Legendary college baseball coach Mark Marquess dead at 78

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Legendary college baseball coach Mark Marquess died on Friday, Stanford University announced. He was 78.

Marquess was in the dugout for the Cardinal for 41 years. He led Stanford to back-to-back college baseball national championships in 1987 and 1988. He retired from the sport in 2017 and is No. 4 on the all-time college baseball wins list with a record of 1,627-878-7.

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Stanford Cardinal head coach Mark Marquess instructs during batting practice before the game against the California Golden Bears at Sunken Diamond on April 22, 2009. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)

"This man was Stanford baseball," Stanford’s current head coach David Esquer said in a statement. "He was my coach, and like a father to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. This is a great loss for the Stanford community, the Stanford baseball family and myself. I love that man."

Marquess was lovingly known as "9" because of the iconic No. 9 jersey he wore in the dugout.

"We are deeply saddened and mourn the passing of Mark Marquess," Stanford athletic director John Donahoe said in a statement. "’9’ was a true icon in every sense and an ambassador for Stanford University. His contributions to developing young men both on and off the field was always at the forefront. ‘9’ impacted countless lives in so many ways and we express our sincerest condolences to his family."

Stanford Cardinal head coach Mark Marquess (9) and Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Martin (11) meet with the umpires before game one of the Tallahassee super regional at Dick Howser Stadium on June 8, 2012.  (Melina Vastola/USA TODAY Sports)