Story by Wes Merriott

BOSSIER CITY, LA – Ronnie Coker, a highly successful baseball coach and outstanding community leader, has passed away today after battling cancer. Coach Coker, aged 58, was a cherished and formidible force in area sports, leading both Parkway and Captain Shreve to State championships, and developing multitudes of athletic programs throughout the region.

Sadly, he was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer two years ago. Despite the difficult prognosis, he maintained a positive mindset throughout his fight.

South Bossier honored his contributions in 2021 when the Bossier Parish School Board decided to rename the Parkway baseball field as Ronnie Coker Field. During his time at Parkway, which spanned nine seasons, he achieved an impressive record of 196 wins and 75 losses, including a state championship in 1998 and a runner-up finish.

Coach Coker had an outstanding career overall, winning 71% of the 503 baseball games he coached (357 wins, 145 losses, and 1 tie – courtesy of Jimmy Watson – ShreveportTimes.com). Alongside his two state titles, he earned nine district championships, received Coach of the Year honors, and was recognized as the Shreveport Times Sportsperson of the Year in 2021. He achieved a remarkable feat by leading Shreve to a championship victory in 2006 with a season record of 37 wins and 3 losses. Additionally, he transformed Sarepta High into a highly successful baseball program and briefly coached at Byrd.

Coker’s final role was as the athletic director at Airline High School. He was inducted into the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, leaving a lasting impact on young coaches in Northwest Louisiana. Many area coaches credit Coach Coker for teaching them valuable lessons and instilling a strong work ethic. Coker emphasized the importance of making daily progress and not wasting any opportunities.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Coker established the WinTheDay Foundation, a testament to his commitment to empowering and motivating young people. Despite his own health struggles, he selflessly dedicated himself to serving others. The foundation aimed to inspire a positive mindset, encouraging individuals to approach each day with purpose and determination.

As a sought-after motivational speaker, he passionately shared his Christian faith, inspiring countless individuals. Coker’s deep-rooted beliefs became the driving force behind his triumphs, both in baseball and in his ability to uplift others.

Coker’s unwavering faith served as the bedrock of his approach to life and sports. He firmly believed in God’s plan and embraced Christian values, shaping his coaching philosophy and his impact off the field. His daily mantra was to seize every opportunity to make a positive difference, instilling this mindset in his players and those he mentored. Through his actions, Coker exemplified the power of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

Ronnie Coker’s passing is a significant loss for the Louisiana baseball community and the individuals he touched with his coaching, mentorship, and faith. Ronnie Coker’s legacy extends far beyond his victories and accolades in the world of baseball. He will be remembered as a coach who used his platform to spread his faith and uplift others. The WinTheDay Foundation became a symbol of hope, teaching young people the importance of resilience, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity. Coker’s unwavering belief in God fueled his passion for making a difference, leaving a powerful and enduring inspiration for generations to come.

Ronnie Coker’s unwavering faith, the WinTheDay Foundation, and his exceptional success as a baseball coach intertwine to create a profound and cohesive legacy. Through his coaching, motivational speaking, and foundation, he demonstrated the transformative power of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Ronnie Coker’s impact extends far beyond the baseball field, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.