Irish O'Reilly

Henry Marshall O'Reilly (Irish)

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
• School Illinois State University
• High School Bishop McNamara High School

• Born September 13, 1944 in Kankakee, IL USA
• Died October 15, 2018 in Kankakee, IL USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Irish O'Reilly made his name as head coach at Lewis University in Illinois, leading the club to a 982-771-8 record over 29 seasons from 1979 to 2007. At the time of his passing, he had the 8th-most victories by a head coach in NCAA Division-II history. He replaced Tom Dedin in the position and was replaced by Tim McDonough.

He led the team to the final game of the 1980 NAIA College World Series, ultimately losing to Grand Canyon College. He also led the club to the 1992 Division II College World Series, being eliminated after a loss to University of Tampa, and the 1994 Division II College World Series, eliminated after a loss to Florida Southern College.

Elected in 2008, he is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Lewis University retired his number 14 jersey in 2014. He won the ABCA/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award in 2018.

He also served as head coach at Kankakee Community College for four seasons, leading them to a 130-66 record and a spot in the 1974 NJCAA Baseball World Series (losing to Mitchell Community College). In addition, he served as head coach at Bishop McNamara High School.

Before his long coaching career, he pitched in the Boston Red Sox system from 1966 to 1968. In 72 games (12 starts), he was 12-11 with a 4.09 ERA. He slashed .238/.304/.286 in 42 at-bats at the plate.

Further Reading

• Obituary
• Former Lewis Baseball Coach Henry “Irish” O’Reilly Passes Away
• ABCA Hall of Fame entry
• Disabato: Former Lewis baseball coach Irish O'Reilly made impact on his players beyond the field