Rice University honored the legacy of legendary baseball coach Wayne Graham in grand fashion March 7, celebrating the inaugural Wayne Graham Day with a series of tributes before the Owls’ series-opening game against Yale University.
The evening was highlighted with the unveiling of Wayne Graham Way, the newly renamed street leading to Reckling Park, a lasting tribute to the Hall of Fame coach who transformed Rice baseball into a national powerhouse. Graham’s family, former players and university officials gathered to commemorate his impact, which included a College World Series title in 2003 and seven trips to Omaha.
“This is indeed a special day in the history of Rice Athletics,” said former Rice athletic director Bobby May, who hired Graham from San Jacinto College in 1992. “Wayne Graham changed the face of intercollegiate athletics at Rice, and his memory should always be honored, celebrated and preserved.”
Tommy McClelland, vice president and director of athletics, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing Graham’s profound influence.
“He transformed Rice baseball into a national powerhouse, leading the Owls to their first national championship in 2003 and seven College World Series appearances,” McClelland said. “Wayne Graham Way is a reflection of the way in which he impacted the program and the university as a whole.”
In addition to the street dedication, McClelland announced plans for the Wayne Graham Courtyard outside Reckling Park, a tribute to both the legendary coach and his 2003 national championship team. Reckling Park itself will now bear the honorary moniker, “The House That Wayne Graham Built.”
During the pregame ceremony, Tanya Graham, Wayne’s wife, was presented with a proclamation from the city of Houston officially declaring March 7 as Wayne Graham Day in Houston. Inside the stadium, she joined family members and former players as Graham’s iconic No. 37 was permanently displayed on the outfield wall at Reckling Park. Current Owls players will wear No. 37 patches on their uniforms for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Former players shared stories of Graham’s intensity, wisdom and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Bobby Bramhall, who played for Graham from 2005-07 and spent seven years in professional baseball, recalled Graham’s relentless intensity.
“Everything I learned here translated to the pro level because Coach ran it like a professional team,” Bramhall said. “He expected you to be a professional and to be the best you could be.”
Bramhall said the intensity that Graham infused into every practice and team meeting took pressure off players during the games — they were more concerned with meeting their coach’s expectations than anything else.
“You had to beat him first to stay on the mound or on the field,” he said. “And for me, that was a big turning point when I realized it had nothing to do with the jersey on the other side or the hype of the game. It only had to do with executing the way that he expected it to be done.”
Jason Ogden, who played under Graham at both San Jacinto and Rice, recounted a moment that embodied Graham’s sometimes harsh but effective coaching style.
“I’m warming up on the mound in between innings, and every pitch I throw is high,” Ogden said. “Graham yells from the dugout, ‘Ogden, get it down!’ A couple more pitches up in the zone. ‘Ogden, get it down!’”
After one last high pitch, Graham pulled Ogden from the mound before the inning started.
“I never even throw in the game, and he puts another pitcher in,” Ogden said. “It was funny, and all my friends gave me a hard time. But then guess what happens the next time I pitch? Everything’s low.
“That embodies his impact. You tune out the team, and you tune out the crowd because if I don’t do what Graham wants, I’m out of the game.”
Graham was “the best coach I ever played for,” Ogden said. “He knew all aspects of the game, and he loved the game. He had a way of inspiring you to become your best.”
“There’s never going to be another Coach Graham,” Bramhall said. “I’m so proud of this happening because you have an athletic administration here that’s honoring his legacy.”
