The Associated Press


EUGENE — Former Oregon baseball coach Mel Krause died Friday of complications from acute myeloid leukemia. He was 80.

Krause was a player, assistant and head coach of the Ducks. He was also instrumental in bringing the program back. The Ducks will join the Pac-10 next season after the sport’s 26-year absence at the school.

Krause was head coach from 1970-88. He was 218-220-1 and won two conference Northern Division championships.

“Very few people touch the number of lives Mel Krause did,” athletic director Pat Kilkenny said. “His influence transcends all facets of life, as the thousands of people he coached and taught are now bringing forth his dedication to integrity, loyalty and determination to a new generation.”

Krause also coached basketball at Milwaukee, Franklin, North Eugene and Sheldon high schools. He also worked as a scout for the San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Oregon will honor Krause at its new ballpark with an entrance monument when the facility is competed next year.

Mel is survived by his wife, Jan, a son and three daughters. At his request, the university recently held a living memorial for him. More than 1,000 people attended.