St. Scholastica baseball coach John Baggs, who led the team for 17 years and compiled a 531-197 record, died this morning after battling a rare form of cancer. He was 42. Baggs lead the Saints to the winningest record in NCAA Division III baseball over the last decade

Though the players are mourning their coach's death, the team has decided to go ahead and play its doubleheader tonight against Wisconsin-La Crosse, assistant coach Joe Wicklund said. The first game is set for 10:45 p.m. at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

Under Baggs, St. Scholastica baseball has become synonymous with success while producing some of the most exciting moments in St. Scholastica athletics history. In 1998, Baggs became the winningest coach ever at St. Scholastica in any sport. Baggs was voted UMAC Coach of the Year in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006. He has coached eighteen All-Americans and twelve of his players have gone on to sign professional contracts.

"John is a good leader of his team and a good example for all of our students," St. Scholastica President Larry Goodwin said. "His players learn about much more than winning baseball games, as successful as they are on the field. They learn about values that The College of St. Scholastica holds dear. I'm thinking particularly of respect and community. We all support John and his family in this struggle."