GAINESVILLE, FL (JUNE 2, 2026) - Santa Fe College Baseball Head Coach Johnny Wiggs has announced his retirement, effective August 3. 

"Today I have decided after 28 years as a junior college head coach, 35 years' total in the coaching profession and 52 straight years in a baseball uniform as a player and a coach, to retire," he said. "I would like to thank Santa Fe College, President (Paul) Broadie and Vice President (Naima) Brown for the incredible honor to be the baseball coach here for the last 20 years. I am so grateful for all the outstanding players and assistant coaches that made my job so enjoyable and successful. I am so proud of all that we accomplished in our time here."

The Hall of Fame Coach will leave an impressive record of wins and championships, along with a legacy of helping players get to the next level. 

During his 20 seasons at Santa Fe College and eight seasons at Polk State Community College, Wiggs has established a resume that ranks among the best in the nation, including 825 total career victories. Throughout his tenure with the Saints over the last 20 years, he has achieved: 

• 626 wins 
• 9 Conference Championships 
• 2 State Championships 
• 2 Junior College World Series appearances, including a National Runner-Up finish in 2009 

Equally impressive, hundreds of his former players have moved on to compete at the four-year level, and five have reached the pinnacle of the sport by making it to the Major Leagues. 

In addition, Wiggs' student athletes excelled in the classroom.  Since Spring of 2024 the baseball team has registered over a 3.0 GPA each semester.  This year his team registered a team GPA of 3.26 for the year and historical program best of 3.46 in the Fall of 2025.

Wiggs was inducted in 2025 to the National Junior College Athletic Association Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. And recently was inducted into the Mulberry High School Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. He already is a member of the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. 

 "I am so thankful for all Coach Johnny Wiggs has done for Santa Fe Baseball," said SF Athletics Director Chanda Stebbins. "After having worked with him for 20 plus years, I am sad to see him retire and also happy for him as I know personally that all our coaches and him specifically pour their hearts and souls into our programs. 

"From the nitty gritty of vacuuming water off the fields to teaching a student-athlete how to throw a slider and everything in between, Johnny has done it all.  I love that he will now be able to enjoy time with his family.  His student-athletes have flourished under his leadership in the classroom, on the field, and as men in their communities and families.  Coach will leave a legacy that will be hard to fill."

Wiggs was a standout multi-sport athlete for the Mulberry High Panthers, then spent two years at Valencia Community College and at Santa Fe College before earning a scholarship to play at the University of Florida. As a starting pitcher for the Gators, Wiggs compiled an elite 23-6 career record, earned All-SEC honors, and anchored the historic 1988 squad. They captured both the SEC Regular Season and Tournament Championships, ultimately securing UF's first-ever appearance in the College World Series. 

His success at the collegiate level translated into a five-season professional career in the minor leagues, spending time with the Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox organizations. In his first professional season, Wiggs was named team MVP, earning a memorable four-day call-up to spend time with the big-league club in Seattle. 

After his playing days ended, Wiggs transitioned seamlessly into coaching. After serving as an assistant coach at both the University of Florida and Jacksonville University, he stepped into the head coaching ranks, where he has built a powerhouse reputation over the last 28 years. 

Some notable players who have played for Wiggs at Santa Fe have been current and former major leaguers Ryan Yarbrough, Brad Lord, Keon Broxton and Mallex Smith.  That group also includes former Florida Gators players Tyler Shelnut and Armando Albert, who started their collegiate careers at Santa Fe. Pitcher Matthew Jenkins joined the Gators in 2025 after his freshman year with the Saints, when he had a 4.74 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 57 innings. 

Wiggs thanks his wife, Wendy and their three daughter, Brittany, Ashley and Jenna "for all their love and support. They all sacrificed a lot over the years to support me, my teams and my career.

"All five of us graduated from Santa Fe and will always be Saints."

Wiggs also said: "Saints Athletics is in great hands and headed in the right direction under the leadership of current athletic director Chanda Stebbins. They are breaking ground soon on a baseball / softball Fieldhouse, something that former SF head coach Harry Tholen and I tried to get throughout our career here. The best is yet to come for the Saints. Take care and see you down the road."

Santa Fe College has launched a search for the next head baseball coach. Applicants can learn more and apply at this link on the SF careers pages. Applicants will be accepted through June 16.