Tributes pour in for college baseball Hall of Famer Mark Marquess after his tragic death aged 78

ICONIC college baseball coach Mark Marquess has died at the age of 78.

The Californian, who played professionally for the Chicago White Sox, spent a staggering 41 years as head coach at Stanford.

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Marquess has passed away at the age of 78Credit: AP

Tributes have been pouring in for the legendary former college baseball coachCredit: AP

Spearheading the baseball program at Sunken Diamond between 1977 and 2017, Marquess led Stanford to two consecutive NCAA Championship titles in the late 1980s.

The former first baseman was also crowned NCAA Coach of the Year in 1985, 1987 and 1988.

And he retired nine years ago having notched more wins – 1,627 – than all bar three coaches in Division I history.

Emotional tributes have been pouring in for Marquess, with current Stanford coach David Esquer writing: “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.

“This is a great loss for the Stanford community, the Stanford baseball family and myself. I love that man.”

Part of Stanford’s heartfelt statement read: “Since arriving on The Farm as a two-sport athlete in baseball and football in the fall of 1965, Marquess’ impact on Stanford baseball was beyond measure, even by the benchmark of his long list of on-field accomplishments.”

As a college athlete Marquess was given the nickname ‘9’ – his jersey number – which stuck even throughout his coaching career.

Marquess enjoyed a 41-year tenure at StanfordCredit: Getty

Marquess (above) four years into his Stanford reign in 1981Credit: Getty

Marquess earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford in 1969, and then a master’s in the same subject from San Jose State seven years later.

As a coach, he earned a reputation for always being the first one into practice, often arriving on an almost deserted campus.

And he was picked to lead Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in 1988 when baseball was held as a demonstration event.

After ending his Stanford reign in 2017, Marquess would go on to serve as special assistant to the director of athletics at Santa Clara.

The legendary figure is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Stanford athletics chief John Donahoe said: “9 was a true icon in every sense and an ambassador for Stanford University.

“His contributions to developing young men both on and off the field was always at the forefront.

“9 impacted countless lives in so many ways and we express our sincerest condolences to his family.”

College baseball coach Craig Hanson added: “Heartbroken. There are no words to explain how much I owe Coach Marquess. Really tough day for College Baseball.”