A key figure in the Texas junior college landscape, Leroy Dreyer, who passed away in 2021, served as the head baseball coach at Blinn College for 27 years (1959-86). There, he compiled a 653-249 (.724) record and led five teams to the NJCAA World Series, including four consecutive appearances (1962-65, '68). The 12-time Texas Junior College Coach of the Year coached 23 NJCAA All-Americans, while 52 of his former players signed pro contracts, five of whom reached the Major Leagues.
Dreyer began his coaching career at Blinn as an assistant football coach and head basketball coach. In 1959, after becoming both the head baseball and football coach, he was named Athletic Director, a position he held until 1994. During his tenure as Athletic Director, Dreyer developed Blinn into one of the top NJCAA athletic programs in the nation. He served as head football coach until 1971.
Along with ABCA Hall of Famers Jack Allen (Tarleton State) and Bill Griffin (Howard), Dreyer was also instrumental in the formation of the Texas-New Mexico Junior College Baseball Coaches Association, serving on the association's Executive Committee and as its President for numerous years.
Dreyer received numerous honors throughout his career. He was awarded the 1974 Hap Morse Award for Texas Baseball Coach of the Year, the 1982 NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association Award for Leadership and was named the 1985 ABCA/Topps Coach of the Year. He was also recognized by the Texas-New Mexico Baseball Coaches Association for outstanding leadership and service.
Leroy Dreyer Field, home to the Blinn Bucaneers, was dedicated in Dreyer's honor in 1986. His number, 34, was also retired by the school. In 2015, Blinn College started the Leroy Dreyer MVP Diamond Award to be given annually to the most valuable player of the Blinn baseball team.
Following his retirement, Dreyer was a professional baseball scout for both the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets.
A former longtime member of the ABCA, Dreyer was the first Junior College coach to ever be on the ABCA's Executive Committee, serving as the 4th Vice President.
Dreyer has been inducted into several Halls of Fame including the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame and the Blinn College Ex-Student Hall of Fame. The Brenham (Texas) High School graduate has also been inducted into the Brenham High School Athletic Hall of Honor.
A great athlete in his own right, Dreyer began his collegiate career as an All-American football player at Blinn College, while also lettering in basketball and baseball. He would go on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and his master's degree from Sam Houston State University.
