Dr. Robert "Bob" Michael Birrenkott Sr.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Michael Birrenkott, affectionately called “Oso” by his grandchildren, left this world on April 5, 2026, surrounded by his family, bringing to conclusion a life filled with adventure, laughter, and love. He was born in Lemmon, South Dakota on November 21, 1945, where he served as the youngest member of the United States Air Force Ground Observer Corps Air Defense Team. His commitment to education led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Black Hills State University, followed by a Master of Science from Eastern New Mexico University, and ultimately a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi, where he was the voice of Ole Miss Rebels Baseball on the radio broadcast.

Bob’s professional accomplishments and volunteer contributions were numerous and wide-ranging. He served as athletic director and emeritus professor at the University of Tampa, where he founded the Sports Management program, which now boasts over 500 majors. He was inducted into the University of Tampa Athletic Hall of Fame and the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame in recognition of his profound impact. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs, as President of the Tampa Sports Club, as both member and Chairman of the City of Tampa Civil Service Board. In addition, he was Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Foundation and a licensed auctioneer who presided over numerous charitable events. You would be hard-pressed to find a child who grew up in South Tampa during the 1980s and 1990s who wasn’t coached by Bob.

While all these accomplishments were meaningful, none of them could compare to how deeply Bob valued his family. A blind date playing tennis with Regina Hudson of Tupelo, Mississippi, led to a marriage that spanned more than 50 years. Together, they raised two sons, Rob and Brad, whom Bob cherished. He loved spending time on the water with his sons and sharing his passion for fishing, something he cultivated while working 10 years as a fishing guide in Yellowstone National Park.

Bob loved family gatherings at Anna Maria Island; anything that had 9 innings or four quarters; a big plate of nachos topped with the hottest peppers in town; café con leche; waking up his tastebuds with a spoonful of hot sauce; and, above all, life itself. You had a good chance of running into him at a ballpark; whether a Yankees spring training game, a local little league game, a Rays game, or cheering on the ten-time national champion University of Tampa Spartans baseball team.

He is survived by his brother Pete (Julie) Birrenkott; his wife Regina; his two sons, Rob (Amanda) and Brad (Kendall); and his four grandchildren, Bailey, Mackenzie, Hudson, and Bodie.

A wake to celebrate Bob’s life, share stories, and offer remarks will be held on Monday, April 13, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the “Ybor 1929” speakeasy room at Blount & Curry, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 14, at 3:00 p.m. at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt St, Tampa, Florida.

In honor of Bob, attendees are encouraged to wear baseball caps or Panama Jack-styled hats at both events to celebrate a life well lived.