The Ashley Ridge baseball community came together on a sunny afternoon to honor Coach Doug Marlowe with a wiffleball game that blended competition with heartfelt remembrance. Players of all ages, coaches, and families filled the field, sharing laughs and stories as they swung plastic bats and chased bright yellow balls across the diamond.
A Decade of Service and Mentorship
Doug Marlowe, who passed away at 40, spent nearly ten years volunteering to keep the area’s youth baseball programs alive. Formerly a standout designated hitter at Fort Dorchester, he transitioned into coaching with the same passion that made him a teammate and mentor to countless youngsters.
Ashley Ridge Head Coach B.J. Bellush recalled Marlowe as a selfless teammate who loved helping kids succeed, while Robert Benvin described him as a testament to the community, team, and family. Brian Collier added that Marlowe was always present at practice, ready to lend a hand and a word of encouragement.
Family, Faith, and Final Farewell
Marlowe was a devoted husband to Nikki and a proud father to his two sons, Wyatt and Dean. The celebration underscored the deep bonds he forged with his family and the broader baseball community. A service honoring his life will be held on Sunday, July 19th, at 2:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Summerville, where friends and colleagues will gather to reflect on his legacy.
The event was more than a game; it was a collective expression of gratitude that brought together players, coaches, and families to share memories and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much of himself to the sport and to the young athletes who looked up to him.