Longtime Eastern Michigan University baseball coach and ABCA Board of Directors member Ron Oestrike passed away on July 11 at the age of 82.
In his 23 years a head baseball coach he guided the Hurons to an NAIA National Championship in 1970, and placed fifth (1975) and second (1976) in the NCAA Division I College World Series. After the 1976 season he was named the Coach of the Year by the Sporting News. Oestrike led his teams to four Mid-American Conference championships, five NCAA Regional appearances and a 657-508-8 overall record
Oestrike served as President of the ABCA in 1985 and was a charter member of its Board of Directors. He was inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame in 1990.
He was preceded in death by Shirley, his wife of 55 years. He is survived by five children and five grandchildren.
"Oak" was an outstanding coach and a wonderful friend to all who knew him. He made our game better.
More information is available in these obituaries:
• Eastern Michigan Athletics
• Ypsilanti Courier
• Detroit News