It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, but sometimes, it’s comforting to see a large gathering unite to mourn the death of an individual. And there’s no community more passionate than baseball. Most people involved in the MiLB world are familiar with John Dittrich, who unfortunately passed away on Wednesday, July 19, at age 73.

Being the face of the front office is no simple task, but Dittrich proved it was possible to be loved as a general manager. He launched the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks into stardom as one of today’s most successful independent baseball franchises. And his undeniable impact on the baseball world has united it in mourning.

MLB World Grieves the Passing of John Dittrich

Not many can leave a favorable impression on whoever they shake hands with, but Dittrich was one of a kind. A legend in the minor league baseball world, he only served as the general manager for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks for two full seasons. But the repercussions his change has impacted are still felt today.

Dittrich was perhaps among the first ones to define a startup – he laid the foundation for the RedHawks in 1996-1997. The current team carries his will, boasting six league championships and an American Association crown that was won last season.

“John really set the standard for our team from the very beginning,” said Bruce Thom, the RedHawks chairman. “He got us started on the right foot and we’ve been rolling ever since. We owe a lot to John Dittrich getting us set on our way,” he added.

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Dittrich was the kind of person who knew how to get the ball rolling and step out of the way to let the franchise grow on its own. Just as he did with the F-M team, he helped an expansion franchise in Schaumburg, Illinois, as GM.

Somehow, it wasn’t only baseball teams whose futures he molded with his hands, but people as well.

Dittrich Helped Many Climb the Baseball Ladder

They say all one needs is someone to take a chance on them. For many, John Dittrich was that person.

He gave Josh Buchholz his first full-time job in pro baseball, who later served as RedHawks GM from 2005-2017. “He taught a lot of us how to be sports executives. There are many, many people like me who John gave a chance to.” Buchholz said.

Similarly, Caleb Rutherford, a former broadcaster, also thanked the late icon for helping him with a dream.

This is the true beauty of a sport like baseball. It encapsulates decades of history with thousands of names, each one cherished and missed.

Rest in peace, John Dittrich, and thank you for all that you did for your beloved sport and its players.

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