The baseball world mourns the loss of Dave Keilitz, a figure whose name has become synonymous with excellence in college baseball. He died surrounded by loved ones in North Carolina, leaving behind a legacy that stretches across generations of players, coaches, and administrators.
Early Roots at Central Michigan
Keilitz first arrived on campus in the fall of 1960 as a student‑athlete, eventually starring as a shortstop from 1961 to 1964. His senior season earned him All‑America honors, making him the first player in program history to receive that distinction. Those early achievements laid the foundation for a career that would forever alter the trajectory of CMU baseball.
A Transformative Coaching Era
In 1971, Keilitz took over the Chippewas' program and quickly turned it into a consistent winner. Over the next two decades he amassed more than 450 victories, captured four Mid‑American Conference championships, and guided the team to six NCAA Tournament appearances. His ability to develop talent and instill discipline earned him respect across the Mid‑American Conference and beyond.
Administrative Leadership and National Influence
Beyond the dugout, Keilitz served as director of athletics from 1984 to 1994, providing steady leadership to the broader athletic department. From 1994 to 2014 he held the role of executive director of the American Baseball Coaches Association, where he shaped policies that benefited coaches nationwide. His contributions were recognized with induction into the Marcy Weston CMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.
Honors, Endowments, and Community Impact
In 2018 the university honored Keilitz and his wife Sue by renaming the field inside Theunissen Stadium as Keilitz Field. The Keilitz family also established the David B. and Susan K. Keilitz Family Fund, the Dave and Sue Keilitz Family CMU Baseball Endowment, and the Dave and Sue Keilitz Fund for Athletic Excellence Term Endowment, ensuring that their commitment to community and athletics endures.
Family, Survivors, and Continuing Influence
He is survived by his wife Sue, sons Craig and Brad (predeceased), daughter‑in‑law Jane, daughter‑in‑law Katie, and grandchildren Madeline, Abigail, Sofia, and Benjamin. The values of humility, integrity, and dedication that defined Dave’s life continue to echo through the mentors and players he influenced, including longtime colleagues Herb Deromedi, Neil MacKinnon, and Amy Folan.