WE ARE FAMILY!
MARK HALEY:
The Nebraska Greats Foundation (NGF) is dedicated to supporting former and current college athletes from any of Nebraska’s four-year colleges and universities who face financial and medical hardships. We are honored to extend our assistance to Mark as he continues his recovery journey.
Mark Haley is best known for his outstanding career as the manager of the South Bend Silver Hawks, where he led the team from 2005 to 2014. During his time with the organization, he earned the title of Midwest League Manager of the Year three times — in 2005, 2008, and 2013. Additionally, he was named Player Development Man of the Year for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005 and was the first recipient of the Joe Garagiola Jr. Award for excellence in player development in 2008. Under his leadership, South Bend advanced to the playoffs eight out of ten seasons, winning one Midwest League Championship and three Eastern Division Championships.
Before his professional coaching career, Haley was a standout athlete who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 26th round of the 1977 amateur draft. However, he chose to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), where he played baseball and earned a degree in education. Following his graduation, Haley began his coaching career as an assistant coach at UNL from 1982 to 1986.
In late February 2024, Mark underwent surgery in Indianapolis to repair a cerebral spinal fluid leak near his right ear. Unfortunately, just one week later, on March 5, Mark experienced a brain hemorrhage while at home with his wife, Ann. She recalled that Mark began losing his balance before ultimately collapsing. He was immediately transported to the hospital, where he remained for an extended recovery period. Mark spent three months at a rehabilitation facility in Chicago, followed by another three months in Iowa, before finally returning home to continue outpatient therapy.
During his recovery, Mark reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation for assistance with home health care services and medical equipment. NGF was honored to step in and provide support during his time of need.
Beyond his time with the South Bend Silver Hawks, Haley had an extensive and accomplished coaching career. He served as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee from 1987 to 1991, including a period as the recruiting coordinator and interim head coach. He then spent over a decade in the Chicago White Sox organization, coaching for several teams including the South Bend White Sox (1991-1992), Sarasota White Sox (1993), Hickory Crawdads (1994), Venezuelan Winter League (1994), South Bend Silver Hawks (1995), Prince William Cannons (1996), and Winston-Salem Warthogs (1997), where he managed for 49 games. He later returned to Winston-Salem (1999, 2001-2002), Birmingham Barons (2003), and Great Falls White Sox (2004) before joining South Bend for his final managerial role.
Throughout his storied coaching career, Mark Haley has had the privilege of working with over 120 players who went on to play in the Major Leagues — leaving a lasting legacy in the world of baseball. His knowledge, leadership, and passion for the game have impacted countless players, coaches, and communities.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation is proud to support Mark Haley during this time and is grateful for his lifelong dedication to athletics and player development. We wish him continued strength and healing on his road to recovery.
“I want to sincerely thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for their generous support during my recovery from a brain injury. Your assistance has been a tremendous help to my family, allowing us to focus on healing without added financial stress. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you do for former athletes in need. Your impact is life-changing, and I will always be grateful.”
JEREMY FOSSUM
Jeremy Fossum, of Bellevue, NE (Doane/Baseball) was diagnosed with an operable brain tumor.
“Finding out about the tumor, I had no thoughts about the cost but then when the bills started to arrive, I became very concerned. I wasn’t sure I would have any way to pay for the health care. Glory to God, He changed my life through the NGF.”
DENNIS STAHLNECKER
Dennis reached out to the NGF for assistance with outstanding invoices from emergency hospitalization for heart disease and pneumonia. His disability insurance did not cover all of his medical related expenses.
After 50 years of being very healthy, things took a turn for the worse and I have had one problem after another. 10 surgeries in 12 years, a bout with cancer, and now an undiagnosed stomach ailment for the past 14 months. To say that it’s been frustrating is an understatement. But knowing that you, people I don’t even know, are there to pick me up, is just amazing to me.
RUBEN COLLIANDER
The NGF is pleased to announce a grant has been awarded to Ruben Colliander for assistance with medical needs!
Ruben earned his varsity letter during the 2023 season and participated in seven varsity games that year. In the 2024 season, he competed in 13 varsity games. Unfortunately, he suffered a posterior capsule injury to his right knee. As a result, Ruben sought assistance from the NGF to help cover medical expenses related to his injury.
“I would like to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for helping me with my medical bills. I give great thanks to everyone who is apart of the process and my blessings will always have you in them”
-Ruben Colliander
