Keith Weber, 1942-2011

■ We're saddened to learn of passing of #Mizzou Hall of Fame pitcher Keith Weber. Was part of a '64 staff that set NCAA record-low 0.65 ERA. (@mutigers.com on twitter)

■ Anthony Keith Weber (Kansas City Star obituary)

Anthony Keith Weber, age 68, Mission Hills, Kan,, passed away Friday, February 18, 2011, at Saint Luke's Hospital in Houston, Texas. After four years of fighting the strongest battle imaginable against kidney cancer, Keith left this world in peace surrounded by his family. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Stine and McClure Chapel, 3235 Gilham Plaza, Kansas City, Mo. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City. A reception will immediately follow the service at the Kansas City Country Club.
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Keith attended the University of Missouri where he received a bachelor's degree in economics and the degree of Juris Doctorate. While in college, he excelled in football and baseball. Keith still holds the lowest career ERA record in the NCAA Division I. He was the team Captain and received all-American honors. He was one of three pitchers chosen in the U.S. to pitch for the U.S. Olympic Team in the 1964 Olympics held in Japan. Later, he signed with the New York Mets. He was also a quarterback for the Missouri Tigers. Keith's Senior year he was selected into Mystical Seven and The QEBH society, two honorary societies based on leadership, academics and contribution to the University: Keith served as assistant varsity football coach for four years under Dan Devine while attending law school at Missouri University. Later in 1998, Keith was inducted to the Intercollegiate Athletics MU Hall of Fame.
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Throughout his life, Keith loved sports, especially golf. He made time to play regularly enjoying the outdoors and the fellowship of his friends, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be incredibly missed but never forgotten. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Keith Weber to Saint Luke's Hospital Foundation for Oncology Research, 4225 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64111. Share a memory, sign an online guestbook, or express your condolences at www.overlandparkchapel.com D

■ Keith Weber's bio at the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame page:

May well be the greatest pitcher in Missouri's long and glorious baseball history. In 1964, he set the MU record for earned run average (0.56), won 11 games and struck out 90 batters as the Tigers went 26-5-1 and advanced to the College World Series. Those 11 wins are still tied for the school record, and the strikeout total stood as the MU record for 26 years. His ERA contributed to a team figure of 0.65 that still stands as the NCAA record, and in this era of the aluminum bat, will probably never be broken. Weber, from Jefferson City, was all-Big Eight, all-District V and all-America in 1964, and signed with the New York Mets. He was also a quarterback in football, but injuries ended his career before he competed on the varsity level. Weber now lives in Kansas City.

■ SimmonsField.com on the 1964 Missouri Tigers induction into the MU Sports Hall of Fame.