Kayser expresses sorrow at loss of Coolbaugh

Texas League president Tom Kayser expressed profound sorrow today after learning of the loss of Tulsa first base coach Mike Coolbaugh, who died last night as the result of an injury he sustained during the Drillers game at Arkansas.

"On behalf of the entire Texas League family, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Mike's wife Mandy, sons Joseph and Jacob and all the members of his family," Kayser stated. "This is a tragedy beyond words. Mike was just beginning the next phase of his baseball career, as a hitting coach, something he was enjoying and finding great satisfaction in very quickly. His passing will be deeply felt by his many friends in this and many other leagues in professional baseball. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Coolbaugh family."

Kayser also announced that the Drillers and Spirit Bank of Tulsa have set up a memorial fund to benefit the Coolbaugh family. Checks can be made payable to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund and sent to:

Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund
c/o Spirit Bank
1800 S. Baltimore Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74119

Donations can also be made in person at any Tulsa area Spirit Bank location.

All proceeds collected will go directly to the Coolbaugh family. Spirit Bank began the fund with a $5,000 donation.

Funeral arrangements for Coolbaugh are still pending.