Lobo head baseball coach Ray Birmingham wraps up 43-year coaching career

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Lobo head baseball coach Ray Birmingham went out like a true cowboy after his final game at Lobo field Saturday.

Birmingham rode off the field on a horse as the sun set on his 43-year coaching career.

Over the years, Birmingham has inspired countless players and coaches across the state.

"Baseball and New Mexico have been a passion for me for 43 years. I can go to every town and go find somebody that I’ve coached or coached against or coached with," he said.

"Makes you appreciate how much he’s put in not just for UNM, but for the whole state of New Mexico," said Lobo Harry Fullerton.

"It’s a long career for him to have, and everything that he’s taken and everything that he’s contributed really, you know, what he’s done with his program and here in New Mexico," added Nathaniel Garley.