Longtime USC Coach Passes Away

Normally this would be off topic, but a man of this importance to the international scene between Japan-United States amateur baseball relations is just too large to not write about.

USC (University of Southern California) Trojans coach Rod Dedeaux died at the age of 91 of complications from a stroke. Dedeaux coached at USC, joined USC in 1942 as a assistant coach after finishing his brief major league career with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935. Dedeaux became the USC head coach in 1950, he served as coach at USC from 1950 until retiring in 1986. Under, Dedeaux the Trojans won 11 National Championships, 28 conference titles, had 41 winning seasons out of 45 years, and even won 5 straight un-paralled College World Series at one time. During his tenure, he led more than 200 pro players, and 59 major league players. Dedeaux coached for a $1 salary. He served as President of Dart Transportation, a multi-million dollar company he founded in the 1930's.

Dedeaux founded the Japan-United States Collegiate Series in 1972, which saw many Japanese players graduate into NPB stardom. He served as Chairman of the event from 1972 to 1984, then was Chairman Emeritus. Dedeaux was honored by the Japanese government in 1996 with the Fourth Order of the Merit Cordon of the Rising Sun.

I like to give my deepest condolonces to Dedeaux and his family, in this tough time. Dedeaux made a great impact on the development of international baseball, along with the lives of young children.

[Full MLB.com Story]
[CSTV Article]
[Japan Baseball Daily Article]
[Nikkan Sports Article (in Japanese)]