Nebraska Greats Foundation assists former Husker Baseball Player Mark Haley

LINCOLN, Neb. (PRESS RELEASE) - The Nebraska Greats Foundation announced a grant has been awarded to former University of Nebraska-Lincoln baseball player, Mark Haley, to assist with his ongoing medical needs. The Nebraska Greats Foundation is dedicated to supporting former and current college athletes from any of Nebraska’s four-year colleges and universities who face financial and medical hardships. We are honored to extend our assistance to Mark as he continues his recovery journey.

In late February 2024, Mark underwent surgery in Indianapolis to repair a cerebral spinal fluid leak near his right ear. One week later, Mark experienced a brain hemorrhage while at home with his wife, Ann. He was hospitalized for an extended period of time then spent three months at a rehabilitation facility in Chicago, followed by another three months in Iowa. Finally returning home, he is continuing outpatient therapy. During his recovery, Mark reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation for assistance with home health care services and medical equipment. NGF was honored to step in and provide support during his time of need.

Mark Haley was a baseball all star in high school when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mark chose to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he played baseball for the Huskers from 1980 to 1983. After earning a degree in Education, Mark started coaching at UNL as an assistant coach from 1982-1986.

His coaching career spanned several teams, including the University of Tennessee and over a decade with the Chicago White Sox organization. Mark also had a distinguished career with the Arizona Diamondback’s. He was the manager of the South Bend Silverhawks from 2005 to 2014, earning Midwest League Manager of the Year three times and leading the team to the playoffs in eight out of ten seasons, including one championship and three division titles. He received multiple accolades with the organization, including Player Development Man of the Year in 2005 and the first recipient of the Joe Garagiola Jr. Award for excellence in player development in 2008. During his professional career Mark has coached and mentored over 120 players who have gone on to play in the Major Leagues. Mark presently has been with the South Bend Cubs, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, since 2014 as the General Manager of the First Source Bank Performance Center as well as the Executive Director of the South Bend Cubs Foundation dedicated to creating opportunities for boys and girls to engage in baseball and softball. His leadership and contributions to baseball have created a lasting legacy.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation remains committed to extending support to former and current athletes like Mark, who have contributed significantly to Nebraska’s rich sporting history. Since inception, the Greats has awarded over $1,000,000 in grants to help current and former letter-winners when they needed it the most.

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