University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Mourn Passing of Herb Isakson
1/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Jan. 19, 2016 
Former long-time volunteer assistant coach for the Minnesota baseball program Herb Isakson passed away over the weekend. Isakson, who was a member of the program 1964-97, had his number (No. 5) retired shortly after his tenure in 1998.
"Ike," as he was known around the program, was a fixture for the Golden Gophers and served on staffs with head coaches Dick Siebert, George Thomas and current head coach John Anderson. Isakson was considered "Mr. Everything" when it came to his involvement with Minnesota baseball. Whether it was shagging foul balls, coaching first base or helping with defense, Isakson did whatever it took to advance the program.
"I don't think you can talk about Gopher baseball without including Herb Isakson in that conversation," said Anderson. "He's connected to generations of former players here in this program and loved the Golden Gophers; Maroon and Gold, through and through.
Having been a part of three decades of baseball at Minnesota, Isakson has seen some of the greatest moments in program history. Isakson helped coach teams that made 17 postseason appearances, won 11 Big Ten titles and attended the College World Series three times, including winning a National Championship in 1964. He also tutored 61 First Team All-Big Ten selections and 15 All-Americans.
Before stepping into his role with the Gophers, Isakson was player in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He was a standout at Minneapolis South High School where he played football and basketball, along with baseball. Isakson is both a member of the South High Athletic Hall of Fame and an Honorary "M" letterwinner for the university athletic department.
Isakson was a member of the service as he held a stint with the United States Army where he also played baseball.
"Herb's been missed since he left the program, but will never be forgotten."
"Ike," as he was known around the program, was a fixture for the Golden Gophers and served on staffs with head coaches Dick Siebert, George Thomas and current head coach John Anderson. Isakson was considered "Mr. Everything" when it came to his involvement with Minnesota baseball. Whether it was shagging foul balls, coaching first base or helping with defense, Isakson did whatever it took to advance the program.
"I don't think you can talk about Gopher baseball without including Herb Isakson in that conversation," said Anderson. "He's connected to generations of former players here in this program and loved the Golden Gophers; Maroon and Gold, through and through.
Having been a part of three decades of baseball at Minnesota, Isakson has seen some of the greatest moments in program history. Isakson helped coach teams that made 17 postseason appearances, won 11 Big Ten titles and attended the College World Series three times, including winning a National Championship in 1964. He also tutored 61 First Team All-Big Ten selections and 15 All-Americans.
Before stepping into his role with the Gophers, Isakson was player in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He was a standout at Minneapolis South High School where he played football and basketball, along with baseball. Isakson is both a member of the South High Athletic Hall of Fame and an Honorary "M" letterwinner for the university athletic department.
Isakson was a member of the service as he held a stint with the United States Army where he also played baseball.
"Herb's been missed since he left the program, but will never be forgotten."
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