Eastern Michigan Athletics
E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame
Roger Coryell
- Induction:
- 2004
- Class:
- 1971
Coryell completed his 20-year head coaching career in 2007 with 544 wins, sitting only behind his friend and mentor, legendary head coach Ron Oestrike in career wins. Coryell also had 300 Mid-American Conference wins, the most by an EMU coach all-time. Under his leadership, Coryell led EMU to a MAC West title in 2002, a regular season championship in 2007, and a MAC tournament title and NCAA Regional berth in 2003. He was named the MAC Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2007 as well being named to the EMU Hall of Fame in 2004.
Under his tutelage as both an assistant and head coach, Coryell guided over 80 players into the professional ranks, including numerous big leaguers; Brian Bixler, Bryan Clutterbuck, Glenn Gulliver, Chris Hoiles, John Martin, Bob Owchinko, Ron Rightnowar, Pat Sheridan, Matt Shoemaker, Bob Welch and Mickey Weston. He also coached six All-Americans, two MAC Players of the Year, three MAC Pitchers of the Year, and countless numbers of all-conference and academic all-conference selections.
A native of DeWitt, Mich., Coryell began his career as a pitcher for EMU while earning three letters from 1968-70. He was a member of the 1970 team that won the NAIA national title and was the starting pitcher in the championship game. After his college career he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but a shoulder injury ended his professional baseball career.
A 1971 graduate of EMU, Coryell returned to his alma mater in 1972 as the top assistant coach to Oestrike and became head coach in 1987 when Oestrike announced his retirement. During his 16 years as an assistant coach, the team enjoyed great success during that period, making two appearances in the College World Series, finishing second in the nation in 1976 and fifth in 1975.
After retiring at the helm of EMU baseball, Coryell spent the last years of his life as a regional scout with the Texas Rangers organization, focusing on Michigan and Ohio. He was named the Rangers' Scout of the Year following the 2014 season.
Coryell passed away April 5, 2018, at the age of 71.
Under his tutelage as both an assistant and head coach, Coryell guided over 80 players into the professional ranks, including numerous big leaguers; Brian Bixler, Bryan Clutterbuck, Glenn Gulliver, Chris Hoiles, John Martin, Bob Owchinko, Ron Rightnowar, Pat Sheridan, Matt Shoemaker, Bob Welch and Mickey Weston. He also coached six All-Americans, two MAC Players of the Year, three MAC Pitchers of the Year, and countless numbers of all-conference and academic all-conference selections.
A native of DeWitt, Mich., Coryell began his career as a pitcher for EMU while earning three letters from 1968-70. He was a member of the 1970 team that won the NAIA national title and was the starting pitcher in the championship game. After his college career he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but a shoulder injury ended his professional baseball career.
A 1971 graduate of EMU, Coryell returned to his alma mater in 1972 as the top assistant coach to Oestrike and became head coach in 1987 when Oestrike announced his retirement. During his 16 years as an assistant coach, the team enjoyed great success during that period, making two appearances in the College World Series, finishing second in the nation in 1976 and fifth in 1975.
After retiring at the helm of EMU baseball, Coryell spent the last years of his life as a regional scout with the Texas Rangers organization, focusing on Michigan and Ohio. He was named the Rangers' Scout of the Year following the 2014 season.
Coryell passed away April 5, 2018, at the age of 71.
2025 Football Week 8 Hype vs. Miami
Friday, October 17
Inside the Ride Episode 2: Katie Condon
Thursday, October 16
🎥 Eastern in 60 Seconds: Part 8
Tuesday, October 14
Season 8 - Episode 8: Defensive Strength vs. NIU and Hall of Fame Excellence
Monday, October 13
