Building a Baseball Championship Program

The Coach

NHSBCA

National High School Baseball Coaches Association

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Todd Fitz-Gerald, the baseball coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD), clinched a prestigious honor in Florida: the Florida Dairy Farmers’ State Coach of the Year award. Among six finalists, Fitz-Gerald secured nine first-place votes, totaling 135 votes. This marked his second win of the award, having previously earned it in 2016, making him the fourth coach to achieve this honor multiple times.

Additionally, Fitz-Gerald secured his third National Coach of the Year title in 2021, having won previously in 2016 and 2018. Under his leadership, the baseball team achieved an impressive 28-2 record, claiming their second state championship in six years before clinching the national title last spring.

Notably, Fitz-Gerald is not only a renowned baseball coach but also a science teacher at MSD, specializing in environmental science among other subjects. He attributes his success to the collective effort of the organization and emphasizes the pivotal role of the students in the team's achievements.

Balancing teaching responsibilities with coaching, Fitz-Gerald finds an advantage in being able to interact with students both in the classroom and on the field. Looking ahead, Fitz-Gerald acknowledges the challenges of maintaining their success but remains optimistic about the upcoming season, stressing the need for continued hard work and dedication from the team.

As the new varsity baseball season approaches, Fitz-Gerald's leadership and determination will undoubtedly continue to drive the team towards another triumphant year.