Legendary college baseball coach Wayne Graham died on Tuesday in Austin, Texas, Rice University announced Wednesday.
He was 88.
Graham led the Owls baseball program for 27 seasons, taking them to the College World Series seven times, leading them to a national title in 2003.
Under Graham’s leadership, the baseball team made 21 conference championships.
“What Coach Graham accomplished during his time at Rice is truly remarkable,” Rice Vice President and Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland said in a statement. “He built a program that served as the envy of college baseball for nearly three decades. I am grateful I was able to spend time with him last fall and thank him for all he had done for Rice baseball and our University. He set the standard for excellence within our athletics programs and his legacy will never be forgotten.”
Over his nearly 30 years with the Rice baseball program, he complied a 1,173–528–2 record after taking over the program in 1992. He retired in 2018.
“With deep sorrow and immense gratitude, we honor and remember Coach Graham whose leadership brought national acclaim to the Rice baseball program and inspired a generation of student-athletes, alumni, and fans,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said in a statement. “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 who were touched by his extraordinary life.”
Graham helped mold 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 draft picks, according to the university.
The coach had played college basketball at the University of Texas and played 11 seasons of pro baseball with the Phillies and Mets organizations.
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