DOUGLAS S. BAILEY Clarkston, MIAs true a gentleman having ever played the game of horseshoes, Doug grew up in Matoaka, West Virginia, where he began pitching horseshoes at age ten. His dad, being a good pitcher, taught Doug how to pitch the one and three-quarters turn, which he has pitched all of his life. In 1963, Doug moved to Michigan and worked for General Motors at the Truck and Bus facility. After a few years, he and some of his friends convinced GM to build some courts on the property where they pitched during breaks and lunch. Upon hearing about a club in Waterford, Doug talked some of his friends into joining with him. Within a few years Doug became the club's secretary-treasurer, and then served as club president for four years. During his years with the Waterford club he was league champion, had the high game and high handicap game on several occasions. Learning about a club in Lake Orion Doug joined. While a member he has served as club president and treasurer, and has been a league champion. Being active in promoting horseshoes in the Lake Orion area, he and his wife, Pat, have helped to build horseshoe oriented floats and boats for the Lake Orion Lighted Parade, and the Lake Orion Parade of Boats. Doug has participated in the organization of golf outings, bowling tournaments, hosting boys and girls clubs, several Michigan Senior Olympics horseshoe tournaments, and was part of a twelve-person team from the club that established the world record for 26-hours of continuous pitching in 2010. In 1989, Doug joined the Wolverine State Horseshoe Pitchers Association, and carried a 30% average. In 1991, and 1992, he won the Class C championship, and in 1994, in an eight-way playoff, won the Class B state championship. Doug worked hard to improve his game, and in 1997, he accomplished his highest season average ever, 67%, and has maintained a 60%-plus average since. In 2004 he accomplished his ultimate goal. He won the State Men's Class A Championship in Kalamazoo going 14-0 and averaging 60.77%. Currently, Doug is serving his second term as MHPA second vice-president and chair of the Grievance and Credentials Committee. In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments the Hall of Fame Committee extends its sincere gratitude and thanks by inducting Douglas S. Bailey into the Michigan Horseshoe Pitchers Association's Hall of Fame on this day, Sunday, September 5, 2010. |