EMILIO
FERNANDEZ

FRESHMAN COACH

Emilio Fernandez, a 1993 graduate of Southwest, returns to Andre Dawson Field as head coach of the freshman team. In 1990, Fernandez became the first freshman to start on the varsity for the Eagles, hitting .362. As a junior, he upped that to .391 and was 13-for-13 in stolen bases. By his senior season, he was named first-team All-Dade and second team All-State at third base as Southwest won its first district championship in 12 years. In the title game, Fernandez drove in both runs in a 2-1 win over Southridge. After high school, Fernandez played at Miami-Dade Community College and St. Thomas University, then two years of pro ball.

After his playing days ended, Fernandez began his coaching career when he formed a summer league team called the Florida Bombers in the late 1990s. In just a few years, the Bombers were the dominant Connie Mack League program in the state and a regular participant in the Connie Mack World Series in New Mexico. Ten of Fernandez' Bombers have reached the major leagues: Yonder Alonso, Gaby Sanchez, Jon Jay, Chris Perez, Danny Valencia, Jemile Weeks, Eric Hosmer, Matt Latos, J.P. Arencibia and Robert Andino. The Bombers have transitioned from an 18-and-under team to a youth squad so that Fernandez can coach his son Eric, a future Eagle.