During the fall of 2010 Chesapeake City Councilman Rick West approached Chesapeake’s retired Parks and Recreation Director, Robert “Bobby” Clifton, with the idea of creating a Chesapeake Sports Club. Bobby recruited friends Robert “Buddy” Bagley and Linwood Nelms to explore the practically of the concept. Soon after, sincere discussions began on the creation of a Chesapeake Sports Club to recognize, honor and promote the sports accomplishments and contributions of Chesapeake citizens and organizations.

The four had long recognized the need and desire to form an organization with a main purpose to assist deserving Chesapeake students with recognition and scholarship opportunities as well as pay tribute to the legendary athletic accomplishments of Chesapeake’s citizens.

Sincere planning began in October 2010 with phone calls and informal meetings. Robert “Buddy” Bagley was appointed as the founding President of the Club. John Henry Martin was voted the Club’s President-elect and Rick West the First Vice-President. Additional member prospects were soon contacted and enthusiasm for was exceptional. Officer positions were soon filled and the Board of Directors began to take place.

In January 2011, the first meeting of the Chesapeake Sports Club general membership took place. This first luncheon had 42 members attend to hear Bobby Allen speak. On February 21, 2011 the Club had an impressive 140 attendees to hear Coach Wayne Martin as the keynote speaker. The monthly luncheons continued throughout 2011 with guest speakers that included NFL stars Ed Beard, Charlie Stukes, and Mike Voight, former major league pitcher Gary Lavelle and Norfolk Tides and Admirals owner Ken Young. Local sports broadcasters and coaches also addressed the ever growing crowds.

Chesapeake is the hometown of many current Major League Baseball Stars. In May of 2011 the Chesapeake Sports Club announced its first jamboree to be held on January 12, 2012 and the keynote speaker would be former Major League All Star Steve Garvey. A fantastic night it was. Our own Buddy Bagley was awarded the Sportsman of the year award from the club.

John Henry Martin assumed the presidency in January of 2012 and the club was off and running again with recognition of sports legends such as Ricky Rudd, high school athletes from all of Chesapeake and monthly keynote speakers. In June the club awarded the first thousand dollar scholarships to twelve student athletes for Chesapeake High Schools.

Doug Smith was elected president for 2013 and has spearheaded the club to more outstanding programs, speakers and recognition of professional and high school athletes and coaches at the monthly meetings.