Baseball: Legendary coach John Stevenson dies

John Stevenson, the winningest coach in California high school baseball history who recently completed his 50th season at El Segundo, has died from an apparent heart attack, according to a report on CalHiSports. He was 76.

Stevenson coached George Brett and a handful of other major leaguers. His wife, Gail, died in September at age 68 after a 4 1/2-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Stevenson led the Eagles to the playoffs for the 42nd time last spring.

We will have more on this story later.

UPDATE: Stevenson died after suffering the heart attack while driving Monday night in the Marina del Rey area, longtime assistant coach Craig Cousins said. Cousins will take over the coaching duties on an interim basis. A memorial will be held for Stevenson on Jan. 23 in the El Segundo High auditorium. We will print a full obituary in the A section of Wednesday's Times.

--Ben Bolch

Comments

[John Donohue]

My condolences to John Stevenson's family, El Segundo, and all in the prep baseball community on his untimely passing. I met John at the Lions Tourney last year, such a class act, kidded him that I would never catch him. He deserved all of the honors, richly deserved. A true loss. ---John Donohue, Varsity Baseball Coach, Lowell High School, San Francisco,Ca (28th year)

[Patrick]

Very sad news. I live in El Segundo and though I didn't attend ESHS, it's without question that John Stevenson is a legend here. He is going to missed by everyone.