JOHN E. BAGGS
John E. Baggs, 43, baseball coach and the winningest coach in St. Scholastica’s history died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 at his home after a short illness.
John E. Baggs, 43, baseball coach and the winningest coach in St. Scholastica’s history died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 at his home after a short illness.
John was born Dec. 29, 1965 in Chicago, Ill., to Kenneth and Marie (Pacelli) Baggs.
John graduated from Iowa State in 1989 with a degree in Journalism and English. He was hired by St. Scholastica in 1991 as the Sports Information Director and at the age of 24, the youngest head baseball coach in the country. John and the Saints soon became a force in Division III baseball. He won the Louisville Slugger Coach of the Year in 1996, 97, 98, 2000, 01, 02, 03, 04, 06 and 07 and voted UMAC Coach of the year in 1997, 99, 2000, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07. He was coach of the year in the ABCA in 2000 and 2003 and a finalist for NAIA Coach of the Year. In 1996 he was selected to coach USA II and NCAA all-star team that won the International Series in Holland and the next summer he was chosen to coach Team America that took 1st place in Germany. He is the most successful D-III coach of this century. He coached 19 All-Americans and 12 of his players have signed pro contracts. He touched the lives of hundreds and helped shape the lives of many on and off the diamond. John was also the proud coach of his son Maddux’s baseball team, the Redwings.
He was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.
John was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth in 1993.
He is survived by his wife whom he married in August of 1993, Colleen; and his children, Maddux and Josie both at home; his mother, Marie Baggs; and sister, Gina (Tom) Malamos of St. Charles, Ill.; one niece, two nephews and many friends and colleagues.
VISITATION: 5 to 8 p.m. with Wake Prayers at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 E 4th St. Duluth, where visitation will continue Saturday from 12 noon to the 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Coach Baggs Fund c/o North Shore Bank of Commerce, 131 W Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802. Arrangements by the Dougherty Funeral Home, (218) 727-3555.
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Kathleen H.
02/27/2009 10:03 AM
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Lee R.
02/26/2009 10:44 PM
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Ruth M.
Collen and family; I was so sad to hear about John's death. This went so fast from the time of his diagnosis. We send you lots of love, prayer and courage as you go through your mourning. I know that your love for each other and your children is so strong that it will also sustain you through these hard times. You have lots of us that love you and will try and support you as best we can. Ruth Strom McCutcheon 2/27/2009...Our new grandaughter was born the night John died.Duluth, MN 02/27/2009 8:59 PM
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