Robert Hiegert | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1942-02-17)February 17, 1942 |
| Died | June 19, 2025(2025-06-19) (aged 83) |
| Alma mater | California State University, Northridge |
| Occupation | Baseball coach · Athletic director |
| Employer(s) | California State University, Northridge |
| Awards |
|
Robert J. Hiegert (February 17, 1942 – June 19, 2025) was an American college baseball coach and athletics administrator. He served as head baseball coach at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) from 1967 to 1984 and is the program's longest-tenured and winningest coach. During his tenure, he led the Matadors to two NCAA Division II national championships and later served as CSUN's athletic director and as commissioner of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).[1]
Early life and education
Hiegert graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, before enrolling at San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN) in 1960. While a student, he was active in campus life, joining the Delta Sigma Nu fraternity and serving on the freshman steering committee and as sophomore class president.[1]
Hiegert was a four-year starting shortstop for the Matadors from 1960 to 1963, playing under head coaches Phil Munroe and Stan Charnofsky. He was part of the program's first winning season in 1960 and was named Athlete of the Year during his collegiate career.[2] He earned a bachelor's degree in 1964 and a master's degree in 1968.
Playing career
After college, Hiegert played professional baseball in the Los Angeles Angels organization before returning to CSUN in a coaching capacity.[1][2]
Coaching career
Hiegert became head baseball coach at CSUN in 1967 and led the team to three consecutive winning seasons at the start of his tenure. In 1970, the Matadors recorded 41 wins, won the California Collegiate Athletic Association title, and captured the NCAA Division II National Championship.[1]
Under Hiegert, CSUN became a national Division II power, earning 11 NCAA Tournament berths, eight conference championships, five regional titles, and 14 winning seasons. The Matadors made eight appearances at the College World Series during his tenure and finished in the top three nationally five times, including a runner-up finish in 1972.[2]
In his final season as head coach in 1984, CSUN won a then-record 46 games, averaged 8.1 runs per game, and went 8–2 in postseason play to claim its second NCAA Division II national championship. Following that season, Hiegert was named National Coach of the Year.[3]
Over his coaching career, Hiegert produced 20 All-Americans, 57 All-District selections, and 107 All-Conference honorees. Twenty-three of his players were selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft, with five reaching the Major League level.[1]
Administrative career
Hiegert served as CSUN's men's athletic director beginning in 1984[4] and continued in administrative roles after retiring from coaching. From 1988 to 1995, he served as director of athletics for both men's and women's programs.[2] In 1997, he was appointed commissioner of the California Collegiate Athletic Association,[5] a position he held until his retirement in 2013.[1][6]
Controversy
In 1992, Hiegert faced public criticism and calls for his resignation as athletic director at CSUN amid allegations of racial insensitivity and systemic inequities within the athletics program. Black student organizations, including the Black Student Union and the Black Athletes Association, accused the department of fostering a hostile climate for Black students and pointed to disparities in graduation rates between Black athletes and the broader student-athlete population. Hiegert denied the accusations, characterizing them as “false” and “unsubstantiated,” and asserted that the criticism was part of a coordinated campaign. He stated publicly that he would not resign and indicated he was considering legal action in response to what he described as defamatory claims. At the same time, he acknowledged broader concerns about graduation rates across the university and said the athletics department was taking steps to address academic outcomes.[7][8]
Later that year, an independent university-commissioned report examined the allegations and concluded that the CSUN athletic program had not engaged in racial discrimination. The report found no evidence of racial bias in departmental policies or practices, though it noted concerns about overall graduation rates among student-athletes and recommended improvements in academic support. Following the report's release, university officials stated that while the findings exonerated the athletics department of racial bias, efforts would continue to address student success more broadly. The report's conclusions effectively ended the formal investigation into the allegations, and Hiegert remained in his administrative position.[9][10]
Honors and legacy
Hiegert was inducted into the CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998 and later into the CCAA Hall of Fame[11] and the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.[3] In January 2025, CSUN renamed its home baseball facility Robert J. Hiegert Field in his honor.[citation needed]
Personal life and death
Hiegert married his wife, Jackie, whom he met while both were students at Valley State. He died on June 19, 2025, at the age of 83.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "CSUN Athletics Announces the Passing of Bob Hiegert". GoMatadors.com. California State University, Northridge Athletics. 27 June 2025. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ a b c d Hiserman, Mike (18 July 1995). "CSUN Expected to Replace Athletic Director: Northridge: Sources Say Bob Hiegert Will Be Removed from the Post He Has Held for 18 Years and Reassigned". Los Angeles Times. p. 2. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ a b "ABCA Hall of Fame Inductee Robert Hiegert". ABCA Hall of Fame. American Baseball Coaches Association. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ Hiserman, Mike (11 April 1985). "A Change in Direction: Bob Hiegert's Transition from Baseball Coach to Athletic Director". Los Angeles Times. p. V_B18. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ Wharton, David (23 August 1998). "Northridge in Rearview Mirror: Hiegert, Former Baseball Coach and Athletic Director, Lands Job as the Commissioner of CCAA". Los Angeles Times. p. 1. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ "CCAA Commissioner Bob Hiegert Announces Retirement". ChicoState. California State University, Chico Athletics. 19 July 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ Hiserman, Mike (24 May 1992). "Hiegert Vows to Stay on as Athletic Director: CS Northridge: Angered by Charges of Racism and Calls by Black Student Groups for His Resignation, He Says He Is Considering Legal Action". Los Angeles Times. p. 2. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ "Racism Charged in CS Northridge Athletics". Los Angeles Times. 22 May 1992. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ Hiserman, Mike (22 August 1992). "Northridge Report Exonerates Athletic Program of Racial Bias". Los Angeles Times. p. 2. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ Tosches, Rich (6 June 1992). "Hiegert Questions the Timing of Charges: CSUN: Athletic Director Notes That Black Student Union's Accusations of Racism Coincide with Departure of Cleary". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ^ "Bob Hiegert". CCCA Hall of Fame. California Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
