ASU Hall of Famer, former baseball coach Bobby Winkles dies at 90

Former Arizona State baseball coach Bobby Winkles, considered “the architect of modern baseball at Arizona State,” has passed away at 90 years old.

Winkles was the program’s first varsity baseball coach in 1959 and won three national championships for the school in the 1960s. He was named the NCAA Coach of the Year in 1965 and again in 1969.

His No. 1 was retired by the program in 1972 and the field at Packard Stadium was named after Winkles in 2001. He was named to the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Players to come through the school during Winkles’ time managing the Sun Devils include Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, four-time All-Star Sal Bando, two-time All-Star Rick Monday and All-Star Larry Gura. Winkles had a player named an All-American 16 times over his 13 years at ASU.

The Sun Devils had a record of 524-173 with Winkles as the head coach.

Rest In Peace Bobby Winkles…A true legend and a man that I greatly admired. You are The Godfather who established a tremendous culture, tradition and what it means to be a Sun Devil. You are the best, Coach. God Bless you and your family. 🙏#asubaseball #foreverasundevil 😈

— Willie Bloomquist (@williebloom) April 18, 2020

RIP to @ASU_Baseball legend Bobby Winkles. Coach Winkles set the standard for being a Sun Devil. Everyone who wore the maroon and gold learned about his impact on the program and university! Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones #sundevil4life

— Darin Gillies (@Gillies15) April 18, 2020

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