Keith Barker: Columbus Police First Responder and Columbus MSBL Center Fielder

By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications

Keith Barker is a Sergeant with the Columbus, Ohio Division of Police.  He is currently the Field Training Sergeant responsible for the training of new probationary officers who graduate the police academy.  Keith has been on the division for 15 years while playing in the Columbus MSBL since 2007 and is currently the Team Manager for the Columbus Aces in the 35+ division.    

“We continue to train despite the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Keith.  “The new officers out there are learning every day so that they may be able to serve the community for many years to come.  I am proud off all of our officers who put their lives on the line every day so that our citizens are safe!  

I hope to get my team back on the field soon, as I am super excited for the 2020 season to begin. We are all eager to lace up the cleats and compete together.  We are blessed with the ability and health to play the greatest game out there.   Until then, I hope everyone stays safe and healthy and we as a community will get through these challenging times.”

The picture collage below is of Keith making an inning saving catch in 2018 down on a magnificent Florida field.  He not only roams the streets as a Training Sergeant in Columbus, he roams a pretty special center field, too.

“That was a line drive in the gap close to the fence in left field and it was a long run from my center field.  What was special is that the catch was an end to the inning with two runners on base.  That one was near the top of my catch list.  I pride myself on shutting down the outfield.”