Liberty University Athletics announced with deep sorrow the passing of Al Worthington, the institution’s inaugural head baseball coach and a cornerstone of the school’s athletic development, at the age of 97.
Worthington’s own playing career stretched across 19 seasons in Major League Baseball, highlighted by a five‑year tenure with the Minnesota Twins during which he became the franchise’s first true closer, amassing 110 career saves.
In 1974 he founded Liberty’s baseball program from the ground up, quickly turning the modest squad into a competitive force; over the next 12 years he compiled the most wins in program history, coaching four All‑Americans and nine athletes who later signed professional contracts.
From 1983 to 1989 he also served as athletics director, steering the university through its transition to NCAA Division I and laying the groundwork for the expansive sports offerings that exist today.
A Legacy That Endures
The impact of his contributions was formally recognized when the university named its baseball facility Worthington Stadium in 1986, a tribute that still draws fans to the historic venue.
In 2010 Worthington was inducted into the Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the most influential figures in the school’s sporting heritage.
University leaders, including President Dr. Jerry Falwell, highlighted his visionary leadership and lasting imprint on the campus community, noting that his dedication helped shape the identity of Liberty Athletics for generations.
Though he retired from coaching decades ago, the principles he instilled continue to guide the program, and his story remains a touchstone for aspiring athletes and administrators who walk the same fields he once called home.