Doug Dye, first College of Wooster MLB draftee, joins W Association Hall of Fame

A class of eight College of Wooster greats has been selected for induction into the W Association Hall of Fame, whose induction ceremony is set for Friday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Scheide Music Center's Gault Recital Hall as part of the college's Homecoming for Alumni and Families Weekend.

Small-college baseball players have enjoyed much success professionally, with several going on to be enshrined in Cooperstown, where the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is located. While not in Cooperstown, Doug Dye's role in The College of Wooster baseball team's storied history is of utmost importance, as he was the first of now 14 Fighting Scots to either be drafted or sign a professional contract with a Major League Baseball franchise.

Dye made the short trip to Wooster after attending West Holmes High School. Ernie Infield, the college's sports information director at the time, convinced the star to ignore other offers and come to Wooster. Dye originally intended to play baseball and basketball before turning his focus solely to baseball after working his way back from wrist surgery.

Dye immediately saw extensive action as a key outfielder and pitcher. As a first-year, he led the team with a .388 (19-for-49) average over 23 games with 12 runs scored, 11 walks and nine RBI. On the mound he worked 8 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on 12 hits with nine strikeouts. He posted All-America-caliber numbers as a sophomore, but the American Baseball Coaches Association was still several years away from starting its All-America program.

The first-team All-Ohio Athletic Conference performer hit .406 (41-for-101) with 26 runs, 18 steals, 16 walks and 15 RBI. He stole home twice and set new program records for hits and stolen bases in a season. He was perfect in the field in 63 chances and was just as effective on the mound, posting a 3.60 ERA over five innings of relief work.

A second of three All-OAC honors went Dye's way as a junior after he posted a .342 average (26-for-76) over 23 games. Dye scored 16 times and swiped a dozen bases. He saw more time on the mound, throwing 22 1/3 innings over five games, during which he allowed 13 runs on 28 hits with 12 strikeouts.

The ace reliever was nearly unhittable as a senior, posting a tidy 0.66 ERA over 13 2/3 innings. Dye allowed just one earned run as a senior and struck out 11. As a position player, the outfielder had 14 hits, 14 walks and seven steals over 26 games. He finished his career with a program-best 42 stolen bases.

The 1973 Cleveland Indians draftee graduated with a degree in physical education. He did not pursue a professional career after being drafted in order to finish certifications to teach language arts, health and physical education at the high school level. Dye's career started as a teacher and coach at West Holmes High School. He then entered sales with Princeton Industries and later began a 42-year career with Ken Miller Supply, selling oilfield tubulars and equipment.

The former W Association board member is married to Barb, and they still call Wooster home. The couple has two grown children, Matt and Megan.