The death of Bret Higgins leaves Cleveland baseball without one of its most beloved coaches.
Bret Higgins dedicated his life to the game of baseball and to the countless young athletes he mentored along the way.
A former minor league player, Higgins became a fixture in the Cleveland baseball community over the past two decades.
He was most recently the head coach of the North Coast Rebels 12U travel baseball team, where he was known for far more than his baseball knowledge.
Those close to him say he was a mentor, a role model, and a friend — someone who gave his time freely to ensure that every boy who wanted to play baseball could have the opportunity.
Higgins wasn’t just committed to wins and losses; he was committed to building character, fostering resilience, and creating a family-like atmosphere within his teams.
His humor, his quick wit, and above all, his enormous heart left a lasting impact on everyone who crossed his path.
Beyond the field, Higgins was a devoted husband to Stacey and a proud father to his sons, Jordan and BJ.
His passion for baseball was only rivaled by his love for his family.
The Sudden Death of Bret Higgins in Cooperstown
Bret Higgins’ life was tragically cut short on a Sunday night in Cooperstown, New York, where he had traveled with his team for a tournament.
Just hours earlier, the North Coast Rebels had celebrated their first win of the week.
As the team returned from dinner, Higgins confided to a fellow coach that he wasn’t feeling well.
Moments later, emergency services were called, and Higgins was rushed to the hospital.
Despite efforts to save him, the 48-year-old passed away, sending shockwaves through both the Cleveland and baseball communities.
The suddenness of his passing stunned those who knew him. “It was a shock to our entire Cleveland community,” said Tina Raleigh, a parent and team administrator.
She described Higgins as someone whose impact extended far beyond baseball — a man who worked tirelessly, often for free, to ensure that young athletes had opportunities they otherwise might not have had.
In the wake of his death, Higgins’ players chose to honor their coach the best way they knew how — by continuing to play.
At Cooperstown Dream Park, fellow teams and families lined up to cheer them on, forming a human tunnel of support and solidarity.
Higgins’ legacy now lives on not only in the young men he coached but also in the countless families he touched with his generosity and kindness.
Bret Higgins leaves behind his wife, Stacey, and their two sons, Jordan and BJ.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the family with funeral expenses and to support the boys’ educational futures.
Though the official cause of death is still being determined, the measure of the loss is already painfully clear.
In the words of those who knew him best: Forever a Rebel. Forever Bret.
