Pace High pitcher Manual Rodriguez verbally commits to Bethune Cookman
Sports
By Ashley Rey, Special to The Miami Laker
Friday, September 16, 2016
Pace High School senior Manuel Rodriguez recently announced his verbal commitment to Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach. Rodriguez is a pitcher for the Pace baseball team and has been on the varsity roster since he was a freshmen.
His biggest performance for the Spartans was during the 2016 Class 5A State Championship game where he pitched a whole 8 1/3 innings for the Spartans, allowing no runs and 4 hits with 8 strikeouts.
“I picked Bethune because I fell in love with the program and what they had to offer when I took my visit,” said Rodriguez. “The commitment wouldn't have been possible without Coach [Tom] Duffin, coach [Charles] Lyman, my team, Richie Palmer and Alan Kunkel. My coaches and team from Pace this past year opened my eyes and really showed me my value on the team and how gifted I am as a pitcher.”
Lyman, calls Rodriguez a great player overall and showed his pride in his team’s pitcher. “He's been a hard worker and a great person for the younger team members to look up to,” said Lyman. “He's all about his team and has always showed great passion and heart for the game. He is definitely deserving of his scholarship offer to Bethune Cookman.”