Coach Kirk Kelley’s career is a true testament to the power of dedication and mentorship. His impressive 900 career wins are not just numbers on a scoreboard—they represent decades of hard work, leadership, and the positive impact he's had on countless players.

Starting his journey at Lyon College in 1993, where he became the first baseball coach, Kelley's legacy was built on more than just victories. His leadership shaped the lives of his players, teaching them the values of discipline, accountability, and perseverance that extend far beyond the diamond.

Through his various coaching stops—Oklahoma Wesleyan, the University of Central Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma State College, and back to Oklahoma Wesleyan—Kelley influenced many athletes. Even his son, Kraig, followed in his footsteps, contributing to the coaching profession at Oklahoma Wesleyan.

His milestone 900th win, however, was not about the achievement itself but the young men who helped him reach it. Coach Kelley with teaching them valuable life lessons that have shaped their careers beyond baseball.

Kelley’s philosophy of developing players not just as athletes, but as men of character, has created a lasting impact. His influence will continue to echo through the generations of players who carry his lessons into their own lives and careers. Coach Kelley’s legacy is truly a story of personal and professional transformation for both himself and those he’s mentored along the way.

Coach Kirk Kelley’s career is a story of dedication, passion, and impact. With an incredible 900 career wins, he has not only shaped the Lyon College baseball program but also laid the foundation for countless players who carried his lessons far beyond the field. His journey began in 1993 at Lyon College, where he secured his first win while starting their baseball program, and today, his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Coaching Journey

Kirk Kelley has been a college coach for decades, making a lasting impact at multiple programs. From 1993 to 2009, he won 595 games as Lyon College’s first baseball coach. After leaving Lyon, he guided Oklahoma Wesleyan University from 2009 to 2011, followed by a stint as an assistant at the University of Central Arkansas from 2011 to 2013. In a unique turn, he returned to Lyon to revive their football program, which had been defunct for over 60 years, before departing after the 2015 season.

In August 2016, Kelley took over as the head baseball coach of Eastern Oklahoma State College. After the 2018 season, he returned to Oklahoma Wesleyan for a second stint as head coach, replacing Matt Parker—who had also succeeded Kelley at Eastern Oklahoma after previously replacing him at OWU in 2012.

Kelley’s son, Kraig Kelley, was drafted out of high school in the 47th round of the 2010 amateur draft but chose to pursue college baseball instead. He later joined Oklahoma Wesleyan as an assistant coach in 2018, following in his father’s coaching footsteps.

The Milestone Moment

On a crisp spring evening, the final out secured Coach Kelley’s 900th win—a moment decades in the making. The cheers from the crowd, the embrace of his players, and the reflection of a lifetime spent mentoring young athletes made it a moment to remember.

“It’s never been about the number,” Coach Kelley humbly stated. “It’s about the young men who have come through this program. The wins are just a reflection of their hard work.”

The Players’ Perspective: A Legacy That Endures

To understand the full impact of Coach Kelley’s career, we turned to some of his former players, including Elliott Sampley, Mathew Dellinger, and Lyle Middleton, who played for him in 1993. Their stories highlight how the lessons they learned under Coach Kelley’s guidance shaped their futures.

Building More Than a Baseball Program

Coach Kelley’s 900 wins are a testament to his ability to not just win games, but to develop players into men of character, resilience, and leadership. His philosophy has always been about more than just baseball; it’s about preparing young men for life.

“As long as these guys take what they’ve learned here and apply it to whatever they do, that’s a win for me,” Kelley said with a smile.

A Legacy That Continues

As Lyon College baseball continues to build on the foundation that Coach Kelley has set, it’s clear that his influence will be felt for generations. His former players, now leaders in their own fields, serve as a testament to the lasting impact of his mentorship.

Congratulations to Coach Kirk Kelley on 900 wins—a milestone that represents not just victories on the field, but the lives changed along the way.