Updated: Steve Kerr, Curt Schilling, Terry Francona and Brian Jeffries remember Jerry Kindall

Arizona coaching legend dies

Jerry Kindall, who led the Wildcats to College World Series championships in 1976, 1980 and 1986, died Sunday, three days after suffering a severe stroke. He was 82. Following his death, former UA players and coaches shared their thoughts on Kindall as a coach, leader and person. 

Here's what they said. (All quotes courtesy of the UA).

UA athletic director Dave Heeke

“I was saddened to learn of Jerry Kindall’s passing earlier today. Coach Kindall is not only an Arizona Athletics icon, but an icon in the world of baseball, and specifically, college baseball. From leading our baseball program to three National Championships to the effect he had on our community and the lives of so many, including over two decades worth of student-athletes, Jerry’s impact will be remembered and cherished for generations to come. On behalf of the athletics department and Wildcats everywhere, we want to share our deepest condolences with Jerry’s family and friends.” – Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke

UA baseball coach Jay Johnson

"This is a sad day for Arizona Baseball. Jerry Kindall is one of the greatest college baseball coaches of all time, but he was much more than that. I don't think there is anyone that was held in higher regard for the person that they were as Coach Kindall was. He was almost a larger than life person, and when you talk about being an elite coach, and more importantly, an elite person, he was and will continue to be the standard. I am honored to be a part of the program that Coach made so great for so long. We will continue to honor his legacy by how we represent Arizona baseball." – UA coach Jay Johnson

Former Wildcats coach Andy Lopez

“I don’t think you’ll find a better man than Jerry Kindall. I know I have never known a better man, and what an unbelievable coach on top of that. I don’t think there are words to describe what Jerry Kindall meant to young coaches and to his fellow man. I don’t know anybody that says anything bad about Jerry Kindall. What he did at Arizona is remarkable. He came into a program in pretty good shape, but he was able to do something that’s very difficult and win a National Championship. Not only one, but three. He forever put this program on the map in terms of college baseball. What he did in 1976, 1980 and 1986; this program was put on the map at that point in time by Jerry Kindall. I’ve said it forever; I was just the gatekeeper at Arizona. It was well established before I showed up. It was a very proud time of my life to be the head coach at Arizona, and it really stems from Frank Sancet and Jerry Kindall.” – Former Wildcats coach Andy Lopez

Former Wildcats coach Jerry Stitt

“The first thing is it’s such an honor to come find me and ask me to be part of the program. He had already won a National Championship and building a program for the ages, I was just honored. It was a great honor to go to practice with him every day and learn from him and be on the field. There is no way you can estimate the impact he had on student-athletes. The passion he shared with all of the players and all of us working with him carried on for a lifetime. It was a great honor for me to suit up with Coach Kindall. He's such a great role model for everybody. He was a man of solid integrity. He was the same whether we won or lost. It was always about learning from the moment and teaching and getting better every day. That’s what stuck with me for so long, and has stuck with every guy he touched. I will miss knowing I can see him anytime very dearly.” – Former Wildcats coach Jerry Stitt

Terry Francona, 1980 Golden Spikes winner and current Cleveland Indians manager

“Some people talk the talk, he walked the walk. He lived his life just like you’re supposed to. It’s easy to say things, but he lived it. In a nutshell, he taught us not only to respect the game of baseball, but respect the people in the game. That was the most valuable lesson any of us learned. He taught us how to act and treat people. When you’re 18, you know the guy knows what he’s talking about. We knew he was a great coach. He kept us busy. We kept getting better every day. And, what was so special was after you got done playing for him, he keeps up with everybody. I can’t tell you how many messages he’s left me during the season, no matter if it’s going well or not. He lived life the way it was supposed to be lived.” – Terry Francona, 1980 Golden Spikes winner and current Cleveland Indians manager 

UA great and Washington Nationals bench coach Chip Hale

“Number one, it was an honor to come to a university like Arizona and play for a program that’s so storied. Coach Kindall gave me that opportunity. Little did I know, I was going to play for one of the top baseball instructors in all of college baseball, but more importantly, the number one man I know; an example of a husband, father and a professional. You think you know what you’re playing for, but it was more than I ever signed up for. This is a man, that at every point of his life, was an example for me going forward. When I left Arizona, I felt like I was as ready to get out in the world, whether it was baseball or something else, just from his examples. Any time things weren’t going well in the professional baseball world, whether I was playing, coaching or managing, I always got a call from him. It was just a little word of encouragement. He always had a nice, encouraging word for me. He always asked about my family. Whenever I needed that nudge, he was there to give it more. When things broke yesterday, I texted a bunch of the guys I knew from the UA. I said the number one thing was we were blessed to play for a great man and a wonderful coach.” – Chip Hale, Arizona great and Washington Nationals bench coach

Ron Hassey, Arizona great and former major-league catcher

“I’ve known Coach Kindall since 1972 when he recruited me. We stayed friends all the way up until today. Unfortunately, this is a sad day, especially for the baseball world, and especially at the University of Arizona. I think Jerry Kindall is one of the main reasons why Arizona baseball is where it’s at. He wasn’t just a coach; he taught us about life also. I think that’s very important about Jerry Kindall. He meant a lot to me since I was in his first recruiting class. I remember my dad telling me after we talked to him, this is the man to play for. That turned out to be the right move. Not just baseball, he taught you everything about life, on top of baseball. He was a very positive guy. He taught us how to be professionals. He taught us how to be a professional baseball player. It was an honor to have played for him.” – Ron Hassey, Arizona great and former major-league catcher

Steve Kerr, UA basketball legend and Golden State Warriors coach

RIP, coach Kindall. May you enjoy the friendly confines of heaven... https://t.co/6sOptthbN2

— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) December 25, 2017

UA president Robert C. Robbins

The Wildcat Family lost a baseball giant and a giant in the game of life last night My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Kindall’s family and to everyone who loved him https://t.co/UHJEKuamno

— Robert C. Robbins (@UofAPres) December 25, 2017

UA softball coach Mike Candrea

We lost a great man today! Outstanding Baseball Coach and an even better man! My thoughts and prayers go out to Jerry Kindall’s family! Thanks for being a great mentor! #Beardown

— Mike Candrea (@CoachCandreaUA) December 24, 2017

Utah assistant coach and UA grad Mike Crawford

My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Jerry Kindall, his family and @ArizonaBaseball. Coach Kindall is an amazing man who always did it the right way while shaping his players into better human beings. He was a mentor to many including my boss. We are thinking of you coach!!!

— Mike Crawford (@CrawUTES) December 24, 2017

Jim Kaat, former big-leaguer and current broadcaster

Saddened and stunned to hear of the passing of Jerry Kindall. A friend.a wonderful teammate. A gentle and kind man of deep Christian faith. And a coach that impacted many lives. A life well lived . Condolences to the Kindall family

— Jim Kaat (@KaatJim) December 25, 2017

ESPN broadcaster Dave Pasch

Jerry Kindall was one of the nicest, servant hearted people I’ve ever met & had the pleasure of working with. Saddened by the news of his passing.

— Dave Pasch (@DavePasch) December 25, 2017

UA football analyst and former Wildcats great Chuck Cecil

Sending thoughts and prayers for Coach Kindall’s family. @ghansen711 reporting he has passed. 🙏 Jerry Kindall, who won three national titles at Arizona in Hall of Fame career, gravely ill https://t.co/a8vuJ0z4SN via @tucsonstar

— Chuck Cecil (@chuckcecil26) December 24, 2017

Brian Jeffries, "The Voice of the Wildcats"

Next to my own father, Jerry Kindall was one of the greatest men I’ve known. He lived his life with faith and dignity. Wins and losses were secondary to his real passion, caring for people. Thank you JK and RIP.🙏

— Brian Jeffries (@catspbp) December 25, 2017

Former big-leaguer Curt Schilling

I grew up a Sun Devil fan but man Jerry Kindall was nothing but class. So sorry to hear he passed today. #RIP #Wildcatsbaseball

— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) December 25, 2017

Former UA standout Wes Clements

The absolute nicest man I have ever met Jerry Kindall who happened to be my college baseball coach at @AZATHLETICS has passed away. ! He was a legend in college baseball but left his mark and love on so many. Love you dearly J K and will miss you but you live on in all of us ! 💔

— Wes C (@WesClements22) December 25, 2017