The South Pasadena Little League community mourns the loss of longtime coach, manager, board member, volunteer, and parent Don Sicka.  Don passed away January 5, 2021 after a brief illness.  Don was well known to many in the Little League community as a kind, funny, generous, caring man who loved the time he spent on our baseball fields.  He spent over 30 years coaching first his son John, and then his grandson Ethan.  His loving wife Karen reports that many times she told him he ought to install a bed down in the Arroyo!

Ralph Saldana shares this anecdote that captures Don perfectly: “Without a doubt, Don was not only a superb coach, but was more importantly a man who molded his players into fine young men.  He coached teamwork, respect for your opponent, and to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.  I NEVER ran across a coach who was held in such high regard by both players and parents.  One quick story.  Don’s Astros and our Blue Jays were always fighting for first place.  In a critical game, with the score tied, our pitcher lost his control.  I started “coaching” way too loudly, which only made the situation tougher on the young man.  Don calls timeout and goes out to the mound.  Mike Foley and I just stood in amazement.  Don went back to his dugout, and our pitcher struck out two batters to end the inning.  We asked our pitcher what Mr. Sicka had said.  He answered that Don asked him if he liked fishing.  They talked a little “fishing” and Don walked off.  Incredible!  Oh, and the Astros beat us 5-4.”

Don was the essence of a good, kind man.  He made the world a better place and taught lessons that far exceeded baseball.  He will be deeply missed.  SPLL and the baseball community sends deepest condolences to Don’s wife Karen, his son John, daughters Heidi and Sheri, and grandson Ethan, as well as the many people whose lives he touched. 

Rest well, Don, and thank you.

South Pasadena Little League