MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Oklahoma City University baseball coach Denney Crabaugh joined elite company when the Stars pounded Bacone 14-3 on Thursday.
Crabaugh ran his head-coaching record to 1,000-313-2 in his 21st year as OCU skipper. Crabaugh became part of a coaching fraternity that includes approximately 80 coaches nationally who have 1,000 career college baseball wins.
Among those in the group are state coaches Lloyd Simmons from Seminole State (1,599), Larry Cochell of Oklahoma (1,331), Perry Keith from Connors State (1,193 entering 2009), Mike Metheny of Southeastern Oklahoma State (1,094) and Gary Ward from Oklahoma State (1,022).
“It's a good win,” Crabaugh said. “A lot of people have been part of this. We've had a lot of good players. We've had outstanding coaches like Keith Lytle, Brandon Kitch, Derek Snell, Gregg Neumann, Jack Pugh and Ed Fanning. They've all made me look good.”
Among NAIA baseball coaches, Crabaugh ranked ninth on the all-time win list and second in winning percentage entering the season.
Crabaugh has built the nation's winningest college baseball program over the past decade, posting 10 consecutive 50-win seasons. OCU had 583 victories from 1999-2008, more than such powers as Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) (521), Florida State (516) or Rice (510).
Crabaugh has coached 106 future professionals. Of those 106, 46 were major-league draftees, and Joe Bisenius, Freddy Sanchez and Chris Schroder reached the majors.
“Fortunately we've done well consistently over the years,” Crabaugh said. “When you're around long enough and have good people around you, you can reach a mark like this.”
OCU, ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, improved to 14-0.
David Mann went 4-for-5 with a stolen base and three runs scored for the Stars. Kirk Walker was 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two doubles, while Brandon Moss went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. OCU hammered 16 hits.
The Stars jumped out to a 5-0 first-inning lead. Brent Weaver nailed a two-run double, then scored on Landon Camp's sacrifice fly. Walker also had a two-run double.
Ashur Tolliver earned the win, striking out five in six innings of work. Brad Riddle finished up for the Stars.
OCU faces Bethany (Kan.) at 7 p.m. Friday at Jim Wade Stadium.
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