Soper, Harold

He began managing in the 1960s in men's fastpitch play. After many successful seasons, he switched to women's slow pitch where he won numerous league and city championships. From the mid-seventies through the early eighties, he managed teams, umpired, managed leagues, and coordinated the fall leagues. After putting ten years in as an ASA umpire, his heart drew him back to managing.

He formed Conrad Chevrolet Celebrities, a women's slow-pitch team, and later on deBeer Sports, both of Lexington. His accomplishments with Conrad and deBeer include nine state tournament appearances highlighted by championships in Class C in 1984, Class B in 1991, and Class A in 1992, and they were thrice runner-up in the Class B State in 1988, '89, & '90.

His team also appeared in four national regionals winning a championship in 1991. He led his team to four nationals including a 7th place finish in the 56-team 1991 tourney.

His managing style helped his teams capture first place honors throughout the state and country including winning the 1990 Queen of the Bluegrass in the Hall of Fame series and as a medal winner in the Bluegrass Games.

He was instrumental in promoting youth and adult sports in Lexington and was a founder of the Mary Todd Park Association where he served as coach, team manager, and athletic director.