News Summary

On February 28, 2025, New Ulm said goodbye to Jim Senske, a legendary baseball coach and dedicated educator, who passed away at the age of 86. His remarkable coaching career spanned four decades, achieving 707 victories and mentoring numerous players who went on to succeed in major leagues. Senske also impacted students as a respected social studies teacher and basketball coach. The community comes together to honor his memory during his upcoming funeral on March 7, 2025. Senske leaves behind a profound legacy in New Ulm, remembered for his dedication to teaching and coaching.

New Ulm Mourns the Loss of Beloved Coach Jim Senske

This past February 28, 2025, New Ulm bid farewell to an icon of the baseball world and an adored educator, Jim Senske, who passed away at the age of 86. Over four impressive decades, Senske made an indelible mark on both baseball and the lives of countless students at New Ulm High School.

A Coaching Legacy Like No Other

From the moment he stepped onto the field in 1964 until his retirement in 2003, Senske was a force in high school baseball. Achieving a jaw-dropping total of 707 career victories, he became one of only three high school baseball coaches in Minnesota to reach this remarkable milestone, showcasing his talent and devotion to the game.

His overall coaching record stands at 707 wins and 171 losses, resulting in an impressive winning percentage of .805. Throughout his coaching career, Senske led his teams to 26 conference championships and guided 19 teams to the state tournament. His teams reached the pinnacle of success, finishing as runners-up in 1970 and 1994, and clinching the Class 3A state championship in 2002.

Champion of Young Talent

Senske didn’t just create winning teams; he developed future stars. Numerous players, including major league talents like Terry Steinbach, Brian Raabe, and Jamie Hoffmann, honed their skills under his guidance. Alongside baseball, he dedicated his time as a social studies teacher at New Ulm High School, impacting students well beyond the baseball diamond. He also served as the boys basketball coach for an impressive 23 years and took his basketball team to the state tournament in 1975, proving his skills weren’t limited to just one sport.

A Life Well-Lived

Born on September 5, 1938, in Augusta, Wisconsin, Senske grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended St. Paul Wilson High School before continuing his education at Hamline University, earning four letters in baseball and two in basketball. This strong athletic background laid the groundwork for his coaching success.

Senske’s exemplary contributions to sports were acknowledged through his induction into five separate halls of fame, including the Helms Hall of Fame for his coaching successes, which is a testament to his enduring influence in the sports community.

Alongside his role as a coach, Senske led New Ulm’s American Legion baseball team to the Legion World Series in 1978, further showcasing his dedication to developing young athletes.

A Community’s Heartfelt Tribute

Jim Senske leaves behind a loving family—his wife, Katie, three children, and eight grandchildren. He also leaves a lasting legacy in New Ulm, where he was not only known as a coach but also as a respected teacher and a positive mentor who genuinely cared about the lives of his students.

The New Ulm community is coming together to honor his memory. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on March 7, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Friends and well-wishers are encouraged to pay their respects during the visitation scheduled for the day prior.

A Lasting Legacy

Jim Senske’s impact on his students and players is immeasurable, but the stories and memories of his dedication will live on in New Ulm and beyond. His unwavering commitment to excellence in coaching and teaching, along with the countless lives he touched, will be remembered for years to come.

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