ST. JOSEPH - Doug Minnis, a pioneer, founder and leader of the Griffon Baseball program through its first 30 years of existence passed away on Thursday, Dec.26 at the age of 90.

Coach Minnis started the program in 1970 and instantly turned the Griffons into a respected winner, recording winning seasons in the first 11 years of existence. During that time, the team qualified for the NAIA District Tournament 10 times including six District 16 Championships. Minnis' 1975 club advanced to the NAIA World Series. He also was instrumental in leading Griffon Athletics' transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

Minnis retired following the 1999 season after achieving 683 career victories and producing eight Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame members along with two of his teams (1971 & 1975).
Following his retirement, Minnis remained highly active in the athletics department as he served as the longtime officials host for home football and basketball games. He was also active in the Gold Coat Club annual membership drive and the Griffon Athletics Hall of Fame committee.

A plaque commemorating Coach Minnis' career was dedicated and installed in April of 2011 in conjunction of the opening of the Spring Sports Complex.

The career of Coach Minnis has been recognized at the highest level by nine different organizations as he was inducted into the Griffon Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990, the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame also in 1990, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Funeral arrangements are set for Monday, Dec. 30 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church located at 2618 Seneca Street in St Joseph. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:40 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.