A Legendary Career
Ritch Price spent two decades at the helm of Kansas baseball, guiding the program from 2003 through the 2022 season. His steady presence helped shape the team into a consistent contender, amassing 1,199 victories that span Division I, junior college and high school competition.
During his tenure the Jayhawks earned three appearances in the NCAA tournament and captured the 2006 Big 12 tournament championship, moments that cemented his reputation as a builder of winning cultures.
After stepping down in 2022, Price did not leave the sport. He accepted the role of manager for the Anchorage Glacier Pilots, bringing his strategic insight to the Alaska Baseball League and keeping his connection to the game alive in a new setting.
Hall of Fame Honor
The American Baseball Coaches Association will welcome Price into its Hall of Fame in 2027, a testament to a career that blended longevity with on‑field excellence.
Taking over from Price, Dan Fitzgerald has continued the upward trajectory of the program. Under his guidance the team returned to the NCAA tournament in 2025 and 2026, securing both the Big 12 regular‑season and tournament titles in the latter year.
The 2026 campaign culminated with a victory in the Lawrence Regional, though the journey ended against Oklahoma in the super regional, a near‑miss that highlighted the program’s renewed vigor.
The resurgence reflects the foundation laid by Price and the ongoing commitment of the University of Kansas and its partners, including the Alaska Baseball League, to sustain a competitive baseball ecosystem.
Fans and alumni alike anticipate how the program will build on this momentum, with the induction ceremony set to celebrate not only Price’s achievements but also the lasting impact of his leadership on the sport.