Rudy Abbott

Rudy Abbott
Biographical details
Born(1940-12-29)December 29, 1940
Anniston, Alabama, U.S.
DiedFebruary 9, 2022(2022-02-09) (aged 81)
Jacksonville, Alabama, U.S.
Alma materJones Junior College
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1970–2001Jacksonville State
Head coaching record
Overall1003–467
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
2x NCAA Division II tournament (1990, 1991)
Awards
2x NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year (1990, 1991)
5x GSC Coach of the Year
1x TAAC Coach of the Year

Rudy Vallee Abbott (December 29, 1940 – February 9, 2022) was an American college baseball coach who served as head coach of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks baseball team from 1970 to 2001. His all-time record is 1003–467 (.682).[1]

Coaching career

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Abbott coached the Jacksonville State baseball teams to NCAA Division II national champions in 1990 and 1991.[2] Seven of his Jacksonville State baseball teams advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series. In 1979, his team started the season with a 29–0 record, an NCAA record for the best start in history.[3] He was named Division II Coach of the Year in 1990.[4] In Division I, he was named the TAAC Coach of the Year in 1997.

As of 2013, Abbott's 1,003 wins placed him ninth on the all-time NCAA list for coaches in Division II.[5]

Personal life and death

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Abbott was hospitalized with COVID-19-related pneumonia in February 2022. He died on February 9, at the age of 81, in Jacksonville, Alabama.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "JSU Mourns Loss of Hall of Fame Baseball Coach Rudy Abbott". jsugamecocksports.com. Jacksonville State Gamecocks. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  2. ^ Newberry, Paul. "Abbott 1 win shy of 800 at Jacksonville". TimesDaily (Florence, Ala.), April 20, 1994, p. 1D. Retrieved on May 26, 2013.
  3. ^ "Rudy Abbott". Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2013-05-18.
  4. ^ Cedartown Standard. "Abbott selected coach of the year". January 22, 1991, p. 9. Retrieved on May 26, 2013.
  5. ^ National Collegiate Athletic Association. "2013 NCAA Baseball Coaching Records Through 2012", p. 6. Retrieved on May 26, 2013.
  6. ^ "Legendary Jacksonville baseball coach Rudy Abbott dies". WBRC. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.