Ray Louthen

Raymond A. Louthen

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.

• Schools University of Michigan, Western Michigan University
• High School Columbus Central High School

• Born October 4, 1925 in Bluefield, VA, USA
• Died December 3, 2004

BR Minors

Biographical Information

Ray Louthen made it to AAA before his career ended. He then became a college coach.

Louthen was All-State in high school and All-Big Ten in college (where he also played basketball and football). He missed time in college while serving in the Navy in World War II. He then spent four seasons in the New York Yankees chain. In 1946, he pitched for the Beaumont Exporters (1-5, 4.96) and Kansas City Blues (12 IP). He had a 11-9, 3.65 for the 1947 Quincy Gems. In 1948, he was with the Augusta Tigers (8-10, 5.28) and the Blues (0-2, 20 R in 12 IP, 20 H, 8 BB). He ended his playing career in 1949 with the Sioux City Soos (4-3, 7.10, 82 H in 52 IP) and Beaumont (0-1 in 5 G). Overall, he had a 24-30 record in 103 minor league games.

Ray coached high school football then became a college coach at Ball State University. He was 37-13-1 in 6 years as head football coach there and 158-127 in 12 years as head baseball coach (1959-1970) (the baseball team had won 7 games in the 3 years before he came). He coached Merv Rettenmund, who would be the most successful 20th Century baseball player from Ball State. He was named Indiana Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year 3 times in baseball and 4 times in football. He was later athletics director at Ball State.

Sources

• Ball State Daily News obituary
• Indiana Football Hall of Fame