By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Harley Douglas stepped down Monday after 12 seasons as Washburn University baseball coach, with former Ichabod player and current assistant coach Connor Crimmins being named the interim head coach.
Harley Douglas stepped down Monday as Washburn's baseball coach after 12 seasons and 305 victories. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
"Coach Douglas stepped into a challenging situation following the passing of Coach Steve Anson, and we are grateful for his leadership during that transition," said Washburn director of athletics Loren Ferré in a Washburn release. "As a former Ichabod student-athlete, he invested deeply in our baseball program and played an important role in the recent improvements to Falley Field and Anson Stadium.
"We thank Harley for his contributions to Washburn Baseball."
Douglas took over as Washburn's head coach after three seasons as an assistant coach to Anson. He went 305-272 as Washburn's head coach, leading the Ichabods to their only NCAA regional appearance in 2022.
The Ichabods posted a 21-30 overall record and a 17-19 MIAA mark over the 2026 campaign after compiling four straight winning seasons (123-90).
"Wearing Washburn across my chest has been nothing short of one of the most amazing opportunities in my coaching and playing career," Douglas said in Washburn's release. "I hold this university in the very highest regard and always will.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach at Washburn for more than 15 years and to work with so many outstanding student-athletes. This has been a difficult decision, and one I've wrestled with for the past several weeks. I know it's time to focus on being more present for my family – my wife, my children and now our grandchildren. It's time to hang up the baseball hat and focus on my role as a husband, father and grandpa."
Douglas coached a total of 81 All-MIAA selections, including one MIAA Player and Pitcher of the Year and five MIAA first team selections. He has also coached two MLB draftees -- David Gauntt, who was selected by the Miami Marlins during the 2016 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, and Casey Steward, who went to the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2023 draft.
Douglas played for the Ichabods from 1997-2000, ranking third in school history in triples (11), fourth in stolen bases (74) and 12th in runs scored (136), while his .362 career batting average is the 14th highest in school history.
Crimmins has been an assistant for the Ichabods since 2018 after spending two seasons as a graduate assistant at Kansas State University. Crimmins also coached the Topeka Golden Giants for two seasons. A Shawnee Heights graduate, Crimmins played for the Ichabods from 2012-15 and was also a member of the Washburn football team.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity, and looking forward to connecting with current and incoming players as we gear up for the start of the fall semester," Crimmins said.
