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TAYLORSVILLE — The man known as the "king" of Taylorsville baseball passed away last week at age 81, but his legacy will live on.
Edo Rottini inspired generations of young people. His legacy is apparent in the name of what used to be known as the Taylorsville Baseball Field at 5000 South 2200 West.
Coaches, players and city administrators agreed there was one man — Coach Edo — who had influenced the game so much that it needed to be his, so it was renamed Rottini Park.
Edo Rottini offered a big smile to all of his kids — the thousands who played baseball in Taylorsville. The players said he taught them discipline, character and what it meant to be a team.
"He was the best baseball coach I've ever had," said Ryan Feeney, a player with Taylorsville Little League. "He didn't just teach us baseball, he taught us about life."
Feeney recalled how before every game, Coach Edo would tell his players to go out there and do their best. Then, the team would offer a prayer.
Under Coach Rottini, the Taylorsville Little League teams won 30 state championships and five national AAU championships. Rottini also coached boys who would later become players on the Taylorsville High School team. Some of his players went on to play professional ball — John Buck and Brandon Lyon.
Lyon, who played for Detroit, credits his pitching technique to Coach Rottini.
"He expected a lot out of us and if we didn't do it the right way or the way he thought it should be done, then he would let us know," he said. "He's a legend in that community. He's done such great things."
Taylorsville Mayor Jerry Rechtenbach said his city would not have its national baseball reputation without Edo Rottini.
"Edo is the one who has fostered all of those teams that have been all over this country competing with the name ‘Taylorsville' across their jersey," Rechtenbach said.
In his final season, Rottini coached baseball from his wheelchair. To 13-year-old Ryan, his coach's courage is something he will never forget.
"Sometimes he would tell me that he was just in pain, but he always wanted to be there," he said.
Rottini still possessed a passion for teaching young people and bringing honor to his city. That's why he will always be known as the "king."
