here at Atholton and was able to take away Coach D’s coaching tactics. During both of their coaching time here at Atholton they revealed they’ve used many tips and tricks from Coach D.
“Using some of his coaching techniques, I was really thinking about the players as a whole, not just a student in my class.”Dupski mentioned how because of Coach D he was eager to “get to know and grow” his players. Peddicord, the most recent Atholton baseball coach, has said he has also been inspired by Coach D, inspiration he stated as “absolutely necessary.”
Coach D in his lifetime, March 1944 – October 2024, transformed the lives of many and completely altered their ways of life.
Without Coach D, Howard County Baseball would not be the same as it is today. The absence of him has allowed reminiscing and appreciation for him come to light. Atholton Baseball will continue to play with him in mind forever.