Douglas "Wabs" Jay Wabeke, age 65 of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, November 25 at his home. Wabeke was a beloved baseball coach and mentor in the Grand Rapids area and served as an assistant coach with the Panthers for seven years. The Panthers reached new heights on the diamond with the help of Wabeke and helped build a strong program in the process.
"Wabs impacted me in so many ways," said current Davenport head coach Kevin Tidey about his mentor and friend. "Our journey started when I was a cocky 18-year old and going through the recruiting process with him, to being a Raider and playing for him, it went full circle when I hired him as my assistant coach at Davenport. He taught me so much about baseball, but more importantly about life. He had a motor and was driven by success more than anyone I have ever met. We talk a lot here at DU about the sixth tool. Wabs will always get an 80 scouting grade on anything associated with this category. I will cherish every second I got to spend with Wabs and it will always be an honor to call him my friend."
Wabeke also left his footprints in the area as a head coach at Grand Rapids Community College from 1987-2004. He guided the program to 14 Michigan Community College Athletic Association titles, nine Region XII championships and captured four National Junior College Athletic Association national championships. In addition, Wabeke served as head coach at Grand Valley State during the team's 1984 GLIAC championship season.
"It is really hard to put into words what Wabs meant to me, but those words could fill a book," said current assistant coach Ryan McCosky. "He was my mentor, my friend, my roommate on the road, and my motivation to be my best. I will always remember his tireless work ethic and and dedication towards educating and motivating. Whether it was the players or the coaches, he was always pushing the game forward. Often hard and not perfect, he managed to impact countless lives in a positive way. I am forever grateful and consider myself lucky to have to have coached seven of my more formative years with him by my side. A true legend, may the stories and laughter live on forever."
Wabeke was a graduate of Central Michigan University, where he played for two seasons and earned all-academic honors. Prior to that, he played two seasons at GRCC where he earned All-America honors. From 1980-84, he played professionally in the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations.
"When I was recruited at GRJC, Hof (former head coach Tom Hoffman) asked what position I played," said current member of the coaching staff, Bob Youngs. "I quickly responded "shortstop". He said he had an all-state shortstop coming in and asked if I played any other positions. After two days of practice, it was pretty obvious that I better move over to second base. I was fortunate enough to play beside him in the middle infield for the Raiders over the next two years. Our paths crossed again when he came to Davenport to coach and then we started officiating high school basketball together. He was the ultimate competitor and led by example. Whenever I saw him, his greeting always brought a smile to my face. He will be missed by many."
The funeral service for Doug will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, December 2 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Visitations will be held Friday, December 1 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
