University Times

Bobby Lewis, former Pitt baseball coach and longtime athletic department administrator, died at his home Feb. 22 following a lengthy illness.

Lewis, 65, served in many capacities during his 38 years at Pitt before his retirement in January 1993, but was best known for his 36-year tenure as Pitt's baseball coach. He compiled a 438-389 record, accumulating more wins than any other coach in Pitt history. Several of his players went on to professional baseball.

He relinquished his baseball coaching duties in 1990 and continued to serve the department as an assistant athletic director until his retirement.

"Bobby was a great man — and a great Pitt man," said Pitt Athletics Director Oval Jaynes. "The entire Pitt athletics family is deeply saddened by his loss. Bobby was a tremendous role model for the athletes who played for him. He represented all of the things that are good about college athletics — as a coach, teacher and administrator." For 10 years, Lewis also was program coordinator for Pitt men's varsity sports, assisting in scheduling and travel arrangements for nine men's varsity sports. Lewis also was a faculty member in the School of Education's health, physical education and recreation department, and was executive secretary of the Pitt Varsity Letter Club.

Lewis earned a bachelor of science degree here in physical education in 1952. He was a center fielder on Pitt's baseball team and a three-year letter winner. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Lewis returned to Pitt as head baseball coach. He earned his master's degree from the University in 1961.

Lewis is survived by his wife, LaVerne, and a son, Robert Jr.