David R. Vahle

On Monday, January 27, 2020, Indianapolis lost one of its greatest advocates for youth baseball in the history of the city of Indianapolis. David Richard Vahle, founder of First Baptist Athletics and active baseball coach for more than six decades, has died. He was the surviving spouse of Faith Vahle and leaves his children, Jay, Dawn, and Guy with deep-seated memories as a loving father.

Even as a young adult, Dave began coaching baseball in the 1950’s at Forest Manor as well as part of his duties as a young soldier while in the US Army while stationed in Germany in the 1960’s. During his time at Indiana Gear Works and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Dave founded First Baptist Athletics at First Baptist Church at 86th & College. This program started as an offering to young boys and girls ages six through eight to learn about and love the game of baseball. It expanded throughout the years and currently offers programming for multiple sports for children from first grade all the way through the final year of high school. Media coverage, both print and news footage, occurred throughout the years as the program extended its reach as a developmental milestone for families throughout the greater Indianapolis area. He was proudly on hand as Mayor Joe Hogsett threw out the first pitch at its ceremonial 50th anniversary celebration in 2018.

Dave’s baseball expertise took an all new direction in 1985 as he began serving as the assistant high school baseball coach at Park Tudor School. This move to help mentor high school players on the field allowed him to develop relationships with families in an entirely new way. His influence was felt by the many players and their families and the entirety of the program itself as the culmination of his 15 years at Park Tudor ended in the first ever state championship for Park Tudor Baseball.

Not only was his influence felt at First Baptist Athletics and Park Tudor School, his influence as a coach continued to be felt at Haverford Little League, Horizon Christian School, Carmel Dad’s Club, Fortville Optimist Club, and the Oaklandon Youth Organization throughout the years.

His continuous and ever-present involvement in coaching the game he loved resulted in his induction into the Indiana Youth Baseball Hall of Fame’s Inaugural Class of 2007.

His baseball experiences came full circle when he made his way to the ultimate in youth baseball in Cooperstown and to the 2011 World Series to cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dave’s legacy of a love for baseball was only surpassed by his love and support for his family. From being on the field as a coach to both his kids and grandkids to being in the stands for cross country meets, track meets, swim meets, wrestling matches, tennis matches, baseball games, basketball games, choir concerts, church solos, graduations, weddings, and more. His love for his wife, Faith, who passed away in 2007, was never-ending. He is survived by his son Jay and his wife, Janet, and their children, his son Guy and his wife, Kathleen, and their children, and his daughter Dawn and her husband, Rachid, and their children.

His family rests in the blessed assurance that he was greeted with a hearty welcome, with open arms, and with a warm embrace by our loving Father. We take great comfort knowing he is by the side of his wife, Faith, and grandson, Josh, once again and in the place of perfect peace and everlasting love.

Anyone wishing to continue his love of First Baptist Athletics are welcome to make a donation in his name and make a difference in the life of a young boy or girl. Such a gift will continue his life’s work of embracing childhood development with positive experiences through youth sports.
They can be reached at firstbaptistathletics@fbcindy.org
First Baptist Athletics
8600 N. College Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Arrangements
Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
A Celebration of Life
VFW, Post 7119
6525 Lee Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46236