Floyd Temple facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 3, 1926 Coffeyville, Kansas, U.S. |
| Died | June 29, 2012 Lawrence, Kansas, U.S. |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1954–1981 | Kansas |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 437–396–7 |
Floyd O. Temple (born February 3, 1926 – died June 29, 2012) was a very important baseball coach. He led the University of Kansas baseball team for many years, from 1954 to 1981. Before becoming a famous coach, he also played and managed in the minor leagues.
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Floyd Temple's Early Baseball Days
Floyd Temple was born in Coffeyville, Kansas. He started his professional baseball journey in 1950 as a third baseman. He played for teams like the Gladewater Bears and the Iola Indians. During his time in the minor leagues, he played 110 games. He also gained experience by managing the Iola Indians for a couple of seasons.
Coaching the Kansas Jayhawks
After his playing career, Floyd Temple became the head coach for the University of Kansas baseball team. He coached the team for 28 seasons, from 1954 to 1981. Coach Temple led the Jayhawks to 437 wins, making him the winningest coach in the team's history. His jersey number, 13, was honored at Hoglund Ballpark. It was placed on the right-center field wall.
Summer League Coaching
In 1965, Coach Temple also managed a team called the Rapid City Chiefs. This team was part of the Basin League. This league is a special type of collegiate summer baseball league. It allows college players to keep playing during the summer.
Developing Future Stars
During his time as a coach, Floyd Temple helped many young players. Some of these players went on to play in Major League Baseball. Famous players he coached include Steve Renko, Bob Allison, and Chuck Dobson. This shows how good he was at teaching and guiding baseball talent.
Honors and Legacy
Floyd Temple's contributions to baseball were recognized in 1966. He was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame. He passed away at the age of 86 in Lawrence, Kansas. His legacy as a dedicated coach and mentor lives on.
