Mickey Sullivan

Mickey “Coach” Sullivan, 80, of Waco passed away early Thursday morning in his home after battling cancer for some time. His death was unavoidable, but the way Sullivan lived his life and earned his legacy are direct results of his choice to have a never-ending positive attitude and love for his family, friends and players.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2012 at the Baylor Ball Park with Rev. Jim Martin and Scott Talley officiating. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2012 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel.

Mickey was born on Feb. 6, 1932 in Aransas Pass to Effie and Alva Sullivan. He grew up in a very poor area of Houston and graduated from Sam Houston High School. His successes earned him a scholarship to play football at Baylor University, where his journey to becoming a Baylor legend began.


Mickey is best known for his achievements in athletics both as a player and coach. He lettered in both football and baseball during his time as a player at Baylor, and remains the University’s only two-time All-American in baseball. He will forever hold the Southwest Conference’s single-season batting average record, hitting .519 as a senior in 1954.

He was hired in 1974 as the head baseball coach for the Bears, where he led the team to two College World Series appearances and a 649-428 record. Mickey’s successes led to his election to the Baylor Hall of Fame in 1983.

Although Mickey’s athletic career led to much admiration and an unforgettable legacy, his close family and friends will remember him for his big heart and adoration for his wife, Marilyn. His two children will forever cherish his fatherly love, his six grandchildren will remember his playful nature and all who know him will never forget his always-welcoming attitude and smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Randy and James Sullivan.

Mickey is survived by his wife Marilyn; a son Vince; a daughter Tina and her husband Loyal; a daughter in law Michele; six grandchildren Cameron, Carson, Beau, Jaxon, Layne and Michael; lifelong friends Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Benge, Jim and Clarene Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Alborn.