CARBONDALE, IL (Chambana Today) – The University of Illinois and its baseball community are remembering one of their most influential figures, Richard “Itch” Jones, a legendary coach whose legacy touched both Champaign and the national stage. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale. In case of rain, the event will move to the Charles Helleny Pavilion inside Banterra Center.
Jones passed away in February at the age of 87, leaving behind an indelible legacy in college baseball. Though he built his dynasty at Southern Illinois, Jones’ impact at UIUC was equally significant. During his tenure at Illinois, Jones led the Illini to three Big Ten titles—including the program’s first regular-season championship in 35 years (1998), a tournament title in 2000, and another regular-season crown in his final year, 2005.
Jones coached current Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb, who not only played under Jones at SIU but also served as his assistant at both SIU and Illinois. Hartleb succeeded Jones as Illini head coach in 2006 and credits him with shaping his philosophy and approach to the game. “Coach Jones believed in tough, smart baseball and building young men into leaders,” Hartleb said. “I would not be where I am today without his mentorship and example.”
Jones’ career spanned 39 years, with over 1,200 wins placing him 13th all-time in NCAA Division I history at the time of his retirement. He helped send more than 100 players to the professional ranks, including MLB standouts Dave Stieb, Steve Finley, and Scott Spiezio.
A native of Herrin, Illinois, Jones earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SIU. A multi-sport athlete in college, he was a three-time All-Conference second baseman and also lettered in basketball.
While his name is synonymous with success at Southern Illinois, his legacy in Champaign is just as enduring. He helped bring Illinois baseball into national relevance and left a program culture still thriving under Hartleb’s leadership. Jones is enshrined in nine different halls of fame, including the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association and the American Baseball Coaches Association.
