Blades Receives Volunteer Award For Work With Lake Shore, Panthers, Chesapeake

For many people in Pasadena, it is difficult to imagine youth sports without the presence of Pam Blades.

Blades is a longtime volunteer with youth sports in Pasadena and was honored this month with the Ron Blake Outstanding Volunteer Award, given annually since 1985 by Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks. The award is named for the former recreation advisory board member, coach and community volunteer. It is the county’s top award for volunteers who have dedicated their time, effort and energy to enhance youth sports opportunities in Anne Arundel County.

Blades started out with Lake Shore Youth Baseball as a team mom 12 years ago and soon became a board member as team parent coordinator. From there, she joined the executive board as secretary and eventually moved into her current role as vice president of Lake Shore Baseball, a role which she has served in for the last five years.

Blades has filled nearly every imaginable role and responsibility within Lake Shore Baseball, handing out equipment, running sponsorships, curating the website, handling registration, organizing field maintenance, scheduling special events such as Opening Day, and even manning the snack shack.

She was instrumental in the development of both the Little Gloves program and the Co-Op program through Lake Shore, both tremendously successful programs that have expanded baseball opportunities for youths in Pasadena and throughout the county.

In addition to her role with Lake Shore Baseball, Blades is also the Panthers Athletic Club co-treasurer and a board member on both the Chesapeake High School Athletic Booster Club and Chesapeake High School PTSA. She is also involved with the Chesapeake High School Football Parents Organization.

Blades is known for her on-the-ball organization, ability to juggle a vast array of responsibilities, and her characteristic enthusiasm.

“I love being involved,” said Blades. “These community involvement [opportunities] have enriched my life tremendously. I have never felt it was a job or obligation. Parents thank me all the time, but I thoroughly enjoy surrounding myself with the students, athletes and the families that encompass it.”