Mark Marquess, the legendary baseball coach who transformed Stanford University into a national powerhouse, died on January 30, 2026, at the age of 78. Marquess dedicated 41 seasons to the Stanford Cardinal baseball program, leaving an indelible mark on the university and the sport.

Marquess's career at Stanford began in 1977, and he quickly established a winning culture. His leadership led the Cardinal to back-to-back College World Series titles in 1987 and 1988, cementing his status as a college baseball icon. Known affectionately as "9" for the jersey number retired in his honor after his final game in 2017, Marquess's impact extended far beyond wins and losses. He fostered a program renowned for developing quality student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of character and leadership both on and off the field.

David Esquer, Stanford's Clarke and Elizabeth Nelson Director of Baseball, who played under Marquess, said, "This man was Stanford baseball...He was my coach and like a father to me. I wouldn't be where I am today without him".

Marquess's impressive record speaks for itself. He retired in 2017 as the fourth-winningest coach in NCAA Division I history, with a career record of 1,627-878-7. Under his guidance, Stanford made 14 College World Series appearances and received 30 NCAA Tournament bids. Marquess was recognized as NCAA Coach of the Year three times, in 1985, 1987, and 1988.

Beyond his collegiate achievements, Marquess made significant contributions to USA Baseball. He managed the United States to its first Olympic gold medal in baseball at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. From 1989 to 1998, he served as the president of USA Baseball, further solidifying his influence on the sport. Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director and CEO, acknowledged Marquess's impact, stating that he "was a true baseball legend and someone who had an incredible impact on building the foundation of USA Baseball".

After retiring from Stanford, Marquess continued to contribute to the baseball community as a special assistant to the athletic director at Santa Clara University starting in October 2018. Heather M. Owen, Santa Clara's Director of Athletics, said, "Mark made an indelible impact on the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him...He was a pillar in the baseball community, a coaches' coach, and a friend to all".

Marquess's legacy is etched in numerous halls of fame, including the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame, the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1997), the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame (2017), and the National College Baseball Hall of Fame (2021). He is also one of only ten individuals to have both played and coached at the College World Series.

Tommy Edman, a former Stanford player who went on to play in MLB, shared a tribute to Marquess on Instagram, writing, "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream at Stanford and impacting my life forever...I'll always remember to move those puppies because of you. RIP, 9".

Mark Marquess is survived by his wife, Susan, and their three daughters, Bridget, Anne, and Maureen. His contributions to baseball, Stanford University, and the countless lives he touched will be remembered for generations to come.