The McArtor brothers, Gene (left) and Allan, of the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Legion baseball team, pose in 1958 with their father, J.T. McArtor, who coaches at Southwest High.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Hall of Fame Missouri baseball coach Gene McArtor died Sunday at 83, the school announced.
McArtor, the all-time winningest coach in MU program history, was a Webster Groves product who was also a standout player for the Tigers.
After taking over as Mizzou’s coach in 1974, he won 733 games across 21 seasons, including two Big Eight titles and six NCAA Tournament appearances. McArtor’s No. 33 is one of just three numbers retired by Missouri.
As a first baseman, he played on two teams that won the Big Eight and appeared in the College World Series. McArtor also worked in Mizzou athletics administration.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gene McArtor, a true Mizzou legend,” athletics director Laird Veatch said in a statement. “Gene’s dedication to our baseball program as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, and his unwavering commitment to the University of Missouri, left an indelible mark on our program and athletics department. His leadership, integrity and passion for Mizzou as a player, coach and administrator were truly remarkable. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. Gene’s legacy will forever be part of Mizzou athletics.”
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“We have lost one of the all-time Tiger greats in Coach Mac,” current baseball coach Kerrick Jackson said in a statement. “His impact on this program, the University and our game is second to none. His guidance and mentorship will be missed by all who were privileged to be in his presence. I truly cherished our conversations and his leadership. The toughness and discipline on which his program was built were elements he fully embraced and believed in, and it is our goal to continue that tradition and make him proud.”
