The tragic death of Coach Kyle Kranz, the cherished leader whose voice, humor, and unending support molded generations of Little League and Bulldogs players, has left West Bend’s baseball grounds feeling more empty today. Although Kyle passed away much too soon, his love and lessons will endure every time a young person in this community steps up to the plate.
Kyle’s passion was the game. His enthusiasm as a coach made sessions at six in the morning seem like Christmas morning. Kyle never hurried a moment, whether he was staying late to help a high school student correct his swing or teaching a terrified 8-year-old how to handle a curveball.
His parents had total faith in him. Children loved him. He celebrated every hit like a walk-off home run, recalled every birthday, and used setbacks as teaching moments about perseverance and collaboration. He considered every player who had ever worn a Bulldogs uniform to be family, the dugout to be his classroom, and field #3 to be his church.
Beyond the chalk lines, Kyle was a kind friend, spouse, and father who made time for everyone. When someone needed assistance relocating, he could always be relied upon to arrive with a truck and a grin. He also planned fundraisers without being asked and grilled the finest burgers at team cookouts.
One of West Bend’s best has passed away. In addition to teaching baseball, coach Kyle Kranz instilled in his students the values of self-belief, teamwork, and proper gameplay. His signature “Let’s go, boys!” will never again appear on the scoreboard, but his spirit will live on in every bat crack in our community.
Kyle’s wife, kids, and other loved ones are being embraced by the West Bend Little League and Bulldogs family. Details about the celebration of his life are still being worked out. Until then, just as he has always made us proud, we will continue to train, support, and make him proud. Coach, don’t worry. You will always own the field.
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