Remembering the Life and Legacy of Coach Bill Leeberg

There are many highlights from Bill’s coaching career. His teams were always prepared to compete and played with the same passion he had for the game. During his 33-year tenure as head coach, Coach Leeberg's teams compiled a remarkable 732–288 record, good for an overall winning percentage of .718. This extraordinary career places him among the coaching legends in the State of Illinois.

Coach Leeberg won 12 Conference Championships and finished second in conference play an additional eight times. He also captured 14 Regional Championships and three Sectional Championships. In 2002, the Broncos advanced to the State Finals and finished in third place. In what many argue was the best team in school history, the 2005 team advanced to the State Championship game, finishing second in the state with an overall record of 26–12.

Coach Leeberg made a lasting impression on countless players throughout his coaching career. Dozens of his players went on to play college baseball, many competing at the Division I level. His players were always fundamentally sound and possessed a deep understanding of the game. 

He coached three players who signed professional contracts.  Scott Sobkowiak '95 was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1998. He made his Major League debut a few years later and played more than eight seasons in professional baseball. Rich Capparelli '85 went on to pitch at the University of Illinois after graduating from Montini. He was later drafted by the Chicago White Sox and played several seasons in the minor leagues. Finally, Andrew Brauer '08, who starred at the College of DuPage and later at Lewis University, signed and played several years in independent league baseball.

Another hallmark of Coach Leeberg’s influence was the number of former players who went on to become baseball coaches themselves. His coaching tree is extensive and includes former College of DuPage Head Coach and current Head Baseball Coach at the University of Chicago, Kevin Tyrrell ’02, whose team secured its first-ever NCAA Regional Championship this year.

Coach Leeberg was elected to the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and was renowned throughout the state of Illinois. He was also inducted into the Montini Catholic Alumni Hall of Fame and the Lewis University Athletics Hall of Fame Academy of Coaches.

In addition to coaching baseball, Bill was an English teacher. He may be best known in the classroom for his memorable rendition of "Casey at the Bat." His performance became so popular that he not only recited it for his classes, but was also invited to perform “Casey” at numerous charity events.

Bill also coached football and basketball at Montini. He was also instrumental in leading the school’s development program during its early years. Bill had a profound impact on generations of students and athletes. He retired from coaching following the 2011 season. One of his proudest moments was having the opportunity to coach his son, KC, a member of Montini’s Class of 2006.