Miguel Menendez, head coach of Tampa Jesuit Tigers baseball, shares his journey from Key West to leading one of Florida's premier high school programs. His deep family roots in baseball and coaching philosophy emphasize character development alongside athletic excellence.

• Comes from a legendary Key West baseball family including grandfather "Papa John" Menendez, "the Dean of Kennedy Drive"
• Won state championship as a player at Key West High in 1995 and national championship at University of Tampa
• Has led Tampa Jesuit to three state championships during his 12-year tenure
• Developed numerous MLB players including first-round draft pick Jamie Arnold
• Maintains strong connections to Key West, hosting annual Dexter Butler fundraiser and youth camp
• Teaches sports in U.S. history at Jesuit, connecting with students beyond the baseball field
• Emphasizes that "how you do anything is how you do everything" in developing young men
• Believes in balancing analytics with the human element and gut instinct in coaching
• Looking forward to 2026 season with what could be his most talented team yet
• Credits hours spent in his grandfather's batting cage behind John's Grocery for his development

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