Sad day for Hokie baseball.
Former VT Baseball coach passes away
"As a coach, he was an ace, and in his 2006 walk-off, he left as the all-time winningest coach in Virginia Tech history in any sport. He finished his career with 1,444 wins, including 961 in 28 seasons at Tech."
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RIP Coach. Hokie legend.
He was my absolute favorite coach to talk to when i was on the staff at the CT. Always had time for us and even called me at home a few times when I left him a voice mail. A truly sweet man that made you feel better after talking to him.
Also, he gave me my favorite quote as a writer - a pitcher got shelled in a game and I asked him about it and he said "Well, (unnamed pitcher) was just dicking around out there and paid for it. You can absolutely quote me on that!"
Did you quote him?
Sure did! Somewhere in a spring issue of the CT in either 98 or 99 that quote is in there.
Name the third base box at English Field for him.
RIP. Great man.
I was at the game for his 499th win at VT since I was out of town for what was his 500th. Also had a ball player in my dorm freshman year and he idolized Hartman as a coach and mentor.
Great man. All class. Interviewed him many times as a student reporter. Always had a smile, and loved the hokies. He would always let us talk to whatever players we wanted for quotes too. RIP to a great man.
I had the opportunity to try out with him to walk on in 2005 after doing a summer camp leading into my freshman year. Definitely gave everyone of us a fair look, and his undivided attention in the batting cage, and a strong handshake. Great dude and it showed on the diamond. Would have loved to play for that man.
I thoroughly enjoyed playing for Coach Hartman. Rest in Peace #1.
Met Coach at the Baseball Night events I attended with friends of mine whom he knew. Was always friendly and willing to talk. I enjoyed chatting with him. Then had seats next to him at the basketball games for 2 years a couple years ago. He was enjoyable to talk to about just about anything and was a true Hokie. Sad that he has passed.
That day is etched in my memory. We were sitting around in our dorm room in East AJ, having a couple of after class beers (Shhh!), listening to the game on the radio. Getting beat pretty badly by Liberty, so no use in going out to the game. The comeback starts, and we down the beers and run across the street to the old Tech Park, getting there in time to see the grand slam for the win. One of my great Tech sports memories.