The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

From Sports Illustrated (http://"http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/07/23/coolbaugh.dies.ap/")

quote:

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Tulsa Drillers coach Mike Coolbaugh died Sunday night after being struck in the head by a line drive as he stood in the first-base coach's box during a Texas League game with the Arkansas Travelers, police said.

The game was suspended in the ninth inning after Coolbaugh was struck by a hard-hit foul ball off the bat of Tino Sanchez and taken to Baptist Medical Center-North Little Rock.

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Jeez Louise. What a tragedy.

That brings up a question. Base runners are required to wear their batting helmets in case they're beaned by a batted or thrown ball. It makes me wonder why the same isn't required for the first- and third-base coaches; they're in the field of play, too.

Why do the coaches and managers wear the same baseball uniforms as the players?

You don't see a football coach dressed in pads and jersey or a basketball coach in shorts?

COOLBAUGH FUND ESTABLISHED, TRAGEDY ADDRESSED
“The entire Drillers family is devastated by last night's terrible tragedy,” said team President Chuck Lamson.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Coolbaugh family, but especially to his wife Mandy and sons Joseph and Jacob.” Lamson added, “The Coolbaughs have been a big part of our organization, with both Mike and his brother Scott playing for us.  I know that Mike was very excited to become a coach and to begin this new chapter in his baseball career.  Even in his short stint with us this year, he had provided a very positive influence on our club.”

“We also want to ask that everyone please respect the team’s privacy at this difficult and trying time,” said Lamson. Lamson also announced that the Drillers and Spirit Bank 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.

The Drillers game scheduled for Monday night in Wichita has been postponed by the Texas League.  A decision will be made later on when the team’s next game will be played.

 Funeral arrangements for Coolbaugh are still pending.