Dave Keilitz, former CMU baseball coach and athletic director, dies at 85
The Central Michigan community remembers one of the athletic department's most prominent figures
Dave Keilitz, a former baseball player, coach and athletic director at Central Michigan University, died at age 85 according to a Wednesday announcement by the CMU athletics department.
A statement published by CMU Athletics celebrated his life through tributes and memories of his impact.
“If you spent any time around Central Michigan University over the last six decades, chances are you crossed paths with Dave Keilitz – or felt the impact of his work in one way or another,” a university official wrote in the statement. “Whether he was in a dugout, behind a desk, or in the stands, he carried a quiet humility and a genuine love for people that made him one of the university’s most respected figures.”
Keilitz fostered a relationship with Central Michigan for 66 years, all beginning as a first baseman for the Chippewas’ baseball team from 1961-1964. He would go on to earn the first All-American distinction in program history.
Following his playing career, he took over as the baseball head coach in 1971. During his tenure, he led CMU to a 453-203-6 record, along with four Mid-American Conference titles and six NCAA tournament appearances.
He continued his legacy as the school’s athletic director from 1984-1994, with CMU enjoying 26 MAC Championships across its various sports programs in that timeframe.
Despite stepping into a twenty-year role as the executive director of the American Baseball Coaches Association in 1994, he continued to focus his attention on Central Michigan University.
“Dave Keilitz is a Central Michigan legend,” former CMU football coach and athletic director Herb Deromedi said in the statement. “He will always be remembered for his success as a baseball player, an outstanding coach, and a tireless administrator. If you want to put a smile on your face, just take the time to pause and think what he meant to our university.”
Keilitz’s impact extended to the greater Mount Pleasant community as well, with a focus on giving back to those in need. With his wife, Susan Keilitz, by his side, he established numerous funds and scholarships to support charitable causes and student-athletes. Additionally, he spent time as a member of the CMU Advancement Board from 2005-2021 to assist the university financially.
In 1994, he was inducted into the CMU Athletics Hall of Fame. The university continued to honor his impact in 2018 by naming the field at Theunissen Stadium after him, and he was inducted to the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame the same year.
“Dave Keilitz was one of the most influential figures in the history of Central Michigan Athletics,” current athletics director Amy Folan said in the statement. “Dave will forever remain an integral part of the fabric of Central Michigan University, CMU Athletics, and the greater Mount Pleasant community.”
