CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Legendary Illinois baseball coach Richard C. "Itch" "Itchy" Jones died at the age of 87, according to Illinois Baseball.
A graduate of  Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Jones had a long history of coaching in the state. He was the head baseball coach at MacMurray College in Jacksonville for three years, before returning to his alma mater SIU.
Jones spent 21 seasons at SIU and led the Salukis to 10 NCAA tournaments and three College World Series appearances in 1971, 1974 and 1977.
He came to Illinois in 1991 and spent 15 years with the program. By the time he retired in 2005, he had 474 victories with the Illini.
"Itch leaves an unfillable void in our world and the baseball community," said Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb in a statement. "He was ahead of his time with his baseball teachings and innovative drills. He was blessed with one of the best minds in the game of baseball. A teacher, clinician, entertainer, and champion.
"He was an outstanding father, husband, brother, and coach. Itch was a second father to me, a lifelong baseball and life mentor. Many of the things we do in our program to this day - both on and off the field - are based on the fundamentals and values that Itch taught and instilled in me.
"Itch was the best human being I have ever been around in my life. I will miss him dearly. He will be missed by all that he touched during his lifetime."
A celebration of life is planned for later this year. Read more about Jones' career at Illinois Baseball here.
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
