Jerry Bartow, a beloved baseball coach in San Diego County, passed away at the age of 91.
While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, it is believed to be due to natural causes related to age.
The news of his passing was shared on the official Facebook page of San Diego Stars – Semi Pro Baseball, which wrote:
Another tribute read:
Coach Jerry Bartow passed away yesterday. He was our Hoover HS baseball coach and like a father to me. Morstad and I had breakfast with him in March and his stories had us rolling with laughter. In his 90s he still had a gift of telling a yarn. He will be missed by many. RIP 40.
Via Facebook
A third heartfelt message said:
Rip Coach one of My Favorite Coaches of all Time..Jerry 40 Bartow has gone to Heaven..Southwestern College Legend Coach is an Angel in the Sky..Loved his Style and Baseball Love of The Sport..Vaya Con Dios 40
Via Facebook
To honor his memory, a funeral service will be held on September 29 at 12:30 p.m. at the Glen Abbey Little Chapel of Roses in Bonita.
A celebration of life is also scheduled for the following day at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan, beginning at 4 p.m.
Jerry Bartow leaves behind a lasting legacy as a coach, mentor, and friend to countless players and colleagues in the San Diego baseball community.
Jerry Bartow spent 14 seasons as the head baseball coach at Hoover High School.
During that time, he led the team to a 226-119 record and won three San Diego Section championships between 1961 and 1975.
In 1976, Bartow began teaching and coaching baseball at Southwestern College.
Over 39 years, he built an incredible record of 907-658-9 and won 11 conference championships.
His 2008 team finished second in the state, and five other teams made it to the Super Regionals. His final team in 2014 reached the Southern California championship.
Former players remember Bartow not only as a successful coach but also as someone with a fun and unique personality.
Damon Oppenheimer, now with the New York Yankees, said:
Jerry was a great coach, but he was a character. He was fun to play for, but was also super competitive. He had passion for the game. Our field was immaculate and our team always looked great; first-class uniforms. Guys wanted to play for him. He always knew the right buttons to push. And he was always there for you, whether it was on the field, in the classroom, a personal problem or at a job.
Via Sandiegouniontribune
In the baseball world, many knew Bartow as “Forty,” his jersey number, or “Lefty,” since he was a left-handed pitcher and captain of Washington State’s 1956 College World Series team.
Although Bartow retired from teaching in 2003, he continued coaching for years.
Even after stepping down, he stayed close to Southwestern baseball, often attending games to support the team.
Coach Jay Martel shared that Bartow watched about a dozen games last season, showing his lasting love for the sport and his players.
His passing has left a deep sense of loss among the baseball community. His legacy as a coach, mentor, and friend will continue to be remembered with respect and love.
Inside Jerry Bartow and Wife Betty’s 42-Year Union
Jerry Bartow shared a long and loving marriage with his wife, Betty. The two were married for 42 years until Betty’s passing.
Although little has been publicly shared about their married life, it is clear that their bond was strong and enduring.
Bartow often kept his personal life private, choosing instead to let his career on the baseball field and his relationships with players speak for him.
Together, Jerry and Betty raised four children – daughters Teresa, Brenda, and Karen, along with their son, Bucky.
All four children are now grown and have families of their own, carrying forward the values and strength instilled by their parents.
Family was always important to Bartow. Over the years, his family expanded, and today he is the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren. His children and grandchildren have often been described as his greatest joy outside of baseball.
His daughter-in-law, Patti Bartow, plays a special role in continuing Jerry’s connection to Southwestern College.
Patti serves as the Director of the SWC Child Development Center and also helps the Athletics Office, often keeping an eye on Jerry during his semi-retirement years.
This close connection shows how deeply rooted the Bartow family has become within both the community and the college.
Even though Jerry kept many details of his personal life private, it is clear that his family was always a cornerstone of his happiness.
His legacy is not only measured in baseball wins but also in the strong, close-knit family he leaves behind.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jerry Bartow attended Taft High School in Taft, Oregon, from 1948 to 1952, where he excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and boxing.
- During his senior year (1951–52), he earned All-State honors in basketball.
- In 1952, he enrolled at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, and graduated with a degree in 1957.
