Mavericks 4 Ever: McCarthy Honored By Marlins

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When you love baseball as much as the Archbishop McCarthy baseball program does, there is no doubt that magic exists.

Friday night at Marlins Stadium, the stars aligned to help create more Mavericks magic as the team was honored before the Marlins series-finale opener with the Detroit Tigers. Just prior to first pitch the Mavericks were recognized on the playing field in honor of their state-record fourth consecutive Florida high school baseball championship, which they earned this past season.

“We’re feeling very blessed for the opportunities we’ve been given and the experiences we’re getting,” said Mavericks Manager Rich Bielski. “I tell these boys, you’ll be talking about these days the rest of your lives.”

For a team that embodies a passion and love for baseball, it seemed nothing less than the McCarthy way that they were able to return their thanks in being honored by supporting some of their own playing on this night. Across the way in the Tigers dugout were two professionals who still bleed black and teal when you spike them, McCarthy alums Alex Avila and Nick Castellanos.

Making the night even more special, it also marked a reunion for Mavericks coach and former Marlins star Alex Fernandez and current Tigers and former Fins skipper Jim Leyland. The two combined to help earn the Marlins’ first World Series title in 1997.

Castellanos helped lay the foundation to this day in leading the Mavericks to the first of their four state titles back in 2010. He has remained close to the program, returning to impart the baseball knowledge he has gained from some of the greatest minds in the game today. Bielski still credits this former star player and that senior class for setting a new standard for the program, and making an example of what can be accomplished when you’re willing to put in the work.

“The whole journey through the minors seems like such a blur. Now to be up here playing at the Marlins new park and see my high school team being honored here is just awesome,” said Castellanos. “It’s very comforting to be home. Life can get pretty lonely in the minor leagues when you’re in strange cities and you don’t know anybody. To be here and have my family and friends come out, and to see other guys I’ve played with is really a friendly, comfortable atmosphere.”

Although Castellanos did not start the contest, the rookie saw action as a late defensive replacement. To stand in left field and be cheered by his fellow Mavericks players watching nearby from the left field stands was a fitting tribute to a fellow Maverick who himself had stood on the field and in turn cheered on his mates in their moment of recognition.

Even while the current McCarthy players were there for their moment, it was clear that the chance to chat on the playing field with their heroes was reward enough. Seeing their former brothers now so achieved and accomplished in the game they all love and admire makes the chance to be honored in their presence that more enriching.

“It’s really surreal. It seems like just a blink of an eye ago Nick was on this side of the ropes watching batting practice and being in awe of the big-leaguers and big-league stadiums and getting such a wonderful experience as a kid,” said Bielski. “Now here we are watching him take batting practice with Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and the first-place Detroit Tigers team here at Marlins Park.”

Meanwhile, the veteran Avila did start the game. He showcased his Mavericks pride by going 2-for-3, while also drawing a walk and scoring a run in the Marlins 3-2 victory. Avila was the first McCarthy player to ever make it to the Major Leagues, and he has long stood as a symbol of pride for the Mavericks program.

“Any time you have an athlete reach the highest level of competition in the world, that’s something that everybody takes pride in,” said Bielski. “The teachers, the program, the students, the administration and the present players all take pride in it. That’s something that you become known for. Our school really isn’t that old, so it’s exciting.”

The will to win and the desire to succeed fuels McCarthy baseball, and it is ingrained into these alums which have ascended to the highest level of the game.

“There’s so much baseball knowledge on that coaching staff,” Castellanos said of his old Mavericks coaches. “They just give it out to those young guys and they absorb it so well. It says a lot in how well the team gels together, gets hot at the right time and handles failure together. They make winners out of you. Bielski’s favorite quote is ‘I don’t care if you hate me, but you’re going to love me when we win’. And they win. High school baseball is probably the most fun baseball you’ll play. It’s just a bunch of friends going out there who want to win and who will do anything to win.”

McCarthy has certainly exhibited that will to win, and Friday’s moment marked a memorable chance to relish and savor what they have accomplished. It was a chance to be the stars watching the stars, and to take home memories that last forever.

“I love watching the kids’ faces,” said Bielski. “I try to step back and watch them, the enjoyment they have with one another and being a bit in awe of seeing guys you see on TV and in All Star games and in home run derbies. Miguel Cabrera is not just an MVP, but a Triple Crown winner. He may be the best right-handed hitter of our time lifetime and we just saw him and spoke with him. He came over and said hello to the boys and put on a show in batting practice. Just to see everybody having a good time is special for our whole coaching staff, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

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