Legendary USC and Olympic Baseball Coach
Raoul “Rod” Dedeaux  loved the taste of victory on the baseball diamond and his accomplishments on the field, 11 national titles and 28 conference championships, left no doubt that he was indeed very skilled at his craft.

However, perhaps Rod’s most enduring legacy was his ability to use the sport of baseball as a platform to instill the values in young adults they could use to succeed in life. His tireless coaching to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, a sense of fair play and having a heck of a good time will never be forgotten by the thousands of young men and women he touched both directly and indirectly.

The Dedeaux Foundation was formed to continue Rod’s spirit by supporting youth baseball and softball programs in underserved areas. Currently inner-city baseball organizations are fighting for survival as public funding is drying up, coupled with the game’s waning popularity with children in urban areas. The children on these teams receive more than just uniforms and renovated facilities, they receive a sanctuary from challenging environments and a support system specifically designed to build character and achieve their dreams.

Rod with mentor Casey Stengel