During a special presentation at the January 21 City Council meeting, Councilwoman Judy Waldman recognized South Dade Senior High Baseball Coach Fred Burnside for being recently named the American Baseball Coaches Association 2014 Diamond National Coach of the Year.
“Coach Burnside has been the South Dade Buccaneer’s head coach since 2009,” said Councilwoman Waldman, who presented a proclamation by Mayor Jeff Porter proclaiming January 21, 2015 as Coach Fred Burnside Day. “This recognition, along with his exceptional character and community leadership is why I have asked him here tonight. He should be honored and known throughout Florida.”
Coach Burnside has 44 years of experience in his field. Under his leadership, over 150 players went on to play college baseball and 15 to the Major Leagues. His many accomplishments include helping Miami-Dade Community College South win a National Championship in 1981 as the Associate Head Coach and fulfilled the role of the Sunshine State Games Chairman while serving as the then United States Baseball Federation (the Olympic National Governing Body for Baseball) State Chairman.
On May 17, 2014, Coach Fred Burnside led the South Dade Buccaneers to their first Class 8A State Baseball Championship title in the school’s 60-year history, following a triumphant 23-6 season. The champs were recognized and placed fifth in the nation by Baseball America’s final High School ranking.
Coach Burnside was truly humbled. “This recognition is awesome, and it happened with the support of many people: my wife, Josie, my assistant coaches, and the students, who are very competitive.” He added “They deserve it, our great school deserves it and this community deserves it. I want to thank those who came here today to share this with me.”
