It has been an exciting time for Monsignor Edward Pace High School’s (Pace) baseball program. Several graduating seniors received athletic and academic scholarships, five varsity players made the Miami Herald’s All-Dade 2018 6A-2A Spring team and Senior Yordani Carmona was named the 6A-2A Pitcher of the Year. In addition, Pace’s head baseball coach and assistant Athletic Director, Tom Duffin, was recently named Florida State Dairy Farmers 5A Coach of the Year.
Yet the true highlight for the student athletes and everyone at Pace was the team’s ability to bring home the school’s seventh Baseball State Championship title with a 10-4 win over the Jacksonville Bolles. The school proudly received the coveted title on June 2 during the final game, something they have not been able to attain since 2006.
Last week, the state championship team was formally recognized with a ring ceremony in their honor held before the entire student body, their parents, coaches, faculty and staff. Duffin thanked all of the individuals who had a role in the success of the team, both on and off the field.
Prior to the distribution of the rings, a highlight reel was shown to remind everyone present of the moment The Spartans won the final game and erupted into a victorious celebration on the pitcher’s mound.
Following the video, a red carpet greeted each of the players as they walked across the floor to receive their much anticipated championship rings. Each player was also given a small personalized banner with their name, team photo and jersey number.
Duffin took a moment to address the students in the stands and reminded them of the significance and pride that comes along with the school having this title.
“They won this for you and for Pace, so you can be proud to say that you are a Pace Spartan,” Duffin said.
He then addressed the players before the championship banner was displayed from the gym rafters, stating “your names will go up on this banner, and as long as Pace lives, you’ll live forever.”
Duffin himself is part of the Pace legacy. Not only as a coach, but as a player. He was a member of the 1985 State Championship team, and has been coaching for nearly 25 years.
At the end of the ceremony, the team posed for several photos before taking a moment to be photographed with their families who have worked endlessly to always give this team unconditional love and support.