Fresno City College assistant baseball coach Sam Flores died late Monday after suffering a sudden brain aneurysm, according to family and friends. He was 41.

Flores coached at Fresno City for four seasons, and was a physical education teacher at Fresno Unified for the last 14 years.

Flores was flown to UCSF Medical Center Monday where he was put on life support until his passing, his family said.

The impact of ‘Coach Flo’

Flores’ passing devastated the baseball community, with many saying that “Coach Flo” was always more than just a baseball coach.

“He wanted you to succeed as badly as you wanted to,” said former player Ian Ross. “He would stay after practice for you, he would come early for you. He did whatever it took to get you to be the player and person you wanted and should be.”

Ross said he is grateful for all the opportunities Flores opened up for him. “I hope I will make him proud in whatever I do.”

Jiovanni Saavedra, another former player, echoed that sentiment. “I don’t think I would have the (scholarship) offer I was fortunate enough to receive if it wasn’t for him,” Saavedra said. “I’m sure countless amount of kids from that program can say the same thing.”

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