On this day, June 8, 2011, Johnny Wiggs, the longtime head coach of Santa Fe College’s baseball team, was inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. Wiggs, who began his collegiate pitching career at Valencia Community College before transferring to Santa Fe College, has built a remarkable coaching legacy over his 15 seasons with the Saints, leaving a lasting impact on the sport while chasing his lifelong dream.
Under Wiggs’ leadership, Santa Fe has amassed a 484-217 (.690) record, securing nine Conference Championships and two FCSAA State Championships. The team has advanced to the FCSAA State/Region 8 Tournament 11 times, with a standout runner-up finish at the 2009 JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado. Wiggs’ overall coaching record, including his time at Polk College, stands at an impressive 683-406 (.627).
Wiggs’ impact extends beyond the field, as he has guided 145 players to four-year colleges and seven directly to professional baseball, including three top-five round draft picks. Four of his former Saints have reached the Major Leagues, and 29 have played professionally.
Before coaching, Wiggs pursued his own professional career, reaching AAA with the Boston Red Sox organization in 1995.
Though he came close to the big leagues, Wiggs never pitched at Yankee Stadium, a goal he still hopes to achieve by throwing batting practice at the iconic ballpark.
As Johnny Wiggs continues to shape the next generation of baseball talent, his passion for the game and pursuit of his final goal remain as strong as ever.
