Donald Grate

Donald "Don" Grate, 91, of Miami Gardens, FL, passed away November 22, 2014. Don was born in Greenfield, OH, on August 27, 1923. He was a star athlete at McClain High School in Greenfield and Ohio State University, where as an All-American basketball player, he helped the Buckeyes to two Final Fours. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. He played Major League baseball as a right-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1945-1946, making his MLB debut on July 6, 1945. Don had a 13 year professional baseball career which included breaking the record for the World's Longest Baseball Throw. Don had been selected for the 1944 U.S. Olympic team; however, the Games were cancelled due to World War II.

After his playing career ended in the 1950's, Don was a high school teacher and coach in Ohio, Tennessee, and South Florida. He taught and coached for many years at Norland High School, in Miami, FL, where he coached both boys and girls basketball. He coached the boys team to an appearance in the State Finals. Don and his wife owned racing greyhounds--which included Ruling Gun, one of the best racers in his era. Don also served as President of the Andover Civic Association.

He is survived by his daughter Marnie Grate (Bill Becker), son D. Jeffrey (Barbara) Grate, sister Carolyn Bainter; granddaughters Alexandra and Morgan Grate; as well as his loving companion Louise Musumeci. Don is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, brothers Carl, John Edward, Joseph, and Ronald and sisters Margorie and Mildred. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home in Hollywood on Saturday, December 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 5:00 PM.