1984 Roar R. L. Turner High School Carrollton, Dallas Co., Texas Faculty: Science\Coach

 

OBITUARY Legendary Duncanville baseball coach Bob Rombach dies after battle with cancer; 'He changed lives,' former player says   As the coach of a powerhouse baseball program, Duncanville's Bob Rombach helped develop dozens of professional baseball players, including 10 who played in the major leagues. But the former Duncanville coach did more than change the baseball fortunes of players and teams. "He changed lives," said Eric Hacker, who starred at Duncanville and pitched in the majors. "There's no doubt he changed my life." Rombach, who completed a 39-year coaching career with a stellar 23-year run at Duncanville, died Wednesday morning after a battle with cancer. He was 72. "With him, it was all about Duncanville," said former Duncanville player J-Bob Thomas, now an assistant baseball coach at Texas Tech. "When we rolled up in that bus, that script 'D' on the hat meant something. We were going to win and we were going to play the game the right way." Rombach had a coaching record of 862-364, and he was 568-182 at Duncanville, which he led to six state tournaments and the Class 5A state title in 1990. He retired after the 2007 season. "Outside of my own dad, Bob Rombach was probably the biggest influence in my life both on and off the field," said Todd Ritchie, who hit the winning home run in the 1990 state title game and pitched eight seasons in the major leagues. The Duncanville ISD announced earlier this month that Duncanville's baseball stadium will be named in Rombach's honor. At that stadium in 2007, Rombach talked about his career. "All the wins and the championships don't hold a candle to the relationships I've made," he said. "Just knowing that I've touched the life of the kids. It's overwhelming to think about it." Rombach is survived by his wife, Deanna; daughters, Amy and Tracy; son, Deron; and eight grandchildren. The rosary and viewing will be Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at Jaynes Memorial Chapel in Duncanville. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Duncanville. Panthers to pros Players coached by Bob Rombach who played Major League Baseball include: Bobbie Johnson (Rangers, NY Yankees) David Nied (Atlanta, Colorado) Chris Eddy (Oakland) Todd Ritchie (Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay) Steve Gibralter (Cincinnati) Chad Allen (Minnesota, Cleveland, Rangers, Florida) Mike Bacsik (Cleveland, NY Mets, Rangers) Cliff Bartosh (Cleveland, Chicago Cubs) Brandon Fahey (Baltimore)

Notes:

• In Memoriam - R. L. Turner High School - Faculty
• Find-A-Grave Memorial #163942438