DOUGLAS — The Cochise College athletics department is saddened to learn of the death of former standout pitcher Anthony Haase in New Mexico last weekend.
The right-hander played for the Cochise baseball team in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, he became the fifth player in school history to be named an All-American, along with NJCAA All-Region I first team and Region I Player of the Year honors.
“It is heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Anthony, someone so young with his entire life and career ahead of him,” said Cochise head coach Todd Inglehart. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Anthony’s new wife and family during this time.”
He holds the school record for most pitching wins in a season with 13, is tied for second in most strikeouts with 100, and second in lowest ERA with 1.62. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 17th round in 2010 and played for the organization’s rookie team in Arizona for two years.
Haase returned to his hometown, Rio Rancho, N.M., and was hired by the city’s police department in 2013. While responding to a call early Oct. 26, he died in a single-vehicle crash that is currently being investigated.
“Anthony was without a doubt one of the toughest competitors I have ever had the chance to coach,” Inglehart said. “However, off the field he was a soft spoken gentle kid that always cared for his teammates.”