The Indiana baseball community is deeply saddened by the loss of John Wirtz, a cherished coach, mentor, and friend whose decades-long dedication left an indelible mark on players and fans alike.

John returned to his alma mater, the University of Indianapolis, in 2008 to serve as the Greyhounds’ third base coach and infield instructor, bringing with him over 30 years of invaluable coaching experience at the high school level.

His coaching career began in the early 1970s at Cardinal Ritter High School and blossomed at Roncalli High School, where from 1977 to 2004, he amassed an outstanding record of 658 wins against 232 losses — a remarkable .740 winning percentage that stands as a testament to his skill, leadership, and passion for the game.

John’s accomplishments earned him well-deserved recognition, including induction into the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002. His athletic talents extended beyond coaching; as a former fast-pitch softball player, he was inducted into the Indiana Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in 2004.

A proud 1971 graduate of the University of Indianapolis, then known as Indiana Central College, John was a four-year starter and all-conference third baseman for the Greyhounds. His love for sports and his community never waned, as he remained a familiar and beloved figure at countless games over the years.

Known for his quick wit and infectious laugh, John was as much a storyteller and friend as he was a coach. One memorable anecdote recalls his playful quip about how Roncalli funded its scoreboard, joking that the school’s only sports were “varsity football, JV football, and freshman football.” Even during challenging times, such as a hospital stay late in life, John’s spirit and humor shone through, bringing comfort to those around him.

His passing leaves a profound gap in the hearts of friends, family, former players, and the wider Indiana sports community. John Wirtz was more than a coach—he was a mentor who inspired countless young athletes, a storyteller who enriched the lives of those he met, and a steadfast supporter of the values that sports instill: teamwork, perseverance, and integrity.

As his family and community grieve, they also celebrate the lasting legacy John leaves behind—a legacy not just of victories, but of kindness, mentorship, and a life well-lived in the service of the game he loved.