Tommy Edman, a key player for the Los Angeles Dodgers' back-to-back World Series championships, publicly honored his late college coach, Mark Marquess, who died on Friday at age 78. Marquess coached Edman at Stanford University from 2014 to 2016.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Edman shared an emotional Instagram tribute to Marquess, thanking him for shaping his career. Marquess, a legendary figure in college baseball, led Stanford for 41 years, winning two national championships and amassing 1,627 victories. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame.
Deeper Dive & Context
Edman's Career and Tribute
Edman, drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016, became a Gold Glove winner and NLCS MVP before joining the Dodgers in 2024. He signed a five-year, $74 million extension after the team's World Series victory. Marquess, known as '9' for his iconic dugout jersey, was praised by Stanford's current coach, David Esquer, as a father figure and mentor.
Marquess's Legacy
Marquess's tenure at Stanford included 30 NCAA Tournament appearances and six Super Regionals. He won three NCAA Coach of the Year awards and nine Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors. Stanford athletic director John Donahoe called him an ambassador for the university.
Edman's 2025 Season
Edman's 2025 season was impacted by a sprained ankle requiring surgery, but he contributed in the postseason, reaching base in 12 of 16 games as the Dodgers returned to the World Series.