John Altobelli Biography: Former Team, Wife, Children, Height, Age, Parents, Net Worth, Siblings, Obituary  

John Edward Altobelli, famously known as John Altobelli, was an American college baseball coach revered for his 27-year tenure as head coach of the Orange Coast College Pirates in Costa Mesa, California, where he led the team to four California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championships.

Known for his passion and mentorship, Altobelli was named the 2019 National Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association.

A former outfielder at Golden West College and the University of Houston, he coached future MLB stars like Aaron Judge and Jeff McNeil.

Profile

• Full Name: John Edward Altobelli
• Stage Name: John Altobelli
• Born: 8, May 1963
• Date of death: January 26, 2020 (Aged: 56 years)
• Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: College Baseball Coach
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Jim Altobelli and Mrs. Altobelli
• Siblings: 6
• Spouse: Barbara Jean WooSam (Divorced) and Keri L. Sanders
• Children: John James, Alexis Altobelli, and Alyssa Altobelli
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $500,000 and $1 million

Early Life and Education

John Edward Altobelli was born on May 8, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jim Altobelli, a professional baseball player, and Mrs. Altobelli, whose name is not publicly disclosed.

As the sixth of seven children, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in baseball. Raised in Newport Beach, California, he attended Newport Harbor High School, where he excelled as an outfielder.

Altobelli played college baseball at Golden West College, earning the “Rustler of the Year” title in 1983, and later transferred to the University of Houston, where he was a two-year captain for the Cougars (1984–1985).

He graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1987 and earned a Master’s degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University in 1988. His ethnicity is Caucasian, and his religious affiliation is not publicly known.

Career

John Edward Altobelli began his coaching career in 1986 as the junior varsity coach at his alma mater, Newport Harbor High School. In 1987, he served as a graduate assistant at the University of Houston, followed by a stint as an assistant coach at UC Irvine from 1988 to 1992.

When UC Irvine’s baseball program folded due to budget cuts, Altobelli was appointed head coach of Orange Coast College (OCC) in July 1992. Over 27 seasons, he transformed the Pirates into a powerhouse, amassing a 705–478–4 record (.592 winning percentage).

His leadership led to state championships in 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2019, with the 2012 team achieving a 36–7–1 record, one of the best in OCC history. Altobelli’s impact extended beyond OCC. From 2012 to 2014, he coached the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod Baseball League, mentoring future MLB stars like Aaron Judge, Jeff McNeil, and Ryon Healy.

His 2019 season culminated in his 700th career win and the American Baseball Coaches Association’s National Coach of the Year award for the Pacific Association Division.

Known for his ability to nurture overlooked talent, Altobelli helped players like Ryan Evans and Jeff McNeil advance to professional careers. His fundraising efforts also upgraded OCC’s baseball facilities, enhancing the program’s infrastructure.

Altobelli’s legacy endures through his profound influence on players and the baseball community. His demanding yet compassionate coaching style earned him deep respect, with players describing him as a “collector of lost baseball souls.” His friendship with Kobe Bryant, forged through their daughters’ basketball team at Mamba Sports Academy, highlighted his warmth.

The Orange Coast College baseball stadium was renamed John Altobelli Park in 2022 in honor of his contributions. His death in the January 26, 2020, helicopter crash shocked the sports world, but his impact continues through the players he mentored and the community he built.

Social Media

• Twitter Handle: @JohnAltobelli3

Personal Life

John Edward Altobelli was married twice. His first marriage was to Barbara Jean WooSam produced a son, John James (J.J.), who played college baseball professionally for the Oregon Ducks and later for the Johnson City Cardinals. She later became a scout for the Boston Red Sox.

With his second wife, Keri L. Sanders, Altobelli had two daughters, Alexis and Alyssa. Alyssa, aged 13, died alongside her parents in the January 26, 2020, helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, which also claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and others.

The family lived in Newport Beach, California. Altobelli underwent open-heart surgery in December 2012 but continued coaching with undiminished passion. He was survived by his children, J.J. and Alexis.

Net Worth

John Edward Altobelli’s net worth was not publicly disclosed, which is typical for many college-level coaches whose financial information is often kept private. However, estimates suggest it may have ranged between $500,000 and $1 million.

His primary sources of income included his salary as the head baseball coach at Orange Coast College, seasonal coaching roles with the Brewster Whitecaps, and contributions generated through fundraising initiatives for the OCC baseball program.