Oregon to Celebrate The Life of Mel Krause

Mel Krause served as a player under legendary coach Don Kirsch, and then as head baseball coach at Oregon from 1971 to 1981.

Mel Krause served as a player under legendary coach Don Kirsch, and then as head baseball coach at Oregon from 1971 to 1981. Photo courtesy: goducks.com

EUGENE, Ore. - The University of Oregon Athletic Department will host a Celebration of Life for legendary baseball player and coach Mel Krause on April 19th at 3 p.m. in the Club Room at Autzen.

Mr. Krause has been diagnosed with terminal leukemia, and has chosen to have a celebration of life in lieu of a funeral. To that end, 9 Innings with Mel Krause will feature nine speakers from each era of his life, followed by remarks from Mel. Included in the event at Mel’s request will be a celebration of the reinstatement of Oregon Baseball, along with baseball gameday food, beverages and festivities.

Mel Krause served as a player under legendary coach Don Kirsch, and then as head baseball coach at Oregon from 1971 to 1981. The program was eliminated due to budget constraints in 1982 before a pitch could be thrown that season. Combined, Krause and Kirsch led Oregon to 25 consecutive winning seasons and several conference championships. Mel has dedicated the last 26 years of his life to education, youth sports and the reinstatement of the Oregon program, which happened on July 13, 2007.

“Mel is one of the prominent figures in Oregon Athletics history, and while we are devastated with his diagnosis and the likelihood that he will not be able to see our first game next February, we know that his legacy will live forever through our reinstated baseball program,” said Oregon Athletics Director Pat Kilkenny. “The young men who will wear the Oregon uniform for years to come will all know they had that opportunity thanks in large measure to Mel Krause. This special chance to say good-bye to a legend is rare and emotional, and we hope the entire Oregon family, including those he coached for, with and against will have the chance to come back to his beloved university to celebrate his life.”

Oregon’s new head baseball coach George Horton is also expected to attend and speak, bringing the past and the present together for the first time in public. Associate Athletic Director Joe Giansante will emcee the event, which is open to the public.

Source: goducks.com

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