Florida State alumni have been wildly successful both in the pros and in terms of coaching, and baseball is adding yet another name of players who have gone on to become head coaches.
The Florida International Panthers have hired former Seminole Pedro Grifol as the next head coach of its baseball program, Director of Athletics Scott Carr announced. Grifol becomes the sixth head coach in FIU baseball history after serving as the manager for the Chicago White Sox from 2023-24.
Grifol graduated from Florida State in 1991 and played for the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets from 1991 to 1999. From 2000 to 2005, he was a scout for the Seattle Mariners, and in 2001, the Mariners tied the league record for wins in a single season with 116.
In 2015, Grifol won back-to-back American League pennants and the World Series with the Kansas City Royals as a coach, further adding to his legacy.
Under Mike Martin’s coaching at FSU, Hart played three seasons for the Seminoles and helped them reach the College World Series in 1989 and 1991. He was inducted into FSU’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
Former pro left fielder Raul Ibanez had high praise for Grifol.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Pedro Grifol will impact the FIU baseball program, its players, and the entire community in a powerful way,” he said. “His attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and love for the game of baseball are world-class, and the young men who play for him will benefit from his mentorship for the rest of their lives.”
Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of FSU news, notes, and opinions. Jacob Smith is a contributor for FSU Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can also follow Jacob on X at @jsmith_sports.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FIU hires former FSU alum to coach baseball
Reporting by Jacob Smith, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
