Miami, Sept. 5, 2023 – Miami Dade College (MDC) names former Miami Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers scout and MDC graduate Lazaro Llanes as Head Baseball Coach. Llanes brings over 30 years of experience coaching, managing and scouting student athletes.
“We are very excited to welcome Coach Llanes to MDC to expand our renowned baseball program and reach new milestones,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “His talent for identifying top athletes is a major asset for the College.”
Llanes joins MDC after working as a scout for the Milwaukee Brewers. Before that, he was the international sports director for the Nogae Sports National Baseball Academy in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, well known for producing some of baseball’s most legendary players.
“Lazaro brings extensive experience, a profound understanding of the game and a proven track record for developing players,” said Alex Fernandez, Senior Advisor to MDC Athletics. “We wholeheartedly believe in his abilities, and I am excited to witness the success he will bring.”
Llanes was also a scout for the Miami Marlins and served as a coach, administrator and athletic director at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High. He is a proud MDC alumnus.
“It’s wonderful to be back at MDC,” Llanes said. “I look forward to working with the team to help students reach their potential and build on MDC’s impressive baseball legacy.”
MDC has a rich baseball history. That reputation was built by MDC alumni and major-league players such as Raul Ibañez, Placido Polanco, Mike Piazza, Andres Torres, Alex Fernandez, Bucky Dent, Warren Cromartie, Mickey Rivers and many more. This year, two MDC students were drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and the Tampa Bay Rays.
“This a great day for Miami Dade College and our baseball team,” said Mike Balado, MDC Athletic Director. “I am ecstatic that Lazaro Llanes has agreed to join the Shark family. He comes with great credentials, high-level work ethic and strong relationships in the baseball world. It was important to hire someone who can keep our baseball program heading in the direction of a national championship, and it was clear Coach Llanes was the right person.”
About MDC Athletics
MDC’s renowned athletic programs have earned 36 NJCAA national titles and include basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball. Most recently, the College announced men’s and women’s soccer teams coming in 2024. Many student athletes graduate from MDC with honors and transfer to top universities across the country, while others are recruited to play professionally, eventually being inducted into prestigious halls of fame. Learn more about MDC’s athletic programs at www.mdcathletics.com.