Comments on: 40 years after Radford’s baseball state title, Coach Donald Kimura dies

By: Rob Merwin

Rob Merwin — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 02:22:12 +0000

I played for Coach Kimura in 1980. The year before I was the last guy cut before the season started. I had started varsity as a Freshman and Sophomore at High Schools in VA and Ca. (military kid). Being cut was one the best things that happened to me in HS. I was way too cocky and we talked a few times after high school and I always thanked him. I ended up playing baseball in college, semi pro and men’s baseball till I was 57. I tried to remember Coach Kimura’s lesson in remaining humble on the field and off. Mahalo!

By: Reed Anderson

Reed Anderson — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 13:19:13 +0000

Great memories of Coach Kimura. He’ll will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to the family.

By: Tim Hawkinson

Tim Hawkinson — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 04:44:18 +0000

I was fortunate to play for him for three years ‘78 ‘79 & ‘80. Wonderful memories of our 1979 team. Coach Kimura taught me many things about the game but what I learned most was how to be coached. He was a great one. RIP coach

By: Paul Pate

Paul Pate — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 03:41:29 +0000

I do remember this coach…a day during practice a ball was hit to outfield while I was hanging out…I picked it up and threw it to home plate…he came trotting out (I thought I was again in trouble) and told me I had an arm…tried to recruit me but sports wasn’t my bag. He had some kind advise for me and really treated me like a human being.
I wished I had listened and at least tried my hand at baseball..life may have turned out different…him and Mr Fong were the only 2 who treated me decent…will always remember them both.
Paul Pate
Class of 77

By: Iris Linogon Kikuchi

Iris Linogon Kikuchi — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 03:05:00 +0000

Such a great baseball coach and he will always be remembered. I was fortunate that he invited the cheerleaders to go on the baseball trip to Sacramento during my senior year of high school 1977. It was one of my highlights during high school. We landed in San Francisco, took a bus to Sacramento, played two games then bussed it to Reno for a few days. Then bussed it back to SF for a couple days. So many memories were made all because of Mr Kimura. He was such a gentle man with a big heart..he will be missed…RIP Mr. Kimura…thank you for being the best coach for Radford High School!!!

By: Keith Borom (Smith)

Keith Borom (Smith) — Wed, 22 May 2019 18:15:11 +0000

RIP Mr. Kimura. I played on his varsity team from 1985 – 1987. He was the best coach I ever had. He taught me as well as others how to learn from our mistakes in a fashion that showed a man with compassion and knowledge of the game. You re truly missed by me and so many others., You were and will always be a Legend.

My deepest condolences to the Kimura Ohana

By: Ed Oshiro

Ed Oshiro — Sat, 18 May 2019 22:38:55 +0000

Oh no! A legendary Radford Baseball coach has passed. I coached and taught with Don for many years at Radford High School and he was highly respected by other teachers, coaches and administrators too! He not only was great coach, but was a loving father, husband, teacher and friend! He inspired hundreds, if not thousands, of students and athletes in the 1960’s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Two of his best players were Peter Kendrick and Roy Thomas from the State Championship Team who went undefeated! I could name a whole bunch of other players; but this is about the MAN—Don Kimura who made a difference in the lives of students! We will miss him; but he has left a legacy that lives on forever!” We are all proud and honored to have known him! With deepest sympathy to wife Kay, and daughters Lynn, and Jill…stay strong!”

By: Mark Olmos

Mark Olmos — Sat, 18 May 2019 15:37:32 +0000

Love and prayers to his family. Don coached and shaped me me during my time as a Ram. His wisdom has served me all my life. Godspeed coach!

By: BeeWhyU11

BeeWhyU11 — Sat, 18 May 2019 06:06:37 +0000

Peter Kendrick was on that Radford team.

By: Don Clark

Don Clark — Sat, 18 May 2019 04:29:52 +0000

Fond memories of Coach Kimura and our ‘79 season.

Rest easy and so long, Coach

Don Clark. Class of 1980.