Jay VanNoy Passes Away

Jay VanNoy, former head baseball coach at BYU from 1957-59 and a Cougar assistant football coach from 1957-58, passed away last Saturday at the age of 82.

As BYU’s baseball coach he had a 50-24 (.676) record before being succeeded by Glen Tuckett and preceding Wayne Tucker.

Because of Sunday play, the 1958 BYU baseball team rejected a berth to play in the College World Series even though they were the first squad in school history to secure a spot in national championship play. In 1958 his BYU baseball team won the division, Skyline and district NCAA crowns with a 13-5 record.

VanNoy, who starred at Utah State University from 1946-49 in football, basketball, track and baseball, was drafted in the 10th round of the 1950 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams and in the Major League for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1951.

“ I’ve known Jay for a number of years,” said BYU coach Vance Law. “It was enjoyable to talk with him. He had a positive outlook and was always wishing us the best with our teams. He was a great ambassador for baseball and a good friend.”

VanNoy was a freshman football coach for BYU under Hal Kopp.

Funeral services are Thursday.

Click here to read about VanNoy as a USU athlete.

Click here to see members of the 1958 BYU baseball team.