Murray State University Athletics
Photo by: Jenny Rohl - Murray State News
1st Pitch Dinner Recalls Coach Reagan Memories
4/1/2016 8:06:00 AM | Baseball
Gallery
Murray State baseball honored Racer legend Coach Johnny Reagan at the annual First Pitch Dinner at the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky.
Speakers for the event represented several eras of MSU Baseball and those that were players and coaches.
Pat Jarvis who played for MSU in 1960 and later eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos spoke, as did former player and coach Mike Thieke. He played for MSU from 1973-74 and was head coach from 1994-03. Scott Tucker, who is currently Murray High School softball head coach also spoke about his days at MSU from 1980-83. Dr. Steve Tucker spoke about his time at MSU in the late 1960's.
At the end of the evening, Coach Reagan offered his thoughts on a night where several former players came back to campus to thank him for life lessons learned and the chance to play collegiate baseball.
"Old coaches are supposed to fade away, that's what we do," said Coach Reagan who is 89 years old. "This night has been overwhelming for me. When a player realizes he's thankful to be part of a program and tells you that, it's huge. He is not only an ex-player, he's a friend for life. It makes no difference to me if you hit 100 or 300."
Reagan coached at Murray State for 36 seasons until his retirement in 1993. He won 776 games and 11 Ohio Valley Conference championships.
The positive effect he had on his student-athletes is lasting.
"I don't have the vocabulary to express how I feel tonight," Reagan said. "To hear the things that have been said about me tonight is just overwhelming."
The event raised funds for the Racer Baseball program and it was also a time to look back at the history of Coach Reagan.
"Thanks to all of you for coming out tonight to support MSU Baseball on this special evening and for a great gesture of what Coach Reagan means to you," said current Racer head coach Kevin Moulder.
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Murray State baseball honored Racer legend Coach Johnny Reagan at the annual First Pitch Dinner at the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky.
Speakers for the event represented several eras of MSU Baseball and those that were players and coaches.
Pat Jarvis who played for MSU in 1960 and later eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos spoke, as did former player and coach Mike Thieke. He played for MSU from 1973-74 and was head coach from 1994-03. Scott Tucker, who is currently Murray High School softball head coach also spoke about his days at MSU from 1980-83. Dr. Steve Tucker spoke about his time at MSU in the late 1960's.
At the end of the evening, Coach Reagan offered his thoughts on a night where several former players came back to campus to thank him for life lessons learned and the chance to play collegiate baseball.
"Old coaches are supposed to fade away, that's what we do," said Coach Reagan who is 89 years old. "This night has been overwhelming for me. When a player realizes he's thankful to be part of a program and tells you that, it's huge. He is not only an ex-player, he's a friend for life. It makes no difference to me if you hit 100 or 300."
Reagan coached at Murray State for 36 seasons until his retirement in 1993. He won 776 games and 11 Ohio Valley Conference championships.
The positive effect he had on his student-athletes is lasting.
"I don't have the vocabulary to express how I feel tonight," Reagan said. "To hear the things that have been said about me tonight is just overwhelming."
The event raised funds for the Racer Baseball program and it was also a time to look back at the history of Coach Reagan.
"Thanks to all of you for coming out tonight to support MSU Baseball on this special evening and for a great gesture of what Coach Reagan means to you," said current Racer head coach Kevin Moulder.
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