Hall of Fame Mizzou baseball coach passes away at age of 83
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou Athletics announced that it is mourning the loss of former Hall of Fame head baseball coach Gene McArtor, after he died at the age of 83 on Sunday.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gene McArtor, a true Mizzou legend," Mizzou Athletic Director Laird Veatch said in a press release. "Gene's dedication to our baseball program as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, and his unwavering commitment to the University of Missouri, left an indelible mark on our program and athletics department. His leadership, integrity and passion for Mizzou as a player, coach and administrator were truly remarkable. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. Gene's legacy will forever be part of Mizzou Athletics."
McArtor left quite a mark on the Tiger baseball program. Not only is he one of just three MU alums to have his jersey retired, but he was also the winningest baseball coach in the program's history, with 733 career wins. That's why the Tigers' indoor training facility and clubhouse complex bears his name at Taylor Stadium, as the University named it the 'McArtor Baseball Facility,' in 2010.
“We have lost one of the all-time Tiger greats in Coach Mac,” current Mizzou head coach Kerrick Jackson said in a press release. “His impact on this program, the University and our game is second to none. His guidance and mentorship will be missed by all who were privileged to be in his presence. I truly cherished our conversations and his leadership. The toughness and discipline on which his program was built were elements he fully embraced and believed in, and it is our goal to continue that tradition and make him proud!”
McArtor, a St. Louis native, played at Mizzou from 1961-63 and earned all-conference and all-district honors at the first base position. He was a big part of two Big Eight Conference championship teams and two teams that advanced to the College World Series, in 1962 and 1963.
After taking some time to coach and teach at his alma mater, Webster Groves, McArtor decided to come back to Columbia as an assistant baseball coach in 1969. He served in that role under former head coach John Simmons until 1974, when he succeeded Simmons.
McArtor had quite a 21 years at the helm of MU baseball. Overall, he complied a 733-430-3 mark and won two Big Eight championships. Six of his teams went to the NCAA Tournament, as well.
After coaching at Mizzou, he stayed involved in college baseball, serving on the NCAA Baseball Committee, including two years as chairman, and also serving as the president of the American Baseball Coaches Association. He was inducted into the MU Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999 and then the Missouri State Sports Hall of Fame later, in 2007. McArtor is also a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Although he retired, he continued his service to the Mizzou community. McArtor worked as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics, director of project management and also the interim director of athletics over the course of a few years.
