Michael Robert Coolbaugh

Mike was born on June 5, 1972 in Binghamton, New York to Robert and Mary Lu Coolbaugh and became recognized by San Antonio as an All American athlete while attending Roosevelt High School from 1986 to 1990 where as quarterback he led the football team and lettered in baseball and basketball.

Mike's recognition extended nationally and globally in his seventeen year of a professional baseball career where he excelled in the Minor League with numerous Most Valuable Player Awards, 4 All-Star Game appearances and selection for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Mike hit a home run in his first Major League Baseball start with the Milwaukee Brewers and led the National League in batting during Spring Training in 2002, resulting in major league time with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2002. Mike began a career as a minor league hitting coach while also commencing pursuit of a degree in Business Administration.

Mike's life ended on the baseball field; where he loved to play and where he served as a mentor and example to many of today's baseball professionals. Mike's legacy will be his exemplary life of Christian values as a loving son, brother, husband, father, in-law, and friend. Mike was known for his passion for life filled with laughter and the world's best hugs, his commitment to living each day for others and to the fullest, and a selflessness expressed in genuine concern for those he loved. Mike's honesty, ability to remain steadfast to his beliefs, wisdom and quiet confidence enabled him to maintain a continued interest in personal growth.

Also, his resilience to the effects of life's "curve balls" made him a source of inspiration for his loved ones. Mike loved to be surrounded by family and when he was not on the baseball field, he was holding on tightly to his wife and children - laughing - kissing, hugging, and coaching them in the sport and on life.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Amanda and his two boys, Joseph and Jacob, blessed beneficiaries of his affection, devotion and dedication of time and a child due in October who will experience God's gift of Mike through the love of his survivors who will strive to model Mike's example, including his parents Robert and Mary Lu Coolbaugh; brother and sister-in-law, Scott & Susan Coolbaugh and sisters and brothers-in-law, Lisa & David Smith, Linda & Mark Sasser; father-in-law, Colonel Ret. John Pavlovsky &; sister-in-law, Julianne Hawkins and husband Cory; sister-in-law, Kathryn Pavlovsky and brother-in-law, John David Pavlovsky, seven nephews, a niece, and many friends and fans who are forever thankful for the opportunity to love Mike for the short time that has forever impacted their lives.

Mike was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in San Antonio, from where he will be memorialized on July 30th, 2007 at 10:30 A.M.

A memorial fund has been instituted in Mike's name. Anyone wishing to donate may use the following: Mike Coolbaugh Family Memorial Fund @ Frost Bank, P.O. Box 701652, San Antonio, Texas 78270 or Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund @ Spirit Bank, 1800 S. Baltimore Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74119.