Legendary GWC Baseball Coach Fred Hoover Dies At Age 81.
“He was my mentor and will be missed by the entire Rustler family. He touched so many lives in a positive manner that it is hard to grasp that he is gone."
Huntington Beach, Calif. - Fred Hoover a longtime coach died Friday June 22, 2012, he was 81.
Hoov started the Golden West College Baseball team in 1967 and spent next 20 years coaching the Rustlers before retiring in 1988. In his tenure his teams were 433-281 in 21 seasons. In 1988 he joined Larry Cochell's staff @ CSUF, then went on to UCI in 1991. He served additional stints as pitching coach to Bert Villareal (current GWC coach), and to Rex Peters at Chapman University.
"Hoov as we all affectionately called him was like a second father to many of us," remarked Bert Villareal. "He was my mentor and will be missed by the entire Rustler family. He touched so many lives in a positive manner that it is hard to grasp that he is gone. I will miss him dearly he was not just a coach to me he was a dear friend, father figure, and most of all a wonderful husband to his loving wife Barbara. My condolences go out to the Hoover family and there will be a ceremony at our home opener next season to honor this great man."
Hoov's best season at Golden West was in 1982, when the Rustlers finished 30-8 and won the South Coast Conference championship. Golden West also won 30 games and the conference title in 1977 (30-9).
Under Hoov, the Rustlers won 20 or more games 12 times, won or shared seven conference championships and haven't had a losing season 1971-1987. Hoov was inducted into the California Community College Baseball HOF in 1992.
Fred Hoover is survived by his wife, Barbara, two daughters JoJo and Lisa, his son Rick, and Grandkids Kristen and Julie Kirsch, Nic And Chris Hoover, and Megan, Anastasia, and Del Crandall.
Fred Hoover's "Celebration of Life" July 22nd from 2:00-5:00pm at:
Costa Mesa Golf Course
1701 Golf Course Drive
Costa Mesa, California
Casual Attire Please
Fred and Barbara Hoover Scholarship Fund
There has been a scholarship fund started through the Golden West College Foundation to honor Fred. The scholarship will be endowed to benefit a deserving player from the Rustler Baseball Team. The endowment needs $5,000.00 to get it off the ground and the deserving player will receive $250.00. Any donations can be sent to:
Golden West College Foundation
15744 Goldenwest Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
ATTN: Fred and Barbara Hoover Scholarship Fund
Fred Hoover Memorial Golf Tournament
The Golden West Baseball Program is changing the name of its annual Golf tournament in which Fred participated in every year. Come join us to honor Fred this November by playing the game that "Hoov" had such a passion for. A portion of the proceeds will go into the scholarship fund above. Last year's event was a wonderful experience for all that participated in the event.
When: Nov. 12th, Noon shot gun start.
Where: Mile Square Golf course
Food: EZ Go Box Lunch before, Buffet dinner following golf
Prizes: Raffle Items, Silent Auction, Closest to the pin, Longest drive.
Entry Fees: $150.00
For more information on either item above please contact:
Bert Villarreal
School: (714) 895-8260
Cell: (714) 360-6095