Babe Ruth League bids farewell to a legend, Thomas Edward Steele, who passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Tom was actively involved in the Babe Ruth League program for over 40 years.  He started as a local league coach for the Union County Babe Ruth League and was soon elected to the League Board, subsequently serving as League President.

At the East North Carolina State level, Tom served as a District Commissioner and Assistant State Commissioner before being appointed as State Commissioner. 

In 2013, Babe Ruth Headquarters decided to combine East and West North Carolina.  Most people would have declined to oversee the new combined organization, but Tom Steele wasn’t most people.  He accepted the challenge serving as State Commissioner for all of North Carolina.  Because of Tom’s outstanding leadership, the state grew in leagues and teams and had a strong financial footing. 

Tom’s commitment and dedication to Babe Ruth League is legendary.  Even during his prolonged medical treatments, Tom carried his laptop and phone to the hospital so he could continue to do what needed to be done for his beloved Babe Ruth League program.

In recognition of his love and devotion to the Babe Ruth League program, Tom was inducted into the Southeast Babe Ruth League Hall of Fame in July of 2017.

Tom was an amazing and caring individual, one of those volunteers who stood head and shoulders above the rest.  The influence of his many accomplishments has left a lasting impact that will live on in the many individuals who were fortunate to cross Tom’s path.

Tom is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sharon Shirley Steele, two sons Harry and James, and two grandchildren.