2000 Alaska Goldpanners
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Lyle Olsen - Goldpanner Field Manager
1930-2000 - February 11, 2000

Lyle Olsen, adjunct professor of English at Eastern Tennessee State and former Alaska Goldpanners field manager, has died of cancer at the age of 70. 

Olsen came to the Goldpanners as the San Diego State head baseball coach.  He began working in the physical education department at SDSU in 1961, where he served a total of 25 years.  He became the head coach for the baseball team in 1965, and lead the Aztecs through the 1971 season.

Olsen was a player/coach for the Goldpanners during the 1966 summer seasons (stats below).  He focused exclusively on coaching for field manager H.A. 'Red' Boucher from 1967 to 1969.  He took over duties as field manager for the 1970 season when Boucher resigned to focus on his role as mayor of the city of Fairbanks.

In 1973, Olsen began coaching for the University of California-San Diego baseball club, where he remained until after the 1978 season - all the while serving as a professor of English at San Diego State University.

In 1989, he relocated to Tennessee, where he served as adjunct professor of English for Eastern Tennessee State University until his passing.

Lyle Olsen was a fantastic ballplayer, advancing to the AAA level as an infielder for the Brooklyn organization.  Advancement to the major leagues was likely hindered through the Hall of Fame play of Brooklyn's major league shortstop, SS Pee Wee Reese ('84 inductee).

In 1983, Olsen formed the publication, ARETE: Journal of Sports Literature, which was later renamed ATHLON.

Olsen is survived by his three sons.  -0-

Related Links:

Olsen, Dietz Guide Goldpanners on Field
1970 Goldpanner Yearbook
Boucher, Olsen Lead Panners on Field
1969 Goldpanner Yearbook

Goldpanner Statistics

1966 Batting