(February 4, 1928 – June 13, 2008) Mel Krause was a three-sport athlete at Portland’s Cleveland High School gaining All-City recognition in football, basketball and baseball before entering the University of Oregon. At Oregon, he earned varsity letters in basketball and baseball. He served as head baseball coach at the U of O from 1970 until 1981 when the program was discontinued.

He coached high school ball at Milwaukie, Franklin, Willamette, North Eugene and Sheldon. He led Franklin to the state basketball title in 1956 and repeated with North Eugene in 1963. In baseball, his 1966 Sheldon team was runner-up for the state crown, his 1960 North Eugene team was district champion and his 1964 Willamette squad was fourth in the state playoffs. He helped organize and direct the Oregon High School All-Star baseball series.

In 1963, he received the Rollie Truitt Award for his contribution to amateur baseball in the state. Since retiring from coaching, he has served as a professional baseball scout for the San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers.