Ex-Miami Baseball Coach Ron Fraser Dies

Ex-Miami baseball coach Ron Fraser has died. Fraser, 79, is a member of 10 different Halls of Fame and won two NCAA baseball championships.

In his 30 years with the Miami Hurricanes, he never saw a lowing record. Fraser, nicknamed “the wizard of college baseball,” passed away on Sunday after fighting Alzheimer’s disease for several years.

The Boston Herald reports that a statement issued by the former coach’s family did not divulge his age or how he died. Acting Miami athletic director Blake James stated:

“The impact [Fraser] had on our university, on college baseball and on the game itself worldwide is immeasurable.”

Fraser’s legacy is huge and he will be remembered for many things, from his winning record to “doing crazy things out there.” The ex-Miami coach raffled car batteries, hosted bikini nights, threw nine-course gourmet dinners on the Hurricanes’ infield, and even reportedly helped bring batgirls into the college game.

The Miami Herald notes that part of Ron Fraser’s family’s statement reads:

“It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Ron Fraser — husband, father, grandfather, uncle and coach. He was surrounded by his family after a valiant and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Arrangements are pending.”

Under the guidance of Fraser, as well as longtime Hurricanes coach Jim Morris, Miami has qualified for the NCAA tournament 40 years in a row. Fraser once stated of his promotion of the college baseball game:

“I was more interested in getting the people in the stands… because I knew we’d never be really successful unless we made money.”

And Fraser did attract fans to the stands. Under his guidance and his theatrics, the Hurricanes gained a huge fan base. Our condolences go out to Ron Fraser’s family as they deal with the ex-coach’s death.