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RIP 14 | Brad Rempel—Gophersports.com
The University of Minnesota and the Gopher baseball family is mourning the loss of legendary former head coach John Anderson who’s death was confirmed by his family and the University on Sunday afternoon at the age of 71. Both St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Charlie Walters and Minnesota Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse reported on Thursday that Anderson has suffered a major heart attack on Wednesday night and that his prognosis was not good. The University press release stated that “Anderson’s body was returned to the University of Minnesota after his passing, with his final act of service coming through organ donation at the University.” Anderson is survived by his loving wife Jan and daughter Erin, who were with him in his final moments. Funeral arrangements and services are pending.
Anderson was a Gopher lifer. He was recruited by another Gopher legend in “Chief” Dick Siebert as a pitcher in 1974. An injury ended Anderson’s playing career in 1975, and he transitioned to a student assistant coach role the following season. He became a graduate assistant under Dick Siebert in 1978 before being named an assistant coach under George Thomas in 1979. Anderson was named the 13th head coach in program history in the fall of 1981 at age 26, making him the youngest head baseball coach in Big Ten history. By the time he retired in 2024, he was the longest-tenured coach in Minnesota history. He finished his 43-year head coaching career with a 1,390-1,021-3 record, ranking first in the Big Ten and 20th all-time among NCAA Division I coaches in career victories.
Minnesota made 19 NCAA postseason appearances under Anderson, including a historic 2018 season in which the Gophers hosted an NCAA Regional for the first time since 2000 and advanced to the program’s first NCAA Super Regional, marking Minnesota’s best postseason finish since reaching the College World Series in 1977. Seven different Gophers earned 13 All-America First Team honors under Anderson, and at least 25 of his former players suited up in Major League Baseball. Many others continued their careers in the minor leagues. Minnesota has had a player drafted in the MLB Draft the past 39 years, starting in 1988 under Anderson and continuing through the 2026 draft.
Anderson was inducted into four different organizations’ halls of fame: the American Baseball Coaches Association (2008), the University of Minnesota “M” Club (2002), the Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Association (2013) and Hibbing Community College. Anderson was recently named the recipient of the 2027 American Baseball Coaches Association/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award, which he was scheduled to receive on Jan. 8, 2027, during the 83rd annual ABCA Convention. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of baseball at the local, national and international levels.
Affectionately known as “14” throughout the baseball community, Anderson became the seventh Gopher to have his number retired when No. 14 was honored in 2024. He joined Paul Giel (No. 34), Dick Siebert (No. 24), Dave Winfield (No. 31), Paul Molitor (No. 11), David Chelesnik (No. 26) and Herb “Ike” Isakson (No. 5).
The University of Minnesota released the following three statements on Anderson’s passing.
Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, President of the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota extends sincere sympathy to the family of John Anderson and all those impacted by his excellence throughout his legendary career. The impact John had on so many over so many years cannot be understated. John reflected the very best of our University over so many years.
Mark Coyle, Director of Athletics
We lost one of the true giants in the history of the University of Minnesota. John Anderson dedicated nearly five decades of his life to Gopher Baseball and to the young men who wore the Maroon and Gold. His accomplishments on the field are unmatched, but his greatest legacy is the generations of student-athletes he mentored, inspired and prepared for success in life. Our thoughts are with John’s wife Jan, their daughter Erin, his former players and coaches and everyone whose lives were touched by John. His impact on our department, our University and the game of baseball will be felt for generations.
Ty McDevitt, Head Baseball Coach
John was a devoted husband to Jan, a proud father to Erin, and so much more than a coach to all of us. His impact reached far beyond the baseball field through the relationships he built, the lives he shaped and the example he set every day. He leaves behind a legacy that will never be matched, and our entire Gopher Baseball family is heartbroken by this loss. Coach Anderson always reminded us to appreciate the people around us and to take care of one another. That’s how he lived his life, and it’s how we’ll honor his memory.
We here at TDG join the outpouring of support for the Anderson family, the Gopher baseball family, and the general Minnesota baseball family at large. RIP 14.
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