Former Moon Valley baseball coach Allen Bauer dies at 84

Bauer led the school's baseball team to the 1976 state championship game and assisted with the football program.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:03pm

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Allen Bauer, who founded the baseball program at Phoenix's Moon Valley High School in the mid-1960s and guided the team to the 1976 state championship game, has died at the age of 84. Bauer also assisted with the school's successful football program under coach Earl Putman during the 1980s.

Why it matters

Bauer's long tenure and accomplishments at Moon Valley made him a beloved figure in the local sports community. His passing marks the end of an era for the school's athletics programs.

The details

Bauer started the Moon Valley baseball program in the mid-1960s and led the team to the 1976 state championship game. He also assisted Earl Putman with the school's football program during its dominant years in the 1980s.

  • Bauer founded the Moon Valley baseball program in the mid-1960s.
  • Moon Valley reached the state championship game in baseball in 1976 under Bauer's leadership.
  • Bauer assisted the Moon Valley football program under coach Earl Putman in the 1980s.
  • Bauer passed away on March 31, 2026, shortly after his 84th birthday.

The players

Allen Bauer

The founder and longtime head coach of the Moon Valley High School baseball program, who also assisted with the school's successful football team in the 1980s.

Earl Putman

The head coach of the Moon Valley High School football team during its dominant years in the 1980s, for whom Allen Bauer served as an assistant.

Moon Valley High School

A high school located in Phoenix, Arizona, where Allen Bauer built the baseball program and assisted with the football team.

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The takeaway

Bauer's long tenure and success in building Moon Valley's baseball program, as well as his contributions to the school's football team, cemented his legacy as a beloved figure in the local sports community. His passing marks the end of an era for Moon Valley athletics.