BEREA, Ohio – The Baldwin Wallace University community is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. On January 6, legendary and Athletics Alumni Hall of Fame coach Bob Fisher, who dedicated 42 years to the Yellow Jackets baseball, football and tennis programs, passed away.
 
"Coach Fisher was more than just a coach; he was a mentor, a role model, and a cherished friend to so many," said Director of Athletics and Recreation Steve Thompson. "His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched both on and off the field."
 
Fisher, who retired from coaching baseball in 2010, finished his remarkable career as the all-time winningest head coach in the history of Baldwin Wallace University, amassing an impressive 700 career wins (700-641-14). At the time of his retirement, he held the record for most wins of any coach across all sports in BW history.
 
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to BW Athletics, Fisher was inducted into the BW Athletics Alumni Hall of Fame in October 2010. In a moving tribute, the baseball field at Baldwin Wallace was dedicated and renamed in his honor during a special ceremony in April 2016.
 
Throughout his career, Fisher led the Yellow Jackets through numerous milestones. He achieved his 700th career victory on May 4, 2010, and his 600th win on March 8, 2005. Under his leadership, BW won the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Coach of the Year award four times, most recently in 1996. His teams set the school record for wins in a season with 25 victories in both 1991 and 2002. Fisher also guided the Yellow Jackets to 16 OAC Tournaments and four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances.
 
In addition to his legendary coaching career, Fisher was a fixture in the BW football program for 35 years, serving as an assistant coach and as defensive coordinator for 20 seasons. He also made significant contributions to the academic side of the university, serving as a professor in the Health and Physical Education Department. Fisher later became faculty chair of the Division of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. He also mentored students through his role as the advisor for BW's Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
 
A passionate advocate for education and student-athletes, Fisher earned his master's degree from Kent State University in 1968 and his doctorate in health education from The Ohio State University in 1988.
 
Fisher's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, coaches, and students at Baldwin Wallace University.