Breaking News: Coaching Legend Gary Haning Hospitalized After Car Accident

Gary Haning, the legendary coach of the OC Batbusters for over three decades and one of the co-founders of Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF), was involved in a serious car accident Saturday night on the 57 freeway in Anaheim, California and was taken to a nearby hospital where he rests this morning in stable condition according to representatives from PGF.

Haning, who has won more than 30 national championships in his storied career and has coached some of the biggest names in the sport including Jennie Finch and Laura Berg, was leaving the Phoenix Club near Angel Stadium where the Coaches Dinner and blind draw for the 16U and 14U age division was held for nearly 500 coaches as part of the kickoff for the second week of PGF Nationals.

According to one eyewitness who was following behind the NFCA Hall of Fame coach, his car was clipped from behind by a van driving erratically on the freeway and rolled five times before landing upside down. Haning, who was wearing his seatbelt, had to be helped from the car and was taken to a nearby hospital.

PGF President Dan Hay issued a statement late Saturday night saying, “Gary is in stable condition and his injuries appear to be minor. But we just won’t know until more tests are done. He’s lucky to be alive. Gary is in good spirits. Even cracking jokes. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!”

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On a personal note, in behalf of all of us at Extra Inning Softball, we wish Gary–who always makes us laugh with his dry sense of humor and gives us new perspectives on not just softball, but on life in general with his great insights and commentaries–a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back soon on the fields, hopefully this week at the PGF Nationals. Our thoughts and prayers go to him, his family and the PGF organization.– Brentt Eads, President/Executive Editor of Extra Inning Softball