ATHENS, Ohio -- Former Ohio baseball coach Bob Wren passed away this morning after a long illness, the family announced today. He was 81.
Wren retired as Ohio University's head baseball coach in 1972 after an historic tenure that elevated the stature of the program to a national level. He stands as the Bobcats' all-time winningest coach with a 464-160-4 record and ranks 12th on the NCAA's career winning percentage list with a mark of .724.
"It was a privilege to come to know Coach Bob Wren over the past seven years," said Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh. "His captivating presence, keen sense of integrity, and commitment to Ohio University were beyond extraordinary. I am proud to count myself among the thousands of individuals that were fortunate to call Coach Wren a mentor and friend. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with the Wren family and we remain grateful that the Bob Wren name will continue to have a significant presence on our campus for many, many years to come."
Wren was named head coach at his alma mater in 1949 following six years of professional baseball in the St. Louis Browns organization, replacing his former coach and another Ohio legend, Don Peden. He coached for 24 years, winning 11 Mid-American Conference titles and never turning in a losing season.
In the days when teams played only 20 to 30 games in a season, Wren saw his teams lose less than 10 games 20 times, including 13 straight from 1956-68. A 28-3 record in 1965 marks the fewest losses in the last 56 years (12-1 in 1946).
His 1970 team was one of the best in school history. Ohio went 33-6, outscored its opponents 312-134 and advanced to the NCAA College World Series after winning the District IV playoffs. In Omaha, the Bobcats upset top-ranked Southern California 4-1, but then lost to Texas 7-2. The Bobcats fought back to defeat Iowa State 9-6, but were then eliminated with a 2-0 loss to Florida State. Three Bobcats from that team achieved All-America status, while 11 signed professional contracts following their collegiate careers.
Wren's 1971 team won its fourth consecutive MAC title, finishing 30-7 to earn the best winning percentage over a two-year span in school history.
In all, 56 of his players signed professional contracts and 11 went on to play in the major leagues. Those 11 include Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt, Terry Harmon, Steve Swisher, Rich McKinney, Tom Murphy, John Morlan, Jim French, Lamar Jacobs, Dick Murphy, Joe Nossek and Dave Wickersham. He also coached the two men who have followed in his footsteps as head baseball coach, Jerry France and Joe Carbone.
Wren has received several honors from the university since his graduation. He was inducted into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1967 for his successes as a student-athlete. In 1997, Bob Wren Stadium was dedicated as the new home of the Bobcats, while on September 22 of last year, a statue of Wren was erected on the grounds by his former players.
"We have witnessed the passing of a legend," said current Bobcat coach and former player Joe Carbone. "Coach Wren was not only a great college baseball coach, but a great man. He gave of himself and as a direct result, had a tremendous influence on those young men whom he coached and taught. It is a great loss to our community, the university and the many friends, family and players he touched."
A memorial service will take place Friday, June 14, at 4 p.m. at Bob Wren Stadium. A reception will be held immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Ohio University Foundation/Bob Wren Stadium, P.O. Box 869, Athens, Ohio 45701.
