From Washington University Athletics
Former Washington University in St. Louis baseball coach Ric Lessmann will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2015 during enshrinement ceremonies Jan. 25 in Springfield, Mo.
Lessmann compiled a record of 396-231 (.632 winning percentage) in 17 seasons as the head coach at Washington University from 1994-2010, the most wins by any of the Bears' 12 head coaches in school history. Eleven of his 17 teams won 20 or more games, including a program-best 34-7 record in 2006. The following season, the Bears made their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance, also winning 30 games for the third year in a row. Lessmann also led Washington U. to three University Athletic Association (UAA) Championships in his tenure.
Prior to taking the reins of the Washington University program, Lessmann spent 27 years as the head coach at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. He led Meramec to a 963-318 overall record, and never experienced a losing season. Lessmann guided the Warriors to the National Junior College World Series nine times, winning the NJCAA national championship in 1974. In addition, Meramec captured 15 Midwest Community Athletic Conference titles and made 15 Central District V Sectional Tournament appearances under Lessmann. He became the 18th collegiate coach to reach 1,000 wins in 1995.
Lessmann signed with the New York Yankees in 1955, and reached the minor league Class B level.