LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The NFCA, along with the entire softball community, is mourning the loss of a great ambassador of softball, Don Dobina. A longtime friend and member of the Association, Dobina, 63, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully Saturday, Nov. 12. He was the founder and president of the Louisville Lady Sluggers and president and CEO of MPC Promotions. In 2006, Dobina along with assistants Ricki Rothbauer and Becky Bishop were named the Speedline/NFCA Travel Ball National Coaching Staff of the Year. 

His coaching prowess led to numerous national tournament wins and several national championships. Respected country-wide, 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.

Obituary (Courtesy of Legacy.com)

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Dobina family, the Louisville Lady Slugger organization and MPC.

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.