Florida A&M Hall of Fame baseball coach Joe Durant was identified for his mild-mannered demeanor off the sector.
He cared deeply for his household, gamers and was an ardent supporter of Rattler athletics.
“Oh my goodness, now if it involved baseball, that may be a distinct story,” Tawanda, Durant’s spouse of 33 years, mentioned and laughed. “He was a peaceful, type, caring individual. But when he did not suppose the decision was proper on the sector, he was positively going to say one thing about it.”
Durant, who coached the Rattlers for a program-high 17 years (1991-2007) and led it to 3 MEAC Championships, died Saturday afternoon in Tallahassee from acute leukemia.
He was 72.
FAMU protection
Durant, voted into the FAMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008, and Robert Lucas mixed to educate the Rattlers baseball program for 25 years (1986-2010). The duo gained six MEAC titles (1997, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994) and coached quite a few skilled gamers, together with Vince Coleman (St. Louis Cardinals) and Marquis Grissom (Montreal Expos).
Durant’s profession report at FAMU was 365-437. The Cellular, Alabama, native was additionally a former participant for the Rattlers within the early 1970s.
Longtime pal Tony Bell, additionally a fellow FAMU Hall of Famer, had beforehand scheduled a visit from Tampa to go to Durant over the weekend. Nevertheless, Durant’s situation had worsened by the point he arrived.
“He was a gentleman amongst gents,” Bell mentioned. “I’ve identified Durfor 55 years, and he was the identical man he was again then. My coronary heart is hurting. He was a particular man. And in addition a man who would inform you like it’s.”
Brett Richardson performed for Durant within the early 1990s and later coached with him, describing Durant as a father determine after his father handed in 2000. Richardson mentioned Durant was a educated coach that confused preparation and fundamentals.
“He was one of these coaches who didn’t say a lot throughout a recreation – except he needed to,” mentioned Richardson, the previous FAMU and Alcorn head coach who returned to the Rattlers this season as an assistant. “He needed guys to loosen up and exit and play and never fear about wanting over their shoulders. He’s only a nice man who’s going to be sorely, sorely missed.”
Durant additionally typically served because the NCAA consultant when Florida State hosted an NCAA regional. Former Seminoles coach Mike Martin mentioned Durant was at all times honest and needed what was greatest for competing groups and gamers.
“He at all times gave me the chance to specific my opinion,” Martin mentioned.
“Coach Durant was an excellent pal, a man that was properly suited for that place as a person in cost of an NCAA regional. I at all times discovered him to be a man who molded younger males and flaunted to his gamers what was proper. He was actually an amazing competitor however he knew how you can method the sport.”
Former FAMU participant and coach Willie Brown remained near Durant and his spouse, affectionally referred to as “Mama Durant” by former gamers. Brown, who lives in Tampa, was saddened by Durant’s passing.
“One of the very best classes I discovered from Coach, and I say this with all sincerity, is that it’s important to out-work your opponents,” Brown mentioned.
“They could have higher tools or higher gamers, however they aren’t going to outwork us. He was a delicate big, however he fought for us.”
Present FAMU coach Jamey Shouppe first met Durant when Durant was teaching varsity soccer at Lincoln Excessive.
Shouppe, in his ninth season with the Rattlers, appreciated Durant’s steering and help. Shouppe, who has led this system to its solely two NCAA Tourney appearances, mentioned when he was employed Durant was one of the primary to assist him increase funds for facility enhancements.
“He was an excellent man, an excellent coach,” Shouppe mentioned. “He’s going to be missed, and we’re praying for his household.”
Funeral preparations are pending.
Attain Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
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