08/10/2026
Distinguished Citizen biography for:
Roger Dawson
b. 1964
Honored as a Distinguished Citizen in 2026, Roger Dawson has dedicated his life to serving the Brunswick community as an educator, mentor, coach, and advocate for young people. Best known for his remarkable contributions to baseball, Roger’s impact extends far beyond the playing field and has helped shape generations of Brunswick students and athletes.
Born on May 15, 1964, Roger was raised in Brunswick by his parents, Robert and Anna Dawson, as one of seven children. A graduate of Brunswick High School’s Class of 1982, he was a standout multi-sport athlete, participating in football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. While he excelled in many sports, baseball became his lifelong passion.
After high school, Roger attended Frederick Community College, where he played baseball and earned an associate degree in Business Administration. He then continued both his education and baseball career at Shepherd College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education in 1987. Maybe the greatest accomplishment of his college career was meeting his future wife, Deanna. Roger and Deanna were married in 1993. Roger later earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Research from Western Maryland College.
After graduating from Shepherd, Dawson returned to Frederick County and began a career in education that has spanned nearly four decades. Following two years as Athletic Director at Fort Detrick, he returned to Frederick County Public Schools and Brunswick in 1992. Since then, he has devoted his professional life to serving local students, working in a variety of educational and student-support roles. Today, he continues to serve Brunswick High School as a Behavioral Health Specialist, helping students navigate challenges and achieve success both academically and personally.
Roger’s legacy is most visible through his extraordinary coaching career. Since dedicating himself exclusively to baseball in 1993, he has become one of Maryland’s most accomplished high school coaches. He has led Brunswick High School baseball to seven state championships—four as head coach and three as an assistant coach—and has amassed more than 435 career victories, ranking among the winningest coaches in state history.
Beyond the high school level, Dawson founded and led the Brunswick Orioles organization,
creating opportunities for older athletes to compete at higher levels and pursue their dreams. Originally established as a semi-professional program, the Orioles became one of the nation’s most successful baseball organizations, capturing 19 Blue Ridge League championships. In 2004, the team won the National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) National Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, becoming the only Maryland team ever to earn that distinction. The Orioles also finished as national runners-up in 2018 and 2019.
Dawson’s baseball expertise also earned him recognition at the professional level. For 24 years, he served as a scout for the Baltimore Orioles and spent three years scouting for the San Diego Padres, helping identify and evaluate emerging talent.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to athletics and youth development, Dawson was inducted into the Alvin G. Quinn Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Despite his many accomplishments, Roger is most proud of his impact on the young people of Brunswick. Throughout his career, he has been a passionate advocate for ensuring local students and athletes have access to the same opportunities and resources available elsewhere in Frederick County. His commitment to mentorship, relationship-building, and community service continues to inspire those around him. His greatest legacy can be found in the countless lives he has touched through coaching, teaching, and mentoring.
Roger Dawson’s lifelong devotion to Brunswick, its schools, and its young people exemplifies the very spirit of community leadership and service, making him truly deserving of recognition as a Brunswick Distinguished Citizen.
The Mayor and Council and the Brunswick History Commission are proud to honor Roger Dawson as a Distinguished Citizen of Brunswick, Maryland.
https://www.brunswickmdhistory.com/index.php?title=Roger_Dawson
