OWU's Kelley to Lead Baseball Program
Jun. 9, 2009
Oklahoma Wesleyan University recently announced the hiring of Kirk Kelley as the Eagles new head baseball coach. Kelley is well-known in NAIA baseball circles for the job he did in turning the baseball program at Lyon College (Batesville, Arkansas) into an NAIA powerhouse.
He started the program from scratch in 1993 and in a short time created a highly respected winning tradition. The Kelley Indoor Baseball Complex in Batesville is named in the coach's honor and was built by loyal alumni and friends of the baseball program that Kelley established.
"We are very lucky to get a coach of the caliber of Kirk Kelley to lead our baseball program. He will be a great addition to both the OWU and Bartlesville community. His record speaks for itself," commented Director of Athletics Donnie Bostwick. "As we strive to put OWU athletics on the NAIA and regional map, we feel very lucky to add Kirk Kelley to our coaching staff."
His overall record at Lyon College was an impressive 531-441. During his tenure he coached nine NAIA All-Americans, 44 All-Conference honorees, and one TranSouth and MidSouth Regional Player of the Year. He has also coaches several professional players over the years.
Kelley's teams appeared in three NAIA Regionals, reaching the finals once. His teams achieved an impressive NAIA Top five ranking twice, ranking as high as #4 in 2006 and #5 in 2005. His previous collegiate coaching experience included stops at the University of Memphis, Northwest Missouri State and Allen County Community College. In addition, Kelley has served as a baseball scout for the Baltimore Orioles and is currently scouting for the San Diego Padres.