With apologies to Dave Righetti, Wendell Kim (that’s him in the middle, by the way) may be the most popular non-head coach/manager in the history of the Bay Area. Born in Honolulu, Kim holds the distinction of being the first Korean-American to wear a major-league uniform. He had a brief stint in the minors as a ballplayer and then coach, but it was in San Francisco that his legacy as a base coach was cemented.
Before every inning, the short little Hawaiian-Korean man sprinted out to the third-base coaching box, a ritual which brought a ray of light to the otherwise completely foggy ‘Stick. Kim became the third-base coach during the 1989 season and held the job for eight highly mostly successful seasons, quickly garnering a reputation for being aggresive on the basepaths. Kim’s tactics (and antics) made him a fan favorite in the Bay Area, but they didn’t fly so well in subsequent stops in Boston and Chicago, where the fans gave him nicknames like “Wavin’ Wendell” and “Send ‘Em In Kim.”
Since his 2004 campaign with Dusty’s Cubbies, Wendell Kim has been out of baseball, but not out of our hearts.
Wendell Kim [wikipedia]
Official Site [wk20]
A 5 foot Giant indeed.
So what has Wendell been doing since 2004? Does anyone know?
[...] There seems to be more talk about Wakamatsu being a manager than there was for Wendell Kim, who was a coach with the Giants, Red Sox and Cubs in recent years. [...]
Been a Bo Sox fan forever, used to love to watch W. Kim run to 3rd base even if it was a bad game. Would kill to find video of it to show my nephew. If anyone has insight please let me know!
Wendell kim is currently living in Tempe AZ in a Alzheimer’s community. he has been diagnosed and is still enjoying his days here in the valley of the sun.
Travis,
Is this for real? I am an old (1985) Fresno friend of Wendell’s. Is he truly in AZ. Do know his email address?
Yea, Wendell was sent to the Mayo Clinic where it was determined he has a 95% chance of an early on-set Alzheimers. He is not playing golf anymore of recent and not driving a car. It was mentioned that he is strong physically but the disease is depressing and frustrating for him. He continues to see doctors at the Mayo Clinic.
Does anyone know how to reach Wendell? I knew him back when he was a player for the Phoenix Giants and I would like to contact him and say hello.
I played with Wendell Kim at Cal Poly in the early 70s and would like to say hello and wish him the best. Bob Gire
I knew Wendell when he played Double A ball here in Lafayette Louisiana in 1975-1976. Would love to get back in touch with him. He is in my prayers daily.
Last I heard, he is in bad shape and deteriorating rapidly. I am not here to spread rumours or bad info, but this info came from his daughter. I don’t think he even knows his family any more. I knew him years ago.
I might have a way to contact Wendell’s family…you can PM me at cyncon924@yahoo.com.
If you come across any information I would appreciate knowing about it, I played and lived with Wendell in the minors at Decatur, Fresno and Lafayette. Would like to check in with him to see what is going on. Last time we visited was in Chicago several years ago.
Hello John,
I remember you playing here in Lafayette. I am not sure if you remember our family, The Browns, we all worked for the Drillers. Wow, so good to hear from one of the Driller’s. My mom, has a huge scrapbook from all the years you guys played here. I hope all of you guys are doing well !!!!
I am doing fine, married with three adult children. I have wonderful memories of Lafayette, I remember it being hot and humid. I remember my parents coming down from Illinois to visit and they both ended up in the hospital. They kept things interesting for me. Anyway, thanks for responding and I wish you and your family the best. I was hoping to visit Wendell in Arizona but I think I;m to late. Take care.
Glad to hear all is well with you.
ar news…
[...]Nostalgia: Whatever Happened to … Wendell Kim? « Say Hey: A Bay Area Sports Blog[...]…
To All concerned about Wendell K Kim he is my Uncle and is in a care facility for Alzheimers he is not doing well and he will never get better if you want to help you can make contributions to the Alzheimers Assoc. His wife and son still live in Arizona and his mother is still in Long Beach, Ca I reside in Northern Cal. I will update any of you that want to know more thank you for you love and devotion to Wendell
MLKim
Thank you for the update, I played in the minors with Wendell and we lived together for two years. I have tried to find out where he is located but have had no luck. I was hoping to make a trip to Arizona but it sounds like I’m to late. I saw him a couple of times when he was with the Cubs and did not realize this was happening. So sad when I heard this, we had some great times together. Please keep me in mind and give him a hug for me when you see him. He is in my prayers.
I am from Lafayette, LA, my family and I became friends with Wendell while he was playing for the Lafayette Drillers. He holds very special memories and love in our hearts. It saddens me to hear about his illness. It is so ironic that my brother and him were very close friends and that about 3 years ago my Brother suffered a major stroke and is living in AZ.
Marie,
Wendell is a great guy! I played ball w/ him in A, AA and AAA while he was w/the Giants.
My name is Jay Dillard and I’ve been in the Phx area since I left the game in ’77.
I was reminiscing the other day as spring training is opening up here in AZ.
I google searched Wendell and came up w/this information. Hopefully he’s holding his own.
I was wondering is Wendell taking visitors?
Would be great to stop by even for a short visit. Best Regards, J. Dillard
Hello MLKim, I played with Wendell at Cal Poly Pomona in the early 70s and have great memories. So sorry to hear about his Alz problem. Please tell him for me that he is a great baseball player and coach. I would love to visit him at him home. Take care, Bob Gire
John, last we heard, Wendell was in a facility called Clare Ridge or Clare Bridge in Arizona. It is a specialty facility for Alzheimers patients.
I just read on another blog that Wendell passed away – is that right?