John Lucas began his love of the game in Sarasota, Florida, first as an 11-year-old player and subsequently, in 1965, as a coach in what is now known as the Cal Ripken program. He became involved with Sarasota's Babe Ruth program as a volunteer umpire in 1973 and soon became the booking agent for the league. The following year, John joined the local Babe Ruth Board, became a vice president, and then served as the president of the league from 1975 until 1995. John became the Florida State Commissioner in 1995 and in 2021 became the Southeast Region Commissioner. In his 26 years as State Commissioner, he did wonders to improve and grow the Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken programs in Florida. So much so that Florida was divided into two Babe Ruth States in 2008, with John serving as State Commissioner for both.

As State Commissioner, John made it a point to travel and meet with every District Commissioner and every league president on an annual basis. He held Executive Board meetings every year and sometimes biennially. He traveled to all the State tournaments in North Florida and in South Florida. He ran the two Rookie Qualifiers (a combined total of more than 200 teams) as well as the B State Tournament (approximately 100 teams). He was willing and available to attend any meetings involving the recruitment of new leagues. He also supported the Buddy-Ball program in Florida and in 2012 absorbed softball into his domain. The increase of new leagues in Florida was a testament to John’s dedication and belief in the Babe Ruth mission: “That every child who has a desire to play baseball or softball be afforded the opportunity to do so.”

In the past, John has worn many hats, including that of coach and umpire for baseball, basketball coach, and high school football referee. John is a U.S. Navy veteran. He retired as a middle school teacher after 41 years at the same school in 2006. John’s involvement in Babe Ruth became a family affair. His wife, Marion, and daughters Amy and Laura spent many hours helping in the local league concession stand, designing and selling tournament t-shirts, and housing players at tournament time when needed, prior to his becoming State Commissioner.

John’s Babe Ruth colleagues characterize him as “always fair and respectful,” “a pillar of strength, support, and stability,” and “humble, caring, and honest.”  John ensures that everyone follows the rules; his ultimate goal is to “get it right for the kids.”  His many accolades include the 1995 Teacher of the Year Award, the 1995 Vernon “Lefty” Gomez Volunteer of the Year - Baseball Award, 2014 induction into the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Hall of Fame, and 2016 induction into the Babe Ruth League, Inc. Hall of Fame.