“On behalf of the entire Texas League family I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s wife Mandy, sons Joseph and Jacob and all the members of his family,” Kayser stated. “This is a tragedy beyond words. Mike was just beginning the next phase of his baseball career, as a hitting coach, something he was enjoying and finding great satisfaction in very quickly. His passing will be deeply felt by his many friends in this and many other leagues in professional baseball. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Coolbaugh family.”
Kayser also announced that the Drillers and Spirit Bank of Tulsa have set up a memorial fund to benefit the Coolbaugh family. Checks can be made payable to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund and sent to:
Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund
c/o Spirit Bank
1800 S. Baltimore Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74119
Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig released the following statement on the death of Tulsa Drillers (Double-A) coach Mike Coolbaugh, a former Major Leaguer:
"All of baseball mourns this terrible tragedy. Mike Coolbaugh had a long professional baseball career and reached the Major Leagues in 2001 and 2002 with the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also was a member of Team USA's preliminary roster before the squad earned the gold at the 2000 Olympic Games. After his playing career, Mike became a coach. Mike came from a baseball family, and he was a part of the baseball family. On behalf of all of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Mandy, their children and all of their family and friends."
Donations can also be made in person at any Tulsa area Spirit Bank location.
All proceeds collected will go directly to the Coolbaugh family. Spirit Bank began the fund with a $5,000 donation.
Funeral arrangements for Coolbaugh are still pending.