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Dave Yoakum Obituary
In a scouting career that spanned over four decades, Dave served as supervisor to the New York Yankees (1974-1976) and the Toronto Blue Jays (1977-1991), and as assistant to the general manager for the Chicago White Sox (1991-2020). He was inducted into the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame in 2010 and presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation in 2018.
Dave was born in Middlesboro, KY on December 15th, 1946, to Herman and Patsy Yoakum. He has two brothers, Dennis (Paula) and Danny (Debbie). At 17, he signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers, whom he played for as an infielder through 1971. It was his subsequent move to the Houston Astros that would see him begin his career as a prospect scout and coach.
Dave proudly served in the United States Army Reserves (1966-1972).
In 1993, Dave married Nina Wheeler. Together they raised three children: Mark (34), Anna (22), and Dax (20).
Dave's passion extended beyond baseball into everything he did. A proud Floridian and avid outdoorsman, he loved sailing, fishing, wildlife watching, and photography. There wasn't a moment in nature he didn't cherish.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00pm on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Avalon Church, 13460 Tanja King Blvd., Orlando, FL 32828. In light of Dave's passing, donations to East Orange Babe Ruth League would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dave Yoakum
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
5 Entries
Sally Leslie
June 23, 2024
So very sorry to discover the passing of Dave last year. We were neighbors when we both lived at Lake Fredrica Apts. in Orlando in 1976-77. He was such a great guy! We spent weekends around the pool with all our friends & waterskied all day on the lake. And Dave threw amazing parties & cookouts! Everybody loved him. We were all single in those days so fun times. I thought of him tonight since my son lives in Cleveland & attended the Guardians vs Toronto baseball game today. I remembered Dave was a scout for the Toronto Blue Jays when we were neighbors. I was sad to see his obit pop up when I searched his name. My sincere condolences to his family & friends on this great loss. He left such an impact on our lives. He´s never been forgotten.
Patty
June 23, 2023
Dave you were an amazing man and will be missed. Love you Nina and kids. You´re in my thoughts
Diane Lucas
June 22, 2023
I met Dave in the 80's. We were neighbors in the same apartment complex (Dockside). He was really a great guy. I remember on Thanksgiving I was alone with no family to celebrate with. Dave and his then wife, Jane, invited me to share in their Thanksgiving family celebration. Dave's generosity made my Thanksgiving Day truly special. Dave will be missed by a lot of friends who were truly blessed to have known him.
Frank Campisi
June 22, 2023
I met Dave in 1977 . We lived in the same complex ,Lake Fredrica, Orlando.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a most humble person. Very sorry to read about his loss.
Sincerely
Frank Campisi
Jack Bloomfield
June 20, 2023
Dave was one of the finest men in the baseball world. He will always be remembered.
My condolences go out to all the family.
Jack Bloomfield
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