Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association

The Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association has announced the six individuals, who will be inducted into their Hall of Fame at a banquet at the Madison West Marriott on Saturday afternoon, February 11, 2023.

“It is an outstanding class of individuals, who have been exceptional representatives of not only their programs, but their schools and communities,” said the Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee, Mark R. Fuller of Cumberland.

Three retired coaches will join three still active coaches in this year’s class.
The three active coaches are John Matera of Kenosha Tremper, Dave Bahr of Lake Country Lutheran and John Hamilton of Westby. Matera and Hamiltonhave served the Association as past Presidents, with Hamilton’s presidency ending at the February’s Clinic. Bahr, meanwhile, started the program at Lake Country Lutheran where he has created and maintained  outstanding success.

Matera, who also serves as the Athletic Director at Tremper, has a career record of 304-146 during his 20 years as head coach. He has led the team to 10 Regional Titles and five Conference Championships during that time. Hamilton,meanwhile, has a career mark of 365-181, along with eight Conference Titles and two State runner-ups at Westby. Following the high school season, Hamilton turns his attention to the Legion program, which has also had a history of success.

Dave Bahr’s Lake Country Lutheran teams have built a 492-158 record during his tenure, while the Lightning have won two State Titles and eight Conference Championships. Bahr is also a Conference Representative for the Association.

The three retired inductees are Rob Hamilton of Sun Prairie, Bob Johnson of Eau Claire North and Scott Bagniefski of La Crosse Aquinas.

Hamilton’s Sun Prairie teams won an impressive six State Championships and had a record of 447 and 114 during his time with the program. He was a four-time Big 8 Coach of the Year, twice was named State Coach of the Year, and is a past Association President.

Johnson, meanwhile, retires with an exceptional .803 winning percentage at Eau Claire North and a career record of 307-79. AS Head Coach, his Huskies won two State Championships and six Conference Titles. Johnson also served. He also served the Association as a Conference Representative and is a past State Coach of the Year.

Scott Bagniefski retired from Aquinas last spring after an outstanding career
that saw his Blugolds win two State Titles and three runners-up. His career
record stands at 378-197 and his involvement in baseball extended to the
summer Junior program, which he led for 22 years.

“It is an incredible group whose contributions to the sport will forever be
remembered by those in the state baseball fraternity as well as the young men they coached,” added Fuller.

Anyone wishing to attend the Banquet that starts at 12:15 pm on February 11 should contact Ron Kading at kadingr@potosisd.k12.wi.us for reservations,