Former Clovis West baseball coach Stan Bledsoe died shortly before midnight Friday at Saint Agnes Medical Center, having never regained consciousness following a Jan. 17 heart attack.
His passing leaves a gaping hole in the local baseball community.
Bledsoe won but one league championship in 23 years at Clovis West, yet -- at such a high-pressure school for coaches -- he was untouchable.
Why? It was all about respect. And never has a Golden Eagles coach earned more than him. Which is why, of course, their field is named in his honor.
I can't imagine a coach in any sport being respected more by his players than Coach Bledsoe. I played baseball for several years before playing for him, but I never learned as much as I learned from Coach. He was a great teacher of the game of baseball. The local baseball community has definitely lost with his passing. My condolences to the entire Bledsoe family.
Tom Moore, Golden Eagle 84-85
My condolences go out to the entire Bledsoe family with all my heart. I played for coach at Maders High, was drafted by the Pittsbugh Pirates and ended up playing professionally for 17 years. His honesty as a coach was one thing but his positive attitude during crunch time helped prepare me to pitch in the majors. He will be missed but his legacy as a great human being will live forever.
My heart goes out to all who have been touched by this wonderful man. At Roosevelt, many many years ago, he was not my coach, but still made a positive impact on my life through his words of encouragement. I try to do the same as I coach today! May his spirit of goodwill and passion live through all those he has impacted. My prayers to all of his family and loved ones...