Santa Clara University Remembers Mark Marquess, Hall of Fame Coach Who Ended His Career as a Bronco
Mark Marquess, special assistant to the Santa Clara University athletic director, passed away at the age of 78 on Jan. 30. Marquess was a legendary figure in college baseball and an icon for the sport in the Bay Area and nationwide.
“Mark made an indelible impact on the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” Director of Athletics Heather Owen said. “He was a pillar in the baseball community, a coaches’ coach, and a friend to all. We will forever carry ‘Nine’s’ unflappable spirit. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the entire Marquess family and our friends in the Stanford community.”
Marquess joined Santa Clara Athletics in 2018 after retiring as Stanford University’s head baseball coach, a position he held for over four decades. In Palo Alto, Marquess commandeered one of the most respected and successful programs in college baseball. An alum of Stanford, he returned to his alma mater in 1977 as head coach and remained in the same post for 41 years.
He compiled more than 1,600 wins, led the Cardinal to 14 College World Series appearances, and captured back-to-back NCAA National Championships in 1987 and 1988. He was the fourth winningest coach in NCAA Division I history, boasting an all-time record of 1,627-878-7. Marquess was also a three-time recipient of NCAA Coach of the Year and a nine-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year honoree.
Yet, Marquess’ influence extended far beyond the baseball diamond. He served as president of USA Baseball and managed the US national team to Olympic gold in Seoul in 1988. His prowess earned him inductions into both the National College Baseball Hall of Fame and the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Though his name is forever linked to the Cardinal and his role in the growth of the sport, Marquess spent the final chapter of his career at Santa Clara University, where his wisdom and love for the game of baseball continued to shape student-athletes, coaches and peers.
Mark Marquess will be remembered not only as a Hall of Fame coach, but as a Bronco whose final contribution was helping others grow—a testament to his care for the sport of baseball and those around him.