In Memoriam

Coach Gillespie “SKIP” was my teacher of the game. A man of detail and competitive gusto like no other. Thinking back, my time spent with Skip shaped my style today on how we should approach the game. Coach you will be missed! Video tribute.

Don Baylor and the Baylor family have been a big influence on my sports career. Don was the first star from my hometown in Austin, TX. He led us all to dream big and have the desire for more no matter our humble beginings.

Lapiner came to USC in 1952 after starring in both baseball and basketball at Wilson High School. He helped the Trojans to conference championships each season he was there and was named a first-team All-American after propelling the Trojans to the 1955 College World Series. Vic and I put together our annual youth clinics at USC. Giving the community a taste of the greatness of our prestigious university.

Noah was a natural leader and a bright light to our baseball club. His passing was a devastating blow to his family and our team. Today we remember each moment Noah shared with our group and seek ways to live up to his legacy.

Nick was weeks away from pursuing his dream of studying urban planning and renewal at USC when his life was taken on July 27, 2014 by a rare lightning strike on a California beach. He had just finished playing volleyball with high school friends at Venice Beach and jumped in the water to rinse off before heading home. But Nick’s story continues in the ripple effect his life has on the young people touched by Thrive in Joy.

William was a good son, brother, teammate, and friend. William had a giving spirit and a zest for youth baseball. As a young coach, I had the opportunity to teach William the game from age 10 to 16 years old. Our relationship continued after high school, and he always checked in with me offering to help coach my son's teams over the years. In early January of 2019, William was struck by a car on his motorcycle in Korea town. We remember the spirit of "Oh."