Step inside the career of legendary coach John Hartley, whose impact on regional baseball stretches far beyond the win column. With more than 1,100 victories, Hartley helped build Willard High School baseball from the ground up, literally turning a former horse field into a competitive program with a “Willard against the world” mindset. Now leading Heart of America Tournaments, he continues shaping the game through multi-state events and national youth World Series competition, extending his influence to the next generation.

But this story goes deeper than records and resumes. Hartley reflects on the mentors who shaped his approach, including George Wilson and Rube Berry, and how those lessons carried into a coaching philosophy built on relationships and consistency. It highlights a full-circle legacy, with his family now embedded in the game as coaches themselves, turning a lifetime in baseball into something even bigger: a multi-generational connection that continues to grow the sport from the ground up.

Step inside the career of&nbsp;legendary coach John Hartley, whose impact on regional baseball stretches far beyond the win column. With more than 1,100 victories, Hartley helped build Willard High School baseball from the ground up, literally turning a former horse field into a competitive program with a &ldquo;Willard against the world&rdquo; mindset. Now leading Heart of America Tournaments, he continues shaping the game through multi-state events and national youth World Series competition, extending his influence to the next generation.
But this story goes deeper than records and resumes. Hartley reflects on the mentors who shaped his approach, including George Wilson and Rube Berry, and how those lessons carried into a coaching philosophy built on relationships and consistency. It highlights a full-circle legacy, with his family now embedded in the game as coaches themselves, turning a lifetime in baseball into something even bigger: a multi-generational connection that continues to grow the sport from the ground up.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won – Springfield’s Sports Hub

Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won — your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.

-Local Coverage, Local Voice — In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about.
-Live Sports Odds & Boards — View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
-Pro Picks & Betting Insights — Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game.
-On-Air Shows & Podcasts — Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more.
-Alerts & News — Get notified on big games, breaking scores.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won &ndash; Springfield&rsquo;s Sports Hub
Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won &mdash; your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.
-Local Coverage, Local Voice &mdash; In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about. -Live Sports Odds &amp; Boards &mdash; View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. -Pro Picks &amp; Betting Insights &mdash; Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game. -On-Air Shows &amp; Podcasts &mdash; Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more. -Alerts &amp; News &mdash; Get notified on big games, breaking scores.