Rice University announced Wednesday that legendary college baseball coach Wayne Graham died Tuesday in Austin, Texas.
He was 88 years old.
Graham led the Owls baseball program for 27 seasons, leading the team to seven College World Series appearances and a national title in 2003.
Under Graham's guidance, the baseball team won 21 conference championships.
“What Coach Graham has accomplished during his time at Rice is truly remarkable,” Rice University Vice President and Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland said in a statement. “Over his nearly three decades, he built a program that was the envy of the college baseball world. I had the pleasure of spending time with him last fall and I want to thank him for all he has done for Rice baseball and the university. He has set the standard for excellence in our athletics program and his accomplishments will never be forgotten.”
He played for the Rice University baseball team for nearly 30 years, compiling a record of 1,173 wins, 528 losses and 2 ties since taking over the team in 1992. He retired in 2018.
“It is with deep sadness and immense gratitude that we honor and remember Coach Graham. His leadership brought national stature to Rice University baseball and inspired generations of student-athletes, alumni and fans,” Rice University President Reginald DeRoches said in a statement. “A Hall of Fame player and true legend, his legacy lives on through the countless student-athletes he influenced. On behalf of the Rice University family, we offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones, former players and all those whose hearts were touched by his extraordinary life.”
According to the university, Graham helped develop five National Players of the Year, eight First Team All-Americans, seven Conference Players of the Year, six Conference Pitchers of the Year and 19 first-round picks.
The coach played college basketball at the University of Texas and played 11 seasons of professional baseball in the Phillies and Mets organizations.
