Legendary Stanford baseball coach Mark Marquess dies at 78

Mark Marquess, who cemented a legacy as a college baseball legend during his 41-year run as the head baseball coach at Stanford University, died Friday. He was 78.

Marquess, who led the Cardinal to the 1987 and '88 College World Series titles, finished his career with a 1,627-878-7 (.649) record, making him the fourth-winningest coach in Division I history. The Stockton, Calif., native led Team USA to its first Olympic gold medal in baseball in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, and served as the president of USA Baseball from 1989-98.

“Mark Marquess was a true baseball legend and someone who had an incredible impact on building the foundation of USA Baseball,” USA Baseball executive director and CEO Paul Seiler said in a statement. “His influence -- both on the field and off -- cannot be overstated."

A two-sport star in baseball and football at Stanford, Marquess was drafted by the White Sox in the 25th round in 1969. He spent five seasons in the Minor Leagues before eventually taking over as Stanford’s head coach in 1977.

Until his retirement following the 2017 season, Marquess coached a host of big names, including Hall of Famer Mike Mussina and current Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. Three-time All-Star pitcher Jack McDowell was the first of 26 first-round or compensation picks out of Stanford during Marquess’ lengthy tenure.

Several current MLB players got their start at Stanford under the legendary coach, including the Cubs’ Nico Hoerner, the Dodgers’ Tommy Edman, the Marlins’ Kyle Stowers and the Royals’ Kris Bubic.

“Thank you for your guidance, support, and commitment to Stanford and the game of baseball,” former Cardinals and Athletics outfielder Stephen Piscotty, a first-round Draft pick out of Stanford in 2012, posted on social media. “Taught us all to follow our hearts, and never go wrong.”

Marquess, who was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021, guided Stanford to 14 College World Series appearances and 30 NCAA Tournament bids. He was named the NCAA coach of the year in 1985, ’87 and ’88.

After retiring from Stanford, Marquess had served as special assistant to the athletic director at Santa Clara University since October 2018.