University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Mourn Loss of Former Standout, Doug Hopper
7/15/2018 6:14:00 AM | Baseball
Doug Hopper, a three-year standout pitcher who played a pivotal role on the University of Delaware baseball team's only College World Series appearance in 1970, has passed away.Â
Hopper, 69, a high school standout at nearby William Penn High School and a resident of Hockessin, Del., died unexpectedly on July 11.Â
A dominating right-hander, Hooper starred for Blue Hens teams in 1969-71 for Hall of Fame head coach Bob Hannah and went 7-3 on the mound with a 3.04 earned run average in 1970 when Delaware posted a 22-6 record and advanced to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. – the ultimate destination in college baseball - for the only time in school history.Â
Over a stellar three-year career, Hooper played in 31 games with 24 starts, tossed 11 complete games, posted a record of 18-6, and recorded an ERA of 2.34 in 181 innings while striking out 137 batters.Â
He led the team to a 16-6 record as a senior in 1971 when he went 6-2 with a  team-leading 1.34 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 54 innings. He went 5-1 with a 2.34 as a sophomore in 1969 when the team went 15-8.Â
He earned his degree in economics from Delaware in 1971. He continued to play the sport at the semi-pro level following his UD career and remained active as a Little League coach.Â
Hopper grew up in New Castle, Del. And was a three-sport standout in baseball, football, and basketball at William Penn.Â
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, son, Jeff, and numerous extended family members.Â
A viewing will be held at 5-8 pm on Monday, July 16 at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Del. 19808, where a funeral service will take place the following day, July 17, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the University of Delaware Baseball Program via Gifts Processing, 83 E. Main Street, 3rd Floor, Newark, Del. 19716.
