A Quiet Giant in College Baseball
Dave Keilitz, who spent six decades intertwined with Central Michigan University, died recently at the age of 85. His career began as a player, evolved into coaching, and culminated in a tenure as athletic director that reshaped the university’s sports landscape.
Known for his quiet humility and genuine love for people, Keilitz earned the first All‑American distinction in CMU baseball history and guided the Chippewas to a 453‑203‑6 record, four Mid‑American Conference titles and six NCAA tournament appearances.
Sixty‑Six Years at Central Michigan
Over a 66‑year relationship with the university, Keilitz served as athletic director from 1984 to 1994, a period in which CMU captured 26 MAC championships across a variety of sports. His leadership extended beyond the diamond, as he later assumed the role of executive director of the American Baseball Coaches Association in 1994.
During his time on the CMU Advancement Board from 2005 to 2021, he championed scholarships and charitable initiatives that benefitted the Mount Pleasant community, reinforcing his belief that sport could be a vehicle for broader social good.
A Lasting Tribute on the Field
In 2018, a field at Theunissen Stadium was named in his honor, a testament to his enduring influence on the program and the region. The same year, he was inducted into the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame, capping a career that also included membership in the CMU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Remembered by Family and Colleagues
Family members, including his wife Susan Keilitz, and colleagues such as Herb Deromedi and Amy Folan, have spoken of his gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to mentorship. Their tributes highlight a man who measured success not by trophies but by the lives he touched.