Mark was a standout left-handed pitcher and first baseman for the Waterloo Buds from 1973-85, earning Most Valuable Player honors in 1984. A solid fielding first baseman, Ludwig was named to six Mon-Clair League all-star teams and was inducted into the Mon-Clair League Hall of Fame in 2012.

In 1986-87, Ludwig played for the Jefferson City Best Western team. He was the second leading hitter for Bradley University in 1978, and has coached little league teams for three years in Ashland, Missouri.