Delbert "Butch" O. Bates, Jr. 1940 ~ 2009 Born in Kirkland, WA to Del and Char Bates. Attended Lake Wash H.S. Graduated Bothell H.S. Service U.S. Navy Submarine Service 4 years in Honolulu. Signed professional baseball contract after leaving playing for the Navy in Honolulu.

Played as catcher for numerous teams until the last game with Philadelphia Phillies, 1970. Went on to a long career with International Longshore Union Local 19, Port of Seattle. Retired in 2004. His loyalty to his Union was undaunted. Loved sailing and golf. Retired with wife Pat to golf course in Deer Park, WA.

Preceded in death by parents Del and Char Bates; trusted black lab "Babe". Survived by loving wife and partner Pat; beloved brother Lee (Karen) Bates; children, Josh (Candy) Bates, Brittney (Mark) Smith; step-children, Heather Lynn, Robyn Huetter, Trisha (Tom) Thoen; 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 3 at Kirkland Congregation Church, 106 5th St, Kirkland.

Del was raised in Kirkland Washington and was pointed in direction of baseball by his father, Del Sr, who was shortstop in the St. Louis Browns. Del attended Lake Washington and Bothell high schools. After stints in the Navy at a Hawaiian base Del signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 1963. In '65 and '66 he played part of each season with the Seattle Angels, then a Class AAA team. Before the '66 season was over he was traded to the Cubs organization.

Then by the middle of the season he was swapped again to the Braves. He opened 1968 on the Atlanta roster, however he never appeared in a game. Midway through '68 he was traded to the Orioles, then the Pirates who moved him to the Indians who sent him to Philadelphia. He appeared in 22 big league games, got 60 at-bats and collected 8 hits. He was hurt in a game in Houston, missing 6 weeks and was let go. Del was a left handed hitting-catcher. Del felt lost without baseball, but became a longshoreman in 1980. At 63 he retired, after 27 years on the docks. Him and his wife moved to Port Townsend and enjoyed sailing on his 37' sailboat christened Catcher.