WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The Central Texas community is mourning the loss of Alberto \u201cCoach Bert\u201d Lopez, a longtime youth baseball and softball coach who died Saturday in a car accident. Lopez\u2019 wife, Amanda, and two of their four daughters were also injured in the crash.<\/p>\n
Lopez coached hundreds of players through club and travel baseball and softball organizations including the Dallas Tigers, Hooks Baseball, GBG, and 254 Baseball. In 2022, he began serving as the Waco Operator of the Dallas Tigers organization.<\/p>\n
A baseball life<\/p>\n
Lopez brought a wealth of knowledge to the diamond as a former collegiate catcher. Lopez began his playing career at Odessa Junior College before transferring to Texas A&M and later finishing at the University of Houston. He graduated from Midway High School in 2005 and was an All-District selection on Midway\u2019s 2003 state championship team.<\/p>\n
Community response<\/p>\n
Players, coaches and families across Central Texas have posted hundreds of messages of support for Lopez and his family since news of his death spread.<\/p>\n
Canes Waco, a youth baseball organization, honored Lopez by placing \u201cA.L.\u201d on their hats, calling it \u201ca simple reminder of the impact a coach has far beyond the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Worm Burner Tournaments, which organized youth baseball and softball events with Lopez, posted a tribute on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are some people in this game whose impact can\u2019t be measured by wins and losses,\u201d the post said. \u201cI\u2019ve never met someone that was so liked and loved. His sudden passing is going to leave a hole in the baseball community that will be felt for a very long time. He wasn\u2019t just someone you saw at the ballpark \u2014 he was someone who made the ballpark a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Memorial tournament<\/p>\n
Worm Burner Tournaments announced it will host the Berto Memorial Classic on Aug. 22-23, 2026, with proceeds going directly to Lopez\u2019s family. The event will include baseball and fastpitch softball divisions, as well as a silent auction throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor all the times Berto showed up for others, it\u2019s our turn to show up for him,\u201d Worm Burner Tournaments said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Registration is available on the Worm Burner Tournaments and USSSA websites. Those with questions or wishing to register can call or text 254-326-9699. Businesses or individuals wishing to donate items for the silent auction are also encouraged to reach out.<\/p>\n
GoFundMe<\/p>\n
Lopez is survived by his wife and four daughters. A GoFundMe campaign has been organized for the family with a goal of $25,000 to help cover funeral costs, hospital expenses, medical bills, surgeries and rehabilitation costs for those injured in the crash.<\/p>\n