Winningest coach in college baseball history dies at 79
Baseball coaching legend Augie Garrido has passed away at age 79.
After recently being hospitalized following a stroke, Legendary Longhorn baseball coach, five-time National Champion and the NCAA's all-time wins leader Augie Garrido passed away on Thursday at the age of 79.https://t.co/AdcOl1hJ7d pic.twitter.com/LrBOG6AtZh
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) March 15, 2018
Garrido was hospitalized Sunday after suffering a stroke. He died Thursday.
He’s a legend not just in college baseball, but in sports in general.
With a coaching career that began in 1969, Garrido amassed 1,975 career victories, which is the most in NCAA baseball history.
Aside from the impressive win total, he also won five College World Series titles in 15 appearances.
Garrido has left a lasting impression on his peers.
“I coached against him and watched hundreds and hundreds of other coaches, and he’s the best I’ve ever seen,” Skip Bertman said to the Associated Press. The retired Bertman, much like Garrido, won five national titles during his time at LSU.
“He played 90 feet at a time and had great instincts on the field,” Bertman added. “I don’t think he really tried to be anything but himself. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a fun guy. Most of all, he’s the best baseball coaching mind for college that I know of.”
Garrido spent his final 20 years as a coach at Texas, helping bring a pair of national titles to Austin.
“We lost one of the greatest coaches of all time, a truly special Longhorn legend and college athletics icon,” Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte said. “If you were fortunate enough to have spent time with Augie, or if you followed him in any way, he had a great effect on you with his brilliant combination of wisdom, wit and charm.
“He was just an incredible coach, molder of men and a great person.”
Pressure is a choice
The world treats winners different than losers
Time is the ultimate game
Passion will persuade reality
Coach you’ve been a genius for so many of us. A friend, our charming second Dad we all thought was just so cool
I love you forever
RIP AUGIE GARRIDO pic.twitter.com/66KOTtMxjf
— Huston Street (@HustonStreet) March 15, 2018
Starting in 1997, Garrido’s meditative approach to coaching took root and turned the Longhorns into a perennial college baseball powerhouse.
He won his other three national championships in 1979, 1984 and 1995 with Cal State Fullerton.
Garrido’s distinction as the winningest coach in college baseball likely won’t last long: Florida State’s Mike Martin is just 18 wins behind him.
“Augie dedicated his life to making young men better people. He will be deeply missed by myself and many others,” said Martin.
Garrido also coached at San Francisco State, Cal Poly and Illinois.
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