MoWest & Benedictine come together again in memory of Minnis

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The family of Griffon Baseball founder Doug Minnis took the field pre-game Sunday for the annual exhibition charity game honoring the MoWest icon.

Griffon Baseball hosted Benedictine College on Sunday, October 18, in the annual Doug Minnis Charity Game at 1:37 p.m. at Griffon Park at the MWSU Spring Sports Complex.

The special start time honors the late Hall of Fame coach's jersey number 37. The inaugural Doug Minnis Charity Game took place in 2019 as a fall exhibition. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

This annual game honors Minnis, who died in 2019. Minnis, who was from Kansas, was the university's first-ever baseball coach. Current Missouri Western Athletic's Director Andy Carter has always enjoyed helping host the event and looks forward to it every year.

"I just think it's seeing the family come back and still be interested in doing this. And continuing that legacy (of Coach Minnis)," Carter shared.

Minnis stayed in the black and gold from 1970 to 1999.

His sons, Stephen and John Patrick, both played collegiate baseball at Benedictine, and his grandson, Jack, finished his playing career for the Ravens in 2024. Stephen Minnis currently serves as president of Benedictine College.

"I hope that (the players) remember the man who loved the game of baseball, loved Missouri Western, and just loved being around people," Minnis said about his dad. "And they can take that with them even after they leave. And think about this disease that impacts so many people."

Those who would like to make a donation can do so by clicking here.