On Saturday, November 12, the softball world lost Coach Don Dobina. It appears that he passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was the husband to Susan, father to Shae and Brad Dobina.

For the last 28 years, Dobina committed his life to coaching softball and proving that players in the midwest could compete against the best.

Fellow Sluggers Coach Greg Vorbrink said,

He was a person who strived for excellence. He was probably most generous man that I've known in my lifetime. He had a belief that the girls in this area could play softball at the highest level.

Dobina was the beloved coach to the Louisville Lady Sluggers. The softball community mourns his loss and remembers the selfless man who was dedicated to the game and to his team.

Obituary

DOBINA, Donald V., 63, passed unexpectedly and peacefully Saturday, November 12, 2016. Born in Canton, Ohio, Don leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Susan, daughter, Shae Beckwith (Mike), and son, Brad Dobina (Sarah) and granddaughter, Elin.

Don was President and CEO of MPC Promotions Company. His generosity and impact at work and in the community is legendary.

Don played semi-pro baseball for the Cleveland Indians, was recruited by Coach Lee Corso to play football at the University of Louisville and has remained a loyal UofL supporter for life. He was a gold medalist in volleyball at the Bluegrass Games, former President of the Louisville Swim Association, and an avid golfer. His passion was coaching girls’ fastpitch softball.

As Founder & President of the Louisville Lady Sluggers Softball Club, his coaching prowess led to numerous national tournament wins and several national championships. Respected country-wide, he was National Coach of the Year in 2006. He has enabled hundreds of girls to attend college on softball scholarships at over 70 schools across the country. His influence and elevation of softball in the state of Kentucky was acknowledged with the presentation of the first Louisville Softball Spirit Award in 2010.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 18th 3-7:00 p.m. with a Final Tribute program at 7:00 p.m. at the Gheens Foundation Lodge 1421 Beckley Creek Parkway (GPS alternative 1421 South Beckley Station Road). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Louisville Lady Sluggers 501(c)(3), 1120 Gilliland Rd. Louisville, KY 40245


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Reaction from fellow coaches:

When you mention the name Don Dobina there was so many words that come to mind.. Don was a true and dear friend.. He was a loving father and Husband ... He was my mentor in this game we love and I truly cannot express the sadness his passing brings.. It opens a void that will never be filled.. We've always wanted to have the opportunity to coach together and that was so close to becoming a reality... Don always admired and respected coaches that.. in his words "do it the right way and for the right reasons".. To say Don loved this game is a gross understatement.. He loved his players and he would live everyday to compete!! Work or play he was a fierce competitor.. I will work tirelessly to make sure his legacy in this game lives on..

Don Dobina will be missed by all..

I hope heavens prepared.. They just got one heck of a Coach!!

Jim Huecker