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Michael Cubbage Obituary
July 21, 1950 - August 10, 2024
Michael Lee Cubbage
Michael Lee Cubbage, fondly known as "Cubby", was born July 21, 1950, in Charlottesville, VA. On Saturday, August 10, 2024, the angels descended and Michael is now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Michael is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 35 years, Janice Cubbage; daughter, Jennifer Iams; grandchildren, Connor and Maddie Iams; a brother, Christopher Cubbage; cousin, Kenny Thurston, who was more like a brother, and wife Rebecca, Myles Thurston; and Janice's cousins, Tommy Gravely and wife Debbie, Perry Gravely and wife Kathryn, Bill Gravely and fiancé Marsha Patterson; and dear, loyal, and dedicated friends, Liza Holder, Laura Colwell, and Tom Kelly. He leaves behind his best friend and golf cart riding companion, Jax, his polar bear lab.
Michael is predeceased by his parents L. L. and Margie Cubbage of Charlottesville, VA.
Michael graduated from Lane High School in 1968 as a 3-star athlete and was awarded the first baseball scholarship to attend the University of Virginia (UVA) where he played third base for the Cavaliers. During his first year at UVA, he was also quarterback for the football team.
In his senior year at Lane High School Michael was drafted but declined the offer; however, in his sophomore year at UVA, Michael was again drafted and accepted the offer by the Washington Senators, later known as the Texas Rangers. He played professional baseball with the Texas Rangers, the Minnesota Twins, and the New York Mets.
After his playing years, he worked his way through the managerial ranks, culminating as the Triple-A level with Tidewater Tides. Michael coached in the Major Leagues with the New York Mets, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox.
During his coaching career, he won World Series Championships with the New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, and Washington Nationals. Additionally, he served as Special Assistant to the President of the Washington Nationals.
Commitment, determination, and hard work resulted in his being inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, UVA Baseball Hall of Fame, Tidewater Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Valley League Hall of Fame.
After 49 years of professional baseball, Michael retired and he and Janice moved from Charlottesville to Lake Keowee, Sunset SC.
The Cubbage family is grateful to Cottingham Hospice House, Seneca, for their compassion, understanding ways, professionalism, and comfort provided during his care. Additionally, the kindness, generosity, and loving spirit of neighbors and friends who live at The Reserve at Lake Keowee were beyond amazing and greatly appreciated.
Should you wish to remember Michael in a special way, please consider a memorial donation to Pickens County Humane Society, 500 5 Forks Road, Liberty, SC 29657.
The family invites you to join us Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church, 309 East Cedar Rock St, Pickens SC 29671 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at Orchard House, The Reserve at Lake Keowee, 931 Reserve Boulevard, Sunset SC 29685.
Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Cubbage family.
Mountain View Funerals and Cremations - Pickens Chapel
105 Florence St, Pickens, SC 29671
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cubbage
Greg Wall
September 8, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. A great athlete, he was a Virginia gentleman, always polite, humble and inclusive. I miss seeing him walking his dog in Glenmore and stopping to chat with him. Wishing Jan and the family all the best in this difficult time.
Charlotte Harmon
August 27, 2024
I so sorry for you lost I lost bob in 2023
Always remember Mike and you Miss you Charlotte Harmon alway in my prayers
Duval White
August 23, 2024
Mike taught me how to play second base. Every year before he left for spring training he´d work with me and probably kept me from breaking my legs. Played golf with him in Lynchburg when he managed. Loved the guy and his parents.
Lindsay Barnes
August 23, 2024
Perhaps the best all-around athlete (football, basketball, and, of course, baseball) to ever grow up in Charlottesville, Mike was also a genuine and generous friend who added positively to the lives of many. Sending heartfelt condolences to Jan and all of Mike's family members during this difficult time.
Phil Wood
August 22, 2024
Mike was such a genuine, remarkably kind gentleman. We shared similar memories of the frequently mediocre expansion version of the Washington Senators. We were both 1968 high school graduates from different Virginia counties, but Cubby's baseball skills were well known throughout the state. When he joined the Nats' scouting staff, he became a great source, and we broke bread together many times in the media lounge at Nats Park. This is a huge loss for all of us who got to be his friend.
Larry Dierker
August 19, 2024
What a great guy, and a real baseball man, through and through. Cubby was an important member of our coaching staff in Houston. We won our division four times in five years. Cubby landed a job with the Red Sox as Grady Little´s right hand man. They won divisions too. A littler known fact: Cubby was one of the best fungo hitters ever. He was a left handed batter, but could work an infielder from either side of the cage and plate. You won´t find many coaches who can switch hit with a fungo.
Peter K. McLean
August 18, 2024
Brother Stephen and the rest of the family well appreciate the talents and humility of this good man, number 10; he continues to inspire. Love, the McLean Family
Jimmy Boggs Class of '70 Lane High School
August 18, 2024
What an amazing person, RIP Mike.
Chuck Wood and Kimberly Parr
August 17, 2024
Cubbage family, I am thankful to have known Michael and the Cubbage family. For all of his accomplishments he was an even greater person. A true Charlottesville legend.
Patsy Stegall
August 16, 2024
My sympathy to you, Jan and your family.
B Amiss Hornstein
August 15, 2024
I went thru school with Mike. He was a great guy you could always count on. Gone too soon
Beverly Amiss Hornstein
Lane High `68
Barbara McGill
August 15, 2024
Dear Jan,
So sorry to hear about Mike and
Send my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Barbara McGill
Bernie Sanders
August 15, 2024
God's special love, comfort and promise to Mike's family and friends.
Sadly/regrettably , I never had the good fortune to have made Mike's acquaintance. I do, however, share the same age and admire/respect Mike's athletic accomplishments and people skills. I observed him from afar through the newspaper in my hometown of Roanoke, Va. My Cave Spring High School shares the same mascot (KNIGHTS) as Mike's Lane High School.
Our senior year both football teams were undefeated but never was allowed the privilege of playing each other due to different Virginia High School League classifications,1-B vs 1-A, respectively.
By all accounts, SIR, your earthly travels were exemplary, admirable and inspiring to so MANY, dare I say, MOST.
I sincerely thank you, SIR, for all the good you, no doubt, have done for so many while fighting the good fight.
I genuinely look forward to meeting you one day and must thank you again for being HIS good and faithful servant.
Rob
August 15, 2024
What a wonderful journey Cubby had! He grew up "around the corner" from my wife. My condolences to family and friends.
Bill Mallory - Lane 70
August 15, 2024
May God rest your soul Mike and give peace to your family at this time of loss and sorrow. I remember Mike well from Lane High School and what a great athlete he was and always polite and friendly to an underclassman like me.
Gordy Coleman
August 14, 2024
After retiring I volunteered at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in Birmingham, AL. One day the manager of one of the AA teams playing against the Birmingham Barons came in to see our collection. As we talked about his career stops, I asked him if he knew Mike. Yes, he said he was a mentor of his at some point in his career and spoke very highly of him.
Sharon
August 14, 2024
Jan,
In time of loss, bereavement & sadness remember God has remembrance of every tear. Psalm 56:8 May He heal your soul & surround you with his unfailing love.
My deepest sympathy
The Johnson Family
Pam Goff
August 14, 2024
Jan and family my sincere condolences. I made your glasses in Charlottesville and shared laughs with you both.
Dave Miller
August 13, 2024
"Cubby", what a genuinely good fellow. We met when I worked in Charlottesville (1971-73) on radio. Every morning his Marge would call in giving Mike´s stats from his minor league games. They became an essential part of my morning sports reports. Then, 20 or so years later, the Mets and Orioles opened up Camden Yards with an exhibition game. By this time, Mike´s playing days were over and he moved into coaching with the Mets. As the Mets were walking off from infield practice I called out "Hey Cubby, Tommy Theodose says "Hey". Cubby immediately spotted me, saw me raise my glove and fired a strike right into it. We spoke briefly before he went into the clubhouse. Remember, Cubby didn´t have to do what he did, but...he did. RIP "Good Fellow".
Phil Castinetti
August 13, 2024
My condolences to all. Was friends with Mike during his time here in Boston. Great guy and again my condolences
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