State Champs Honor Late Teammate Patrick Kulick at an Emotional Home Game

By Matt Rothman

It was an emotional night for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas baseball team in their first home game since winning a State Championship a year ago.

Before first pitch, the Eagles officially honored their former star Patrick Kulick by retiring his number 19, with his parents Walter, Kathleen, sister Kelly, and brother Michael. In addition, they officially named the batting cages after Kulick and inducted him into the new Hall of Fame at MSD.

Patrick Kulick when he played at Oglethorpe University.

Former Coaches Frank Pisano, Jared Goodwin, Carlos Marti, and Felipe Suarez were all on the field for the ceremony.

MLB player Anthony Rizzo was also in attendance and was recognized for his donations over the years, as well as new title sponsors NYY Steak, Kuhn Flooring Gallery, JAFE Contracting Company, Cover Sports, Gunther of Coconut Creek, The Home Depot, Sherwin Williams, Lightbulbs Unlimited Coral Springs Night & Day Construction and the Miami Marlins.

The Eagles followed the recognitions with a 5-1 win over Barron Collier High School. MSD, currently ranked fourth in the nation according to Max Preps, improved their record to 5-1.

Head Coach Todd Fitz-Gerald, who recently picked up his 450th career win, believed his team came out inspired and wanted to thank MSD Booster President Raffe Rodriguez for setting it all up.

“We had a nice ceremony for the Kulick family,” said Coach Fitz-Gerald. “I know they were much appreciative for what we did. We executed in all phases of the game, and it was an excellent ballgame. It was definitely in our hearts tonight, and we played hard for Patrick.

Christian Rodriguez made the start and was dominant In his four innings. He allowed only one hit and struck out six to earn the win before Jacob Gomberg, and Brandon White recorded the final nine outs.

MSD broke the scoreless tie in the third on an RBI single from Santiago Ordonez. Cameron Harris then brought in two with another hit to make it 3-0. In the fourth, Jake Clemente knocked in a run with a single and then brought one in with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.