ARLINGTON, Texas — UT Arlington Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of former Mavericks pitcher Chris Gay, a standout on the mound who later returned to campus to complete his degree and further strengthen his connection to the university.
Gay pitched for UTA before pursuing a professional baseball career. He returned to Arlington in 2018 to walk across the commencement stage and earn his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.
His collegiate career was highlighted by Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-Southland Conference honors in 1992. He remains one of only four Mavericks in program history to earn conference Pitcher of the Year recognition. Gay helped lead UTA to Southland Conference championships in 1990 and 1992, as well as NCAA Tournament appearances in both seasons.
"Chris was a big part of what remains the best team in UTA history — the 1992 squad that went 40-15," said Ronnie Liggett, UTA assistant coach from 1987-99. "He was our Sunday starter during that 40-win season, and we always took the field with confidence knowing he was going to give us a chance to win that day.
"As a coach, you knew Chris was a gamer — the type of pitcher who always wanted the ball and was always ready to pitch. He started games, came out of the bullpen when needed, and was always prepared. He was a tremendous competitor and had an edge on the mound that not every pitcher possesses, but the successful ones often do.
"I'm reminded of the John Fogerty lyric, 'Put me in, coach, I'm ready to play.' That was Chris, 100 percent."
The 1992 team was later inducted into the UT Arlington Athletics Hall of Honor. Gay led the Mavericks with 10 wins and 90.2 innings pitched that season. His 10 victories remain tied for the sixth-most in a single season in program history. He also led the 1990 squad with a 3.19 ERA.
Gay finished his UTA career with 19 victories from 1989-92, tied for seventh-most in program history and ranking among the top 10 all-time.
Following his collegiate career, Gay signed with the Chicago White Sox and pursued a professional baseball career.
"A great young man who dedicated his life to the sport of baseball," said John Mocek, retired Senior Associate Athletics Director and UTA assistant baseball coach from 1983-96. "As a pitcher, he always wanted the ball in his hand. As a community baseball coach, he shared the game with hundreds of young people.
"Chris's love for UTA Baseball was always there. The outpouring of support from alumni for his family now shows how well respected and loved he was by his teammates. He was courageous in his battle and cared deeply for his family and community."
Gay was remembered as more than a talented athlete. In a 2018 UTA feature story, he reflected on his journey back to campus after leaving in 1992 to pursue a Major League Baseball opportunity, as well as the cancer diagnosis he overcame along the way. His story left a lasting impression on the Maverick community.
Chris and his wife, Kim, both graduated from UTA, as did their three children, making the Gay family true Mavericks through and through.
Gay's family has planned a Celebration of Life for Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m. at First Methodist Mansfield.
UT Arlington Athletics extends its deepest condolences to Gay's family, friends, and former teammates.
