Former Lakewood Ranch High Coach Set to Give 100th Gallon of Blood

Helping people is in David Moates’ blood.

He’s even willing to give that to assist others.

In fact, Moates is scheduled to reach the 100-gallon milestone in giving when he visits One Blood’s Bradenton Donor Center Nov. 8. He’s scheduled to begin the platelet donation process early that morning since a celebration to recognize his milestone is being staged afterwards.

Moates is a former Major League Baseball player. He spent three seasons with the Texas Rangers back in the 1970s as an outfielder with a .260 batting average.

Following his professional ball career, Moates spent 25 years teaching and coaching in Manatee County. He led Lakewood Ranch High School to a 2003 state title and retired in 2013. Moates continues to teach baseball at IMG Academy during the summers and has spent the last four years serving as the assistant baseball coach for State College of Florida.

As for his blood donation record, One Blood reports that he not only gives of himself, but he’s also inspired a number of other donors.

Moates received the Chairperson of the Year award in 2010 from the Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals, a media release from One Blood stated. That was for his work organizing blood drives and the Leave a Legacy program at Lakewood Ranch High. Moates was also inducted into the Fenwal Donation Hall of Fame in 2012.

To find out more about following in Moates’ footsteps, visit One Blood online or call 1-800-68-BLOOD. Donors must be at least age 18 and weigh 110 pounds or more.

Photo Credit: Dave Moates. Courtesy of One Blood