Legendary college baseball coach Wayne Graham dies aged 88
Legendary Rice Owls baseball coach Wayne Graham has died at the age of 88.
Graham led the Owls for 26 seasons and won the College World Series with them in 2003, the first national championship in the school’s history.
During his illustrious career, he won an impressive 21 conference championships.
Graham, a native of Houston, amassed more than 1,100 victories at Rice and reached the College World Series seven times.
Before Graham’s success at Rice, he also won five NJCAA World Series titles at San Jacinto College.
Legendary Rice Owls baseball coach Wayne Graham has died at age 88
“It is with deep sorrow and immense gratitude that we honor and remember Coach Graham, whose leadership elevated Rice’s baseball program to national prominence and inspired a generation of student-athletes, alumni and fans,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches.
“A Hall of Famer and true legend, his legacy lives on through the countless student-athletes he impacted.”
“On behalf of the Rice family, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones, former players and all those touched by his extraordinary life.”
Under his leadership, the Owls have sent 41 players to the Major Leagues.
The most recent player was left-handed pitcher Evan Kravetz, who pitched for the Owls in Graham’s final two seasons and made his debut for Cincinnati in August.